At some point in our lives, especially when we were children, somebody told us to stop fidgeting. And it’s because of this that we see being a fidget as a negative. Something that halts productivity and prevents us from getting on with the task at hand. You might be surprised to learn, however, fidgeting benefits your health.
Five health benefits of being a fidget.
If you’re worried about fidgeting while you work, don’t. Here are five ways it’s good for you:
1. It‘s good for your heart
Fidgeting keeps your blood flowing, helping to keep your heart healthy – crucial considering how long we spend sitting each day.
2. It reduces nerve pain
Sitting in the same position for too long puts strain on your sciatic nerve (and believe me, if you’ve never had sciatic pain, it is agony!). Fidgeting stops your muscles and nerves from seizing up, reducing the likelihood of long-term pain.
3. It burns calories
You don’t have to walk and run all day to burn calories. Fidgeting is still moving and moving burns calories.
4. It improves focus
Fidgeting increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain – chemicals that play a vital role in improving attention and sharpening focus. It reduces intrusive thoughts and also helps people who struggle with ADHD.
5. It’s comforting
Fidgeting can feel like a ritual, which makes you feel grounded and comforted.
Five ways to fidget more!
With the health benefits of fidgeting in mind, here are four ways you can increase your fidgeting to improve your health and productivity:
1. Jiggle!
Bouncing your legs up and down might look like a case of uncontrollable nerves, but the motion is soothing, releases tension, increases heart rate and improves blood flow.
2. Chew gum
Yes, really. Chewing improves concentration. If chewing gum isn’t your thing, try beef jerky (now available in the UK, not just the USA) or suck on sweets, like lemon drops or hard caramel.
3. Buy fidget toys
Fidget spinners might not be the ‘must-have’ toys anymore, but they’re great for reducing stress and fatigue. Lots of fidget toys are available from stores like Smyths, but a stress ball or smooth pebble is just as effective in keeping your hands busy to relax your mind.
4. Move around
Fancy another brew?Go for it! Leaving your desk burns calories and gives your mind and eyes a break. Also, if you’re emailing somebody in your office, speak to them instead.
5. Doodle
You don’t have to be van Gogh to doodle on a pad. It’s great to do while on the phone or during meetings. It doesn’t mean you’re not listening. It actually breaks the monotony of a long talk, making you more alert.
Are your employees sitting comfortably?
If office staff struggle with pain caused by sitting at a computer all day, encourage them to fidget more. And to support them even more, ensure they can fidget comfortably. Supporting your workers with ergonomic seating, not only will you see an improvement in mood and concentration, but you’ll also see an increase in productivity.
Call us on 0845 051 3812 or email info@techsit.co.uk for more information.