Fidget Toys for Anxiety: How These Simple Tools Can Help Calm Your Mind

In the 2000s, every office desk had a stress ball lying in one of its drawers.

In 2017, the world became obsessed with fidget spinners – a handheld toy which could be spun around and around endlessly.

And now, TikTok has opened our eyes to anxiety rings, which can be worn on your fingers.

All of these items might be considered fads, but they actually have more of a purpose than you may initially think: to relieve stress and nervous energy.

These items are known as fidget toys and many users report that they help to calm the mind when feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Here, Medmate explains fidget toys for anxiety, how they can help, and how we’re here for you when you want to explore further options for anxiety management and treatment:

What is a fidget toy?

A fidget toy is a small, handheld item that has usually just one function that helps to alleviate anxiety, psychological stress and nervous energy. Fidget spinners, for example, have three lobes which can be spun around as a way to distract users from nervous thoughts and anxiety.

Examples of a fidget toy

We might immediately think of fidget spinners and anxiety rings when we hear the term ‘fidget toy’, this category includes a range of different items which may relieve symptoms of anxiety or stress:

Fidget spinners

Anxiety rings

Stress balls

Worry beads

Flippy chains

Fidget cubes

Pop Its

These toys can be found in many stores, as well as online, and are generally very affordable, costing just a few dollars per item.

Do fidget toys work?

While more research needs doing on the effectiveness of fidget toys, it’s certainly worth adding them to your mental health toolkit and giving them a go. Fidget toys are an affordable, non-pharmaceutical and harmless approach to managing an anxiety condition, and many users report that these toys work in some capacity.

Fidget toys cannot replace professional treatment

However effective they may be, fidget toys on their own are not sufficient to treat and overcome most anxiety conditions. For this reason, they should never be viewed as a substitute for professional treatment.

Professional treatment is proven to be effective in managing anxiety. Treatment methods include psychology therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. If you’re experiencing anxiety, Medmate can help you get the right treatment.

So, while fidget toys are a great thing to try, professional treatment from Medmate is always the best approach. We’re Australia’s team of telehealth professionals who are committed to treating mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression. Providing personalised care from the comfort of your own home, getting treated for anxiety with Medmate is easy. Book in for a bulk billed consultation today and begin your journey towards overcoming anxiety.