Fidget Toys: Self-Regulation and Managing Anxiety

WHAT ARE THEY?

Fidget toys can be defined as small objects that fit in one’s hand that have different textures, uses, and motions. Fidgets act as a self-regulation tool that helps promote one’s ability to focus and manage anxiety while also providing a safe way for one to calm nerves, reduce ADHD symptoms, as well as provide comfort or relaxation in situations where one may need extra support.

WHAT ARE SOME BENEFITS OF USING FIDGET TOYS?

1. Improved Focus: Engaging with fidget toys allows for redirection with restless energy leading to enhanced concentration. Fidget toys are extremely beneficial for individuals who have attention disorders or those who struggle with staying focused.
2. Relaxation and Mindfulness: Fidget toys promote a sense of grounding through sensory focus which leads to higher rates of relaxation and increased mindfulness.
3. Anxiety/Stress Relief: Fidget toys offer a tactile outlet to relieve stress and anxiety within environments that may trigger these where stress or anxiety levels may be heightened.
4. Sensory Stimulation: With the vast amount of fidget toys in our world today, one may experience physical, auditory, and visual sensory stimulation which can help soothe the mind and body as well as promote sensory integration.
5. Increased Productivity: Using fidget toys helps ensure that distraction and restlessness are limited which helps encourage productivity within daily tasks and environments because needs for movement and sensory input can be satisfied.

HOW ARE THEY USED?

Each kind of fidget has a specific design and purpose that can be different from others. For example, one fidget may only have one use or motion while another one has multiple different uses or motions. Some fidgets may be able to stretch, while others are able to spin. Some fidgets are designed to have a smooth texture, while others are designed to have a rough texture. When one is offered the ability to regulate their need to move and touch, it allows the opportunity for one to enhance their abilities to reroute their attention and efforts to what is needed.

Each fidget is specifically designed to cater to different wants or needs for the individual who is using the fidget. When movement is coordinated with learning, it opens the ability for both the left and right hemispheres of the brain to be used. This can allow one to obtain more information, have an easier time thinking clearer, and open the opportunity to communicate more efficiently with others as well. Most fidgets are intended to allow for people to manage their needs in a socially acceptable way that doesn’t distract or take away from the environment that the fidget is being used in. Many individuals use fidgets while learning in the classroom, but fidgets can be used in a variety of different settings like therapy, while watching TV or having screen time, while studying or any other setting that may be appropriate.

WHO ARE THEY FOR?

Fidgets are typically marketed towards children in the classroom and often just children in general. While it may not be socially accepted for adults to use fidgets like it is for children, adults can also use fidgets to manage their stress and anxiety when needed. Fidgets are often designed to be appealing to all ages, but some have been designed specifically for adults.

VIEW FIDGETS SUGGESTED FOR ADULTS HERE >

POPULAR FIDGETS

• Pop-Its
• Marble in Mesh
• Rubix Cubes
• Fidget Spinners
• Stretchable Putties
• Stress Balls (textured or smooth)
• Spinnable Rings
• Portable Buttons and Switches

WHERE CAN I BUY FIDGETS? 

• Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/fidgets/s?k=fidgets

• Walmart

https://www.walmart.com/browse/toys/fidget-toys/4171_5178010_9788545

• Oriental Trading https://www.orientaltrading.com/toys-games-and-novelties/novelty-toys/fidgets-and-spinners-a1-555558-1.fltr

• Target

https://www.target.com/c/fidget-spinners-toys-games-hobby-collectibles/-/N-9w5wg

• Really Good Stuff

https://www.reallygoodstuff.com/fidgets/c/s23/

• Sensory Direct

https://www.reallygoodstuff.com/fidgets/c/s23/

• Therapy Shoppe https://therapyshoppe.com/specials/8-fidget-tools-toys-for-feet-quiet-silent-focus-calming

• Got Special Kids

https://www.got-specialkids.com/focus-tools-fidgets-s/171.htm

References:

Braley, P. (2023, June 25). What are Fidget Toys?. The Inspired Treehouse.

What are Fidget Toys?

Forbes Magazine. (2023, July 3). Your guide to anxiety fidget toys. Forbes.

https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/fidget-toys-for-anxiety/

3, C. V. H. M., & Hoven, C. V. (n.d.). The 15 best fidget toys for adults in 2022 – ranked!.

Everyday Carry. https://everydaycarry.com/best-fidget-toys