that fidgeting while sitting or
standing increases the number
of calories you burn off in the
day. Anywhere between 100-
350 calories a day can be lost
through constant fidgeting, so
fidgeting could also be nature’s
way to help you maintain your
weight!
Why then, if fidgeting relieves
stress, improves attention
and helps some people cope
better, are fidget toys being
banned in schools? Some
schools recognise the value
of fidget toys; that the tactile
input of fidget toys, putty
and sensory balls can be
calming or promote focus
and concentration. Some
primary schools even start
the day with fidget toys on
the tables, helping children
to strengthen their hands and
readying fingers for fine motor
skill tasks and handwriting.
The days of kids taking bits of
blu-tack off the back of posters
in school as handy stress toys
are gradually being replaced
with the sensation of using
approved tins of putty. The
annoying tap, tap of fingers
on the table is being soothed
by touching a fidget cube.
However, while fidgeting is a
good regulatory mechanism for
those with attention and anxiety
issues, the majority of students
don’t need to fidget that much
to remain focused on their
school work. Too much fidgeting
gives the impression of not
paying attention, being bored,
frustrated, impatient and
being hyperactive. Within the
classroom fidget toys can be a
major distraction for both the
student playing with them and
other pupils around them. It’s
therefore not really surprising
that teachers are banning them.
So, will you give into fidgeting?
While once fidgeting was
socially frowned upon, the rise
of the fidget toy may finally
make a certain amount of
fidgeting both acceptable and
approved. If you find fidgeting
calming or stimulating maybe
it is time to invest in a fidget
gadget or two, or better still,
in this fledgling world of fidget
toys, to invent a fidget gadget
or two yourself!
IGNIS
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