Get ready to wave goodbye to stress and anxiety, and hello to fun and focus with the exciting world of fidget toys! These small, handheld wonders come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, perfect for people of all ages.
Whether you’re a student needing to focus in class, an adult looking to relieve stress, or anyone in between, fidget toys could be the perfect solution. From spinning, squeezing, clicking, or twisting, there’s a fidget toy out there for everyone.
So, come join the fidgeting revolution and give yourself the gift of play and relaxation with a trusty fidget toy by your side.
Fidget toys through the ages
I guess the real question is, where do these fidget toys for anxiety come from? Well, not to worry. Read on for a brief overview of the evolution of fidget spinners.
Fidget toys may seem like they have just hit the market, but that is far from the truth. Parents have really used them for hundreds of years to help their children cope with stress, boredom and certain childhood conditions. Baoding balls and pacifiers used in ancient China to calm babies are among the first instances of fidget toys.
Fidget toys, which were first developed in the United Kingdom in the early 2000s, date back nearly 3500 years in China. Developers first intended fidget toys to aid students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism when they first developed them. However, over time, the use of fidget toys has expanded, and they have become much more versatile.
Designers created these toys as a socially acceptable outlet for young children’s fidgeting, which is a common symptom of ADHD and autism. Over time, they started gaining momentum and quickly became a popular tool for anxiety and focus among children and adults.
Anxiety in the UK
Anxiety can be a debilitating and overwhelming experience. It can make simple tasks impossible and take over your thoughts, leaving you feeling trapped and helpless.
It can manifest in many forms. In the UK, 6 in 100 people are diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, over 8 million people are dealing with an anxiety disorder at one time, and over 822,000 workers are impacted by work-related anxiety or stress annually. These numbers are painfully astronomical.
Anxiety can make you feel like you’re constantly on edge and make it hard to focus on anything else. It can disrupt sleep, affect relationships, and make it hard to enjoy life. The constant worry and fear can be exhausting, leaving you feeling drained and alone. But it is important to know that you are not alone in this, and there are ways to manage and overcome anxiety.
Let’s look at this in-depth overview of fidget toys, what they are, and how they could help you.
Why do we fidget?
Fidgeting is not uncommon; most people fidget because their body is trying to get rid of pent-up energy. This could be the result of boredom, nervousness, or anxiety! Fidgeting, like tapping your fingers or spinning a pen, helps your mind divert its attention from stressful thoughts.
If you’re the type who needs to have something in your hands at all times, plenty of options are available, including fidget spinners and Speks. These aids will assist in burning off excess energy and might give an entertaining daily challenge.
Fidgeting helped kids do better on memory tests, according to a study from 2005 at the University of Hertfordshire. They reasoned that this could be because fidgeting reduced the stress hormones impeding the kids’ learning capacity.
Fidgeting is a great method to release excess energy and has the added benefit of improving cognitive performance.
What are fidgets?
Fidget toys for anxiety uk are handheld gadgets that give users a safe way to fidget in a public setting.
Fidget toys are designed to help with:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- General stress relief
These toys aim to provide a healthy outlet for excess nervous energy, thus enhancing attention, concentration, and general well-being.
People can use them as a stress ball, a squeeze toy, or a finger massager. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
How have fidget toys UK expanded over the years?
There are a few ways in which the use of fidget toys has evolved throughout the years to alleviate anxiety:
- There are a variety of designs.
Fidget toys now come in various designs and materials, including metal, plastic, silicone, and wood. This allows for more options to suit different preferences and needs.
- It is more than just spinning.
Fidget toys have evolved from simple spinning toys to more complex designs incorporating buttons, levers, and other features that allow for different types of fidgeting.
- They are multi-functional.
Many fidget toys now serve multiple purposes, such as stress balls, squeeze toys or finger massagers. This makes them more versatile and effective in helping with anxiety.
- They can serve as a focus aid for all ages.
Fidget toys are not just for children but also for adults, providing a useful tool for people of all ages to improve focus, relieve stress and anxiety, and promote better mental well-being.
- These toys can be customizable.
Some fidget toys can be customised to a person’s specific needs and preferences, further personalising the experience and increasing its effectiveness in helping with anxiety.
From simple aids for youngsters with ADHD to flexible, adaptable, and personally crafted stress relievers, fidget toys have come a long way.
How do fidget toys help with anxiety?
There are multiple ways in which these toys can help with anxiety. Including:
- Distraction
Fidgeting with a toy can help distract from anxious thoughts and provide a mental break from stress.
- Calming effect
The repetitive motion and sensation of fidgeting can have a calming effect on the body and mind, which can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- Sense of control
Holding and manipulating a fidget toy can give a sense of control and empowerment, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety.
