When I first started looking more closely into the correlations between my symptoms and ADHD, I found a lot of CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and self help guides and books to keep me afloat during my three year wait for an assessment. Unfortunately the sections with advice for managing your symptoms in a workplace were almost exclusively for office based roles. I have worked in a customer facing role now for ten years, and while my hyperactive, energetic friendly personality really does suit customer service – if I’m having a bad day, it can be a real struggle. Recently I have taken the leap and bought myself something to better manage the overstimulation, under-stimulation and BFRB that comes with living - and working - with ADHD.

Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRB) are something that can affect anyone, but are predominantly seen in people living with anxiety, ADHD and autism. They can include: 

• scratching

• nail-biting

• skin-picking 

• hair pulling

Along with a whole host of other harmful habits that people unconsciously use to distract and alleviate themselves from the overwhelming feelings day to day life can bring.

I  recently purchased a ‘fidget ring’ from Etsy, which is a big deal for me as I’m not usually a jewellery person (I always lose it) and let me tell you – it’s a game changer!

Firstly, it’s gorgeous, simple, and works well as understated every day jewellery.

Secondly – and most importantly – it really helps me de-escalate the physical damage I cause to myself with BFRB during the day. Time pressure is a real focus in my workplace and can make me feel very uncomfortable. If I feel like I’m not performing my jobs fast enough, this is where I usually start to unravel and slow down further. Having a subtle fidget on my finger than I can spin and focus on has helped a surprising amount towards keeping me on task.

Picking the skin around my nails (which can become very sore and unpleasant looking) is something I do when I am watching TV, reading or just generally not paying attention to my surroundings. With something to interact with, I am less likely to resort to this, and can slowly introduce more positive behaviours into my subconscious. This was actually my main justification in buying this ring, (even though there are plenty of other, more engaging, options for fidget toys that can be found online) having something subtle and accessible on the go is essential for me. ADHD doesn’t stop when you’re busy!

I also feel a lot more comfortable with this as, as many of you probably experience, regular behaviours such as tapping your feet, and drumming your fingers – while an unconscious thing for many – can be construed as impatience or rudeness.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that over the last week this ring has become an invaluable muscle memory aid for me, and I urge you to try it too! Within a few days, even when I had taken my ring off to do some cleaning tasks, I found myself spinning the space around my finger where my ring should be. The skin around my nails is becoming healthier, and I feel a lot more confident. At the very least you will have a beautiful new ring – and you deserve a treat! I’d love to know how everyone else’s experience with them or other methods you’ve employed for your everyday tasks.

So if you or someone you love is looking for something that can help keep you grounded in a stressful work environment, or you need something to help kick a BFRB, here’s my concise list of pros of the fidget ring:

• Pretty, subtle, understated

• Works well to discourage BFRBs

• Great for relieving anxiety

• Great if you’re feeling overstimulated or overwhelmed

• A great fidget aid for any workplace

• Did I mention it’s gorgeous?

The physical effects of mental health are often overlooked as the least important issue, however, if we want to feel more human, more ‘normal’, and less self-conscious, I strongly believe these little things make a massive difference in our everyday lives. 

Look after yourselves.