A wedding ring is a common focus of fidgeting

Fidgeting is the act of moving about restlessly.^[1] Fidgeting may be a result of nervousness, agitation, boredom or a combination of these. It may be a result of genes. It is often an unconscious act. It may involve playing with one's fingers, hair, or items of clothing. A common act of fidgetry is to bounce one's leg repeatedly. Rings are another common focus of fidgeting; variations include ring spinning, twirling or rolling along a table, often leading to the loss of one's ring. Pen spinning is a highly advanced and skillful form of fidgeting. It is said by some that people fidget after a meal to burn off extra calories.^[2] New research has shown people who fidget are generally slimmer and find it harder to put on weight.^[3] Parents often consider fidgeting to be a bad habit, especially in schoolchildren.

Research by Dr. Karen Pine and colleagues at the University of Hertfordshire funded by The Economic and Social Research Council found that children that were allowed to fidget with their hands performed better in memory and learning tests.^[4]

Fidgeting is moving away from its old stigma and is now considered among the most beneficial of the minor hand activities.

Fidgeting is a symptom of the following conditions: Generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, delirium, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Abdominal aortic aneurysm, heart attack, Dementia, caffeine overdose.

[edit] References