The Stress Spinner Toy: How It Works For Stress And Focus
Have you ever heard of a stress spinner? If not, then you might have heard of them referred to as fidget spinners or fidget toys. They came into the national spotlight a few years ago, and some children and adults alike swear by them as one of the best possible ways to counteract all sorts of problems, including stress.
But are stress spinners as effective as they are touted to be? What is it about these fun, stress-relieving gadgets that makes them so appealing?
This article will explore stress spinners, also known as fidget spinners, and how they might help with stress relief. We’ll also provide resources for individuals who’d like to speak with a mental health professional for additional stress relief and fidget toy recommendations.
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Find your matchWhat is a stress spinner?
Stress spinners, also known as fidget spinners or fidget toys, can easily be found both in stores and online. They look like three-sided propellers, and they come in all sorts of different colors and designs. They are considered sensory toys because they stimulate the senses.
The idea is for you to hold the spinner between your thumb and one of your other fingers and then spin the device around. For this reason, a stress spinner may also be called a finger spinner or hand spinner.
This sensory toy is weighted, so that once you get it spinning, you can balance it on your thumb or the palm of your hand and watch it go around. It takes a couple of minutes for the spinner toy to stop if you give it a vigorous spin and balance it carefully.
Who can benefit from fidget spinners?
Fidget spinners can be useful for people of nearly any age. Some adults carry them around in their pockets and take them out to use during downtime, such as during a long ride on public transportation. Some people find that fidget spinners have a soothing effect on the mind during these situations, promoting relaxation.
Stress spinners may be even more useful for individuals who have ADHD or those who are on the autism spectrum, some of whom say that they help with anxiety or provide stress relief. Also, those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may get some therapeutic benefits out of using a stress spinner.
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Some uses for a stress spinner
At this point, there have been limited peer-reviewed studies demonstrating what fidget spinners do (or don't do) to the human mind. However, one small study published in Behavioral Analysis in Practice showed that they helped children with ADHD increase their on-task behavior during language arts class.
Most of the makers of stress spinners state that they can be used to reduce anxiety or avoid rumination about stressful things. The physical act of playing with a spinner may serve as a distraction that someone needs so that their mind does not get bogged down in thinking about an unpleasant topic.
Another possible use might involve a child who is on the autism spectrum and has a hard time focusing on the lessons at school. They might be allowed to bring a fidget spinner with them to class and play with it to improve focus as they listen to the teacher. It might seem somewhat counterintuitive to think that playing with something could help a child focus, but it does seem to be effective in some cases. Often, the child almost forgets about the spinner, and they may better absorb information.
They can bring on a meditative state
There is also some anecdotal evidence that playing with a stress spinner can bring on a meditative state that can be helpful for someone experiencing stress. If a person is in a therapy session and talking about something from their past that is upsetting them, they may feel more relaxed and able to talk about sensitive topics with a stress spinner. They might feel more lucid, and the words may come more easily.
Children with ADHD
As for children who live with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), those who are on medication sometimes still have the desire to do something with their hands in certain situations, such as when they are on the bus or in class. If they don't have a fidget spinner with them, then they may have a strong desire to tap on their desk or do something else that is a distraction to the other kids. Having a spinner with them may prevent such movements.
The spinner is part of a ritual
There are also individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who sometimes have a challenging time doing something like leaving the house without first making sure that all of their lights and electric appliances are turned off.
The fidget spinner may serve as a way to fight the urge to engage in the rituals that are delaying them from starting their day. Instead, they can play with the fidget spinner, and it may help alleviate those compulsions.
The fidget spinner normalizes certain activities
The popularity of the fidget spinner may have made things easier for children who are on the autism spectrum or who have ADHD. For example, it may now be more permissible for kids of all age groups to have them, even those who do not have one of these conditions. With so many of them in use, the fidgeting and similar behavior that they are supposed to alleviate has become somewhat normalized.
As a result, children who may have once felt different from the rest of their peers may now feel more accepted. They may feel that they are part of the group if they are using a fidget spinner and several others in their classroom are using them as well.
The future of the fidget spinner
It's hard to say whether stress spinners are going to be around in 10 or 20 years. Without more scientific studies on stress spinners and their purported benefits, it is difficult to say with any certainty why they work well for some people as a way of reducing stress. If you are interested in using a stress spinner, you might want to do so in tandem with other strategies for managing stress, such as:
- writing in a journal
- practicing meditation
- deep breathing
Do you need to discuss options for coping with stress?
The stress spinner is just one of many different strategies that you can employ to relieve stress. You may benefit from exploring tools to lower your stress levels if you are experiencing problems with:
- stress
- anxiety
- attention
A therapist may be able to help you do just that, and you can search for a therapist with experience in this area in your local community.
However, some people experiencing stress may be so busy or distracted that they find it difficult to make it to an in-person therapy appointment. In these cases, online therapy may be a viable alternative.
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With online therapy, you can meet with a licensed mental health professional from the comfort of your home via:
- messages
- phone calls
- videoconferencing
With BetterHelp, you can also contact your therapist between sessions through in-app messaging, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can. This may be especially useful if you’d like to communicate thoughts or questions during moments of stress that arise between therapy sessions.
Research has found online therapeutic interventions to be effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns. For example, a recent meta-analysis found that online interventions were associated with positive outcomes for individuals experiencing symptoms of ADHD. Researchers have also identified online acceptance and commitment therapy as an effective intervention for people experiencing anxiety and depression symptoms.
Takeaway
What is a fidget spinner and how does it work?
A fidget spinner is a sensory toy or device that people can spin or roll between their fingers as a way to promote calm or focus. If you ask an occupational therapist why these devices work, they may say they provide a source of movement needed to balance the nervous system.
Can fidget spinners help with stress relief?
Yes and no. Fidget spinners may help some people with stress relief, but they might not work for everyone. They could be most effective alongside other proven stress management techniques.
Are fidget toys effective for reducing anxiety?
While there is some anecdotal evidence that fidget toys can feel satisfying and reduce anxiety, more research may be needed to fully substantiate these claims.
Who can benefit most from using fidget spinners?
People who stand to benefit most from the use of fidget spinners may include those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety.
Are there age restrictions for fidget spinner use?
Yes. Many fidget spinners have warnings for young children due to choking hazards. The specific age restriction may vary by the manufacturers who sell them.
Can fidget spinners improve focus and concentration?
Research yields mixed results among various users. While some people seem to benefit from fidget spinners in terms of concentration, others report feeling more distracted while using them.
Are there any risks to using fidget toys?
Yes. There may be risks to using these devices, including choking hazards and chemical toxins. There’s also the potential risk of relying on an ineffective fidget toy for therapeutic benefits instead of seeking evidence-based care.
What other fidget toys can help with stress and anxiety?
Fidget toys can come in various shapes and sizes. They may come in the form of sensory putty, stress balls, sensory rings, and infinity cubes, for example.
How often should I use a fidget spinner for stress relief?
You can use a fidget spinner for stress relief as often as you like. If you find that you need more support, consider contacting a mental health provider such as a licensed therapist.
Can therapy help if fidget toys are not enough for stress management?
Yes. While fidget toys might be fine for managing mild or temporary stress, they often aren’t enough for serious or chronic anxiety. In these cases, evidence-based therapy with a licensed mental health professional may be recommended.
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