Fidget Toys (just “Fidgets”, or sensory items). What are they? What do they do? How can they help me with my studies?

What Are Fidgets?

Fidgets are small objects that, most often, are manipulated with your hands. They are a source of movement (or sensory stimulation) when you need to sit still. Or, they are a source of movement when your body does best when it’s moving.

What do Fidgets do?

Do you find that when you’re sitting, your leg bounces? Or you’re moving around in your chair, picking at your nail polish, or twirling your hair? Do you also find that you’re maybe, not fully, focused on what’s going on around you?

Let’s put that into a classroom environment. You’re a student who doesn’t like to sit still, but can’t walk around the classroom during a lecture. You find that the longer you sit, still, your ability to focus lessens. Maybe to the point you’re not even paying attention anymore. …You’re not paying attention to your lecture… because your body needed an outlet, needed movement, and you couldn’t give it. Or could you?

Fidgets.

How can Fidgets Help?

Now you’re a student in a classroom with a fidget item. Something small. Discreet. Quiet. Something that you can do without others even noticing. You’re now giving your body that stimulation, that movement it needs, to allow you to focus. You’re doing it in a way that gives your body what it needs, without distracting others.

Did any of this resonate with you? Do you think fidgets could help you focus in class or concentrate more when studying? Then why not give them a try?!

Where to get Fidgets?

Fidgets can be purchased almost anywhere. But, did you know that you can borrow fidgets from the library? Giving you a cost-effective way to see if fidgets work for you? Or try out some different fidgets to find the right one?

Surprise! It’s true!
Check out the different fidgets you can borrow from the Library at the Notre Dame Campus!

Keep in mind: one size does not fit all! Fidgets help some people focus. Fidgets are distracting to others. Not everyone will find that fidgets help them, and not all fidgets will work even if fidgets do work for you.