Try keeping a log of places and times you tend to fidget in a notebook. This may help you to correlate your fidgeting with various diet habits, such as consuming caffeine or sugar, or determine if it is something else. Fidgeting is normal. Some people fidget more than others. Although it can be a sign of hyperactivity, anxiety, or even neurological issues, it can also just mean you are fidgety.

Everyone fidgets from time to time. Tapping a pencil, playing with a wedding ring, or tapping a foot are all examples of typical human behavior.

Fidgeting or tapping hands or feet, or squirming in seat. Leaving seat in situations where sitting is expected. Running about or climbing when it is inappropriate (feelings of restlessness in adults). Being unable to play or take part in leisurely activities quietly. Being “on the go” and acting as if “driven by a motor. ” Talking excessively. Blurting out an answer before a question has been completed. Having trouble waiting turn. Interrupting or intruding on others (during games or conversations).

Avoidant behavior (particularly in social anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder) Obsessive thoughts (particularly in obsessive-compulsive disorder) Difficulty concentrating Self-medicating (with food, alcohol, or drugs) Sense of dread Excessive worry Irritability Digestive issues (upset stomach, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea) Shyness (in social anxiety) Perfectionistic tendencies Difficulty trusting[9] X Research source

Developmental delays and quirks Over- or under-sensitive senses Social confusion Difficulty figuring out what others are thinking Need for routine, and dislike of surprises Meltdowns and shutdowns brought on by excessive stress Disorganization Intensely passionate interests

Restless leg syndrome[12] X Research source Hyperthyroidism/Graves’ disease[13] X Research source Menopause[14] X Research source

Speak up if you’re concerned about misdiagnosis. Doctors are human, and they can only use the information that you give them. Be cautious about self-diagnosis. You don’t want to jump to the wrong conclusion. For example, if you decide that you’re autistic when you’re actually a non-autistic person with ADHD, then you might miss out on the opportunity to try medication that could really help you.

400 milligrams (the amount in four cups of coffee) of caffeine per day is usually considered safe for most adults. However, some people are more sensitive to it and should not even consume this much. If you consume caffeine and you have insomnia, restlessness, anxiety problems, fast heartbeat, headaches, muscle tremors, or extreme fidgeting you may be extra sensitive to caffeine and should cut back to little or no caffeine at all.

If you are consuming a very high amount of caffeine, cut back slowly. Quitting quickly will cause withdrawal symptoms, like headaches.

Keep a log in a notebook, similar to your caffeine recordings, of how much refined sugar (candy, pop, cookies, etc. ) you consume in a week.

Fruit is part of a healthy diet, and you should try to consume 4 servings (a serving is one piece of raw fruit the size of a baseball, or one cup of smaller fruits or 100% fruit juice) of fruit per day.

You should try to eat 4 servings of vegetables (one cup of raw or cooked veggies or vegetable juice, or 2 cups of leafy greens is one serving), 4 servings of fruit, 6-8 servings of whole grains (depending on age, gender, and activity level), 2-6 servings of lean protein (depending on age, gender, and activity level), and 2-3 servings (one cup) of dairy or dairy equivalents daily.

If you find yourself limited on time for exercise, one of the easiest ways to get enough is to just walk. Walking can even be part of your chores; you can walk the dog, walk to the market or the post office, or walk around the office or around the block a couple of times during your lunch break. Any amount of walking is better than none, and making it a regular habit helps ensure you are getting enough exercise.

Rest your hands in your lap. Put your palms together and gently push them together. Hold for 3 to 10 seconds and repeat 10 times. Place your feet flat on the floor. Push down into the floor for 3 to 10 seconds. Repeat until your muscles are tired; your fidgeting will subside.

If you are feeling incredibly nervous and fidgety, stop what you’re doing and count while you’re breathing. Take a deep breath in while counting to 10. When you get to 10, start letting it out while counting to 10 again. Do this several times until you feel more relaxed. [25] X Research source

Avoid stimulation an hour before bed. This includes TV, exercise, and time on your phone. For an hour before bed, try enjoyable reading in dim lights, or take a warm bath. Don’t do work in your bed during the day. Let your bed be the place where you are relaxed and ready for sleep, not thinking about responsibilities. Check on your diet and exercise. Lacking of certain nutrients, consuming caffeine, and not getting enough exercise can all contribute to insomnia.

You can buy or build your own fidget tools.

“I’m just kind of a fidgety person. Let me know if I’m being disruptive. " “I find that fidgeting helps me focus better. " “I’m a little wiggly, that’s all. " “I have ADHD, and playing with a stress ball helps me focus. "