If you do one of these actions, psