Diy Fidgeting: Fun And Functional
Are you a chronic fidgeter? Do you find yourself tapping your foot, twirling your pen, or clicking your pen cap during meetings or lectures? Fidgeting can actually be beneficial for concentration and stress relief, but it can also be distracting to others and even damaging to your belongings. Enter: DIY fidgets. These simple and customizable gadgets can provide an outlet for fidgeting while also serving a functional purpose. Let’s explore some DIY fidgeting options.
First, it’s important to understand the science behind fidgeting. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational Therapy, fidgeting can increase arousal and attention in individuals with ADHD or other cognitive deficits. It can also reduce stress and anxiety in individuals without cognitive deficits. However, excessive fidgeting can be distracting to others and can cause damage to items like pens, desk surfaces, and clothing. This is where DIY fidgets come in – they provide a designated outlet for fidgeting that won’t harm others or your belongings.
The Classic Fidget Spinner
The fidget spinner became a craze in 2017, but the basic design has been around for decades. A fidget spinner consists of a central bearing with three or more prongs that spin around it. The user holds the central bearing and spins the prongs with their other hand. While some fidget spinners can be expensive and flashy, they can also be made at home with simple materials.
Materials:
- Bearing (can be salvaged from old toys or purchased online)
- Cardboard or paper
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Instructions:
- Cut out a circle of cardboard or paper that is slightly larger than your bearing.
- Cut three or more triangles around the edge of the circle, leaving the center intact.
- Decorate your spinner with markers, stickers, or paint.
- Place the bearing in the center of the spinner and secure with glue or tape.
- Spin away!
The Tactile Keychain
If you’re looking for a discreet and portable fidget option, a tactile keychain may be the way to go. These keychains feature small objects or textures that can be manipulated with the fingers. The keychain can be attached to a backpack, purse, or keys for easy access.
Materials:
- Keychain ring
- Small objects or textures, such as beads, buttons, or textured fabric
- Needle and thread or glue
Instructions:
- Choose your small objects or textures and arrange them in a pleasing pattern.
- Sew or glue the objects together, leaving a loop at the top for the keychain ring.
- Attach the keychain ring to the loop and voila – your tactile keychain is ready to go.
The Stress Ball
Stress balls have been a popular fidget toy for years, and for good reason. Squeezing a stress ball can provide stress relief and improve hand strength. While stress balls can be purchased at many stores, they can also be made at home with simple materials.
Materials:
- Balloon
- Flour or cornstarch
- Funnel or spoon
Instructions:
- Place a funnel in the opening of a balloon, or stretch the balloon over the opening of a cup.
- Pour flour or cornstarch into the funnel or cup until the balloon is about half full.
- Tie off the balloon and squeeze it with your hands to distribute the flour or cornstarch.
- Your stress ball is ready for squeezing!
The LEGO Fidget Cube
The fidget cube is a six-sided cube with different tactile surfaces and buttons to press. While fidget cubes can be purchased online, they can also be made with LEGO bricks.
Materials:
- LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors
Instructions:
- Choose six LEGO bricks of equal size and stack them to form a cube.
- Add tactile surfaces to each side of the cube using smaller LEGO pieces. Examples include buttons, gears, and bumpy textures.
- Your LEGO fidget cube is complete!
By creating your own DIY fidgets, you can customize them to your own preferences and needs. Whether you need a discreet fidget option for meetings or a stress ball for at-home stress relief, DIY fidgets can be both fun and functional.
| Fidget Option | Materials | Instructions |
| Fidget Spinner | Bearing, cardboard or paper, scissors, glue or tape | Cut out a circle of cardboard or paper that is slightly larger than your bearing. Cut three or more triangles around the edge of the circle, leaving the center intact. Decorate your spinner with markers, stickers, or paint. Place the bearing in the center of the spinner and secure with glue or tape. Spin away! |
| Tactile Keychain | Keychain ring, small objects or textures, needle and thread or glue | Choose your small objects or textures and arrange them in a pleasing pattern. Sew or glue the objects together, leaving a loop at the top for the keychain ring. Attach the keychain ring to the loop and voila – your tactile keychain is ready to go. |
| Stress Ball | Balloon, flour or cornstarch, funnel or spoon | Place a funnel in the opening of a balloon, or stretch the balloon over the opening of a cup. Pour flour or cornstarch into the funnel or cup until the balloon is about half full. Tie off the balloon and squeeze it with your hands to distribute the flour or cornstarch. Your stress ball is ready for squeezing! |
| LEGO Fidget Cube | LEGO bricks in various sizes and colors | Choose six LEGO bricks of equal size and stack them to form a cube. Add tactile surfaces to each side of the cube using smaller LEGO pieces. Examples include buttons, gears, and bumpy textures. Your LEGO fidget cube is complete! |
Posting Komentar untuk "Diy Fidgeting: Fun And Functional"