- Occupying idle hands
People tend to fidget when they are idle; providing them with a fidget toy keeps their hands and mind occupied, reducing the likelihood of them dwelling on anxious thoughts.
- Sensory input
Fidget toys can provide different sensory inputs, such as spinning, squeezing, or clicking, which can help soothe and relax the body and mind.
As far as science goes, it’s still up in the air whether they provide concrete results. The findings of a small study conducted in 2018 reveal that fidgeting can temporarily reduce stress and aid in focus and attention. However, another study from 2018 suggests they may be a distraction, particularly for adolescents.
Despite this, a wealth of anecdotal evidence suggests fidget toys can be helpful. Many people who suffer from anxiety say they are helpful, and there is certainly value in hearing someone else’s experience.
What fidget toys are good for anxiety?
The best fidget toy for anxiety will vary depending on the individual and their preferences. Many different types of fidget toys can help manage anxiety; some popular options include:
- Fidget spinners
These small, handheld toys spin around a central bearing. They can provide a sense of motion and can be a good option for people who like to fidget with their hands.
- Fidget cubes
These small, cube-shaped toys have different buttons, levers, and switches to fidget with. They can provide a variety of tactile and visual sensations and can be a good option for people who like to fidget with their hands.
- Stress balls
These small, squishy balls can be squeezed, stretched, or bounced. They can provide a sense of pressure and release and can be a good option for people who like to fidget with their hands.
- Squeeze toys
These toys can be squeezed, such as a Koosh ball; they can provide a sense of pressure and release and can be a good option for people who like to fidget with their hands.
- Worry stones
These smooth stones can be held and rubbed between the fingers. They can provide a sense of comfort and can be a good option for people who like to fidget with their hands.
- Tangles
These are small plastic toys that can be twisted and turned. They can provide a sense of motion and can be a good option for people who like to fidget with their hands.
What to consider when looking for a fidget toy
Working through the many different types of fidget toys can be overwhelming as so many options are available. Each toy has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in a fidget toy before making a purchase.
Overall, it’s a good idea to do some research and read reviews to help narrow down your options and find the perfect fidget toy for you. When looking for a fidget toy, take these into consideration:
- Type of fidgeting
Different fidget toys are designed for different types of fidgeting, such as spinning, squeezing, or clicking. Consider what type of fidgeting you prefer and look for a toy that caters to that.
- Size and portability
Consider the size and portability of the toy. Some fidget toys are small and easy to carry around, while others are larger and more difficult to transport.
- Durability
Look for an anxiety toy made of durable materials that can withstand frequent use.
- Design and style
Some fidget toys come in various designs and styles, such as different colours and patterns. Consider whether you prefer a more neutral or colourful toy.
- Age
Some fidget toys are more appropriate for children, while others are more suitable for adults. Be sure to select an age-appropriate toy that will serve its purpose well.
- Sensory input
Some fidget toys provide different types of sensory input, such as spinning, squeezing, or clicking, which can help provide a sense of calm and relaxation. Consider what type of sensory input you would like to receive and base your decision on that.
- Personal preference
Some people may prefer certain anxiety toys over others; trying out different types is important to see what you like best.
It’s also worth mentioning that fidget toys can complement other anxiety management techniques such as exercise, therapy, or medication. It’s important to speak with a professional before using them to understand if they are an appropriate solution for you.
What anxiety fidget toys are the best?
The fidget spinner revolutionised how people worldwide struggled to sit still and focus. Since then, several similar fidget spinners have gained in popularity as a stress-busting, attention-enhancing tools.
To sum up, an increase in stress hormones caused by anxiety can result in unneeded activity. You’re more prone to fidget if you don’t have anything to do with your restless hands. You might fidget by bouncing your knee, biting your nails, folding and unfolding your arms, or playing with your hair.
This pent-up anxiety or energy can be released by using a fidget toy. As a result, the mind is diverted, which may reduce stress and enhance concentration. Although their efficacy is debated among experts, many users insist they are worthwhile.
Here are some of our top-rated fidget toys for anxiety:
When you need something easy to take with you, try out the Coogam Qiyi Speed Cube Bundle. This “on-the-go” toy is a small, portable device that is designed to be used in various settings such as school, work, or while travelling.
Next up, we have the perfect fidget for your desk. Visitors can scrape gravel or sand sections with this Deluxe Zen Garden to encourage meditation and relaxation. Having a small version nearby can make it easier to take a breather and concentrate on something relaxing when you start to feel stressed.
If you want something with you 24/7, then perhaps the Sac Silver Fidget Ring is the one for you. It contains two layered bands, one of which is attached to your finger and the other of which you can rotate, making it the perfect piece of stress-relieving jewellery.
If you are more of a sensory person, this stress relief ball will make you feel right at home. The stress and anxiety may be alleviated by kneading and squeezing the ball.
