Ever caught yourself doing something repetitive and weirdly relaxing without realising why?
For neurodivergent people, these unconscious movements and habits, known as stimming, are actually important tools for processing and coping with the world around them. Stimming helps with self-soothing, dealing with sensory overload, and just generally keeping stress levels down in situations when they might get too high. If your brain works a bit differently than others, even if you haven’t been officially diagnosed with a neurodivergent condition like ADHD or autism (among others), these behaviours might be familiar to you. If so, don’t be ashamed — they’re totally normal, and they work, so there’s no harm in them!
1. Rocking or swaying while standing
Standing completely still feels a bit weird for lots of neurodivergent people. You might catch yourself swaying gently without even knowing it, especially when you’re queuing up for coffee, cooking dinner, or having a chat with mates. It’s just something that happens naturally when you’re trying to focus on what someone’s saying. That little movement is actually your brain’s way of staying on track and making sense of everything going on around you. You might notice it more when you’re in busy places or trying to keep up with conversation. It’s like having your own personal rhythm that keeps you grounded without you even thinking about it.
2. Fiddling with jewellery or accessories
Ever found yourself spinning your rings or sliding that necklace pendant back and forth during a meeting? Many people do this without even realising it — playing with watches, bracelets, or whatever they’re wearing while they work, study, or chat. It’s like your hands have a mind of their own, and they’re constantly looking for something to fiddle with. That’s why you might find yourself picking out accessories not just because they look good, but because they feel right, too. Having these little things to play with can be a lifesaver during those long meetings or social situations where you need to stay focused but don’t want to draw attention to yourself.
3. Humming or making subtle sounds
If you’ve ever noticed yourself humming, clicking, or making little whistling sounds while you’re focused on something, you’re definitely not alone. These noises just pop out while you’re working, reading, or trying to figure something out. They’ve got their own little rhythm that just feels right, and most people probably don’t even notice you’re doing it. It’s almost a form of background music that helps you block out all the distracting noise around you. Often, you won’t even realise you’re making these sounds until someone points it out — they’re just part of how you concentrate now.
4. Arranging objects in specific patterns
You might do things like lining up your pens just so, or making sure your desktop icons are in perfect rows, without really thinking about it. It’s those little moments where you’re straightening the cutlery while waiting for your food, or unconsciously tidying up items on shop shelves as you browse. It just feels right when things are in their proper place. The need to create order often kicks in when your mind’s busy, or you’re dealing with something tricky. Sorting out the stuff around you helps sort out the thoughts in your head too, making it easier to focus on what’s important.
5. Walking in specific patterns
There’s something about walking that brings out our quirky side. Maybe you skip certain tiles, follow particular lines, or find yourself stepping in a specific rhythm without meaning to. Some people count steps between lamp posts or make invisible patterns with their feet. It’s so natural that you might not even clock you’re doing it. These little walking routines are like a comfort blanket when you’re out and about. They help keep you steady when things feel a bit overwhelming, especially in busy places or on those days when everything feels a bit much.
6. Touching different textures
You might find your fingers wandering to feel different surfaces throughout your day without even thinking about it. Running your hand along walls as you walk, fiddling with clothing labels, or touching certain surfaces again and again — it’s all part of how you navigate your world. Those touches happen so naturally, you barely notice you’re doing it. Your brain’s building up a map of all these different feelings that help keep you grounded. You might gravitate towards certain materials or surfaces without knowing why, but they’re actually helping you stay balanced throughout your day.
7. Repetitive finger movements
Your fingers might have their own little dance routines — tapping out patterns, rubbing together, or moving in specific sequences. These moves just happen while you’re chatting, thinking, or watching telly. They’re like an extension of your thoughts, and they help you process what’s going on. These movements are your subtle way of keeping yourself regulated without anyone really noticing. You might have your own special finger patterns that are so much a part of you that you only realise you’re doing them when someone points them out.
8. Facial expressions while thinking
Your face might be having its own little conversation while you’re deep in thought. Maybe your lips move slightly, your nose scrunches up, or your eyes do their own thing while you’re working through ideas in your head. Your expressions are just matching the rhythm of your thoughts. These face movements are basically a physical version of your mind sorting things out. Most people only discover they do this when they catch themselves on Zoom or when a mate mentions their thinking face has a life of its own.
9. Object spinning or flipping
You might find yourself constantly spinning your phone, flipping pens end over end, or rotating whatever’s in your hands — or maybe you’ve never noticed it, but other people certainly have, and they’ve brought it up. It’s those little movements that just happen while you’re concentrating or trying to keep track of what’s going on. Your hands seem to know exactly what they need to do. It’s a little side task that helps you stay focused on the main thing you’re working on. This becomes such a natural part of how you think and process that it’s just another tool in your everyday kit.
10. Rhythmic breathing patterns
Do you breathe in specific patterns without meaning to — holding your breath for a second while you concentrate, taking quick little breaths in a sequence, or finding your own rhythm while you work? That’s pretty common for neurodivergent people. Your breathing changes to match whatever you’re doing or feeling at the time. Those breathing patterns are like your body’s own way of keeping you balanced and focused. Most people only notice their unique breathing habits when they’re trying mindfulness or when someone else spots their special rhythm.
11. Muscle tensing sequences
Source: Unsplash Your muscles might have their own secret routine — flexing your hands in patterns, tightening and relaxing your shoulders, or creating waves of tension through different parts of your body. These often kick in when you’re really focused or processing lots of feelings. These tension patterns become such a smooth part of your day that you hardly notice them. They’re just there in the background, helping you stay aware of your body and manage your emotions without any extra effort.
12. Hair touching or twirling
Playing with your hair becomes second nature — maybe you gently pull it, twirl it around your fingers, or run your hands through certain bits while you’re talking, reading, or working through something complicated. Your hands just naturally find their way to your hair when you need to focus. Hair play becomes such a normal part of thinking or listening that you might not realise how much you do it. Sometimes it only hits you when you get a new haircut or try a different style that stops you from reaching your usual spots.
13. Object arranging while speaking
Watch your hands during a conversation — you might find them straightening things on the table, lining up edges of papers, or creating neat arrangements with whatever’s around. It’s like your hands need something to do while your mind’s busy with the conversation. These little arranging habits help you process what’s happening in social situations without being too obvious about it. They often make it easier to keep eye contact and stay engaged in the chat, even though you might not realise you’re doing it until someone mentions it.
14. Tapping or pressing pressure points
You might find yourself tapping certain spots on your hands, arms, or legs in patterns, or pressing specific points on your body. These little pressure moments pop up when you’re concentrating, listening, or dealing with different emotions. They’ve got their own rhythm that just feels right. Plus, those pressure spots become your go-to tools throughout the day. Everyone’s got their own special map of places that help them stay focused and balanced, even if they don’t realise they’re using them.
