Sitting at a desk all day can be mentally draining, especially when you’re trying to stay focused for long periods. For years, I struggled with restlessness and found it hard to channel nervous energy into something productive. Then I discovered “feet fidget” toys, and they’ve been a game-changer.
What Are Feet Fidgets?
Feet fidgets are a type of footrest that gives you something to play with while you’re doing your work. A footrest is already an incredibly helpful tool to reduce body pains while working.
Lots of us have fidgeting behaviors that tend to be distracting at the back of our heads. Giving yourself something to entertain those restless movements helps focus your attention on your work or study. Feet fidgets work in the same way, but unlike hand fidgets, they’re for your feet, so your hands are free to type, write, draw, or create.
Feet fidgets can come in all sorts of types. In my case, I have an AlphaBetter Stand-Up Desk with a fidget bar that I can swing my foot on. I use this under my main desk at its lowest setting, but I can also use it while standing up in case I need a slight change of environment.
Feet fidgets can also be a footrest on the floor with rotating spiky balls, a hanging rope, pedals, and many more forms. So long as it provides you with the right type of stimulation to keep focus. Let’s take a look at some feet fidgets and some you can DIY.
Feet Fidgets and Ideas for You to Try
If you want to try out feet fidgets, here are some types you can purchase or turn into fidgets yourself:
1. Foot Rollers and Massagers
There are dedicated foot rollers that are made for fidgeting like the Bouncyband Foot Roller. However, if plastic isn’t really to your liking, you can use generic wooden foot rollers or massagers with multiple rollers and textures.
Foot rollers are a pretty simple concept, you can probably even just get a round piece of wood, but I’d suggest finding a way to make it stay in place. Nothing would be more distracting than losing your feet fidgets and having to find them.
2. Swing Bars, Ropes, and Bands
This is a great option for people who like swinging their legs to fidget. These are great for sitting or standing—I use the fidget bar for both sitting and standing applications.
However, you don’t need a dedicated desk with a fidget bar like mine, there are many attachable or DIY alternatives. You can just tie a rope or a yoga band under your desk; and unlike my fidget bar, you can easily adjust the length and height of the rope to your leg length. Alternatively, there are dedicated fidget bands that can go in between chair or table legs.
3. Textured Static Footrests
If you work from home and prefer a casual environment, going barefoot or wearing socks can help alleviate foot strain. In that case, static footrests with textures might be a great option if swings and bands don’t work for you. Static footrests make you feel more secure and planted as they don’t move. Bands and bars might be unstable for some, and if this is you, you should try out static footrests.
This Huanuo footrest is adjustable and textured with bumps. It also has a grid of rollers in the center should you ever want to use it. There is also a version without rollers if you don’t like your feet slipping around.
Feet fidgets can give you the stimulation your brain craves without needing to take your hands or eyes off of your work.
