Anxiety - why we fidget and how it decreases anxiety

Have you ever found yourself tapping your foot, picking your nails or clicking your pen during a stressful meeting? You're not alone - it's science! Fidgeting isn't just a bad habit - it's your brain's way of boosting dopamine, sharpening focus and reducing your anxiety levels.

Studies show that fidgeting help to redirect restless energy,  improve concentration by up to 15 per cent, and reduce stress hormones (cortisol levels). 

What is anxiety? 

Anxiety is the nagging feeling of worry or unease - it is your body's alarm system going haywire. In other words, it's your body's nervous system in overdrive. Anxiety can show up as racing thoughts, sweaty palms or restless, affecting 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children. 

The triggers of anxiety range from work stress, social situations or even daily uncertainties. 

Finding out what triggers cause your anxiety will help you to reduce it. Fidgeting helps by grounding you in the moment, interrupting the anxiety loop. 

Subtly Anxious does not provide health or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any information published on this website or by Subtly Anxious is not intended to be a replacement for health or medical advice. These resources are provided for informational and support purposes.

If you're based in Australia, 24-hour support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. 

As many of our customers are from the United States and Canada, SAMHSA's National helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour support for people facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1800-662-HELP (4357).