Fidget toys can keep your brain from wandering into negative thoughts or getting bored. Earlier tests on doodling have proven similar results. Scribbling on paper helped people remember lectures in classrooms.
Anyone who has spent any time at a middle or elementary school knows fidget toys are very popular these days. There’s been some debate whether or not fidget toys really help kids and adults to focus better or relax themselves. I’m going to argue that they answer is yes. There is not much research done on these toys, but similar studies done on doodling have shown that scribbling on paper can help kids focus on teacher’s lessons.
Some people enjoy stress balls or putty to help them listen to a teacher or read a book and these work in a similar manner. Mental illness is complicated and I am an expert on it. I know that when I am allowed to fidget and not have to worry about someone judging me or taking away my toys, I am much more relaxed and creative in my thoughts. If I am not allowed to fidget, I get very uncomfortable and I can’t focus on anything other than how uncomfortable I am. It’s easy for me to get myself stuck on negative thoughts and few things relieve this problem. Fidget spinners, cubes, chains, and pens are a life saver for me and millions of others. You can’t try and tell us that we are wrong. We are a force to be reckoned with.
Fidget toys are an especially useful tool for adults and children with ADHD and ADD. These fidget toys help kids to have control over stimulation and decompression. Repetitive motions are the only way of relieving urges that are hard to describe. They are not for everyone, however. Some people claim that they are distracting and have the opposite effect on them. Others swear by them. Before you make up your mind and want to demonize those who use them, try one yourself. Lowering anxiety with a toy is much less expensive and healthier than popping an Adderall pill or taking some Ritalin.
As someone who suffers from ADHD, I know this topic will be debated for some time. There are some who would love to see these toys go away. I would like to plead with these people to understand that for some it’s a life saver and you should be careful not to take them away or discourage their use. These toys can be more therapeutic than you might think or imagine. I’m sure there will be more studies in the near future to put the debate to rest.
I am the father of a child with special needs. I have some special needs myself and I have a real heart for anyone else who suffers from any sort of mental illness. If you have to fidget like I do, or you have something that makes neurotypical people look at you funny, I want you to know that you are not alone. I plan on writing more about this topic in the future. I have created a website all about fidget relief toys.
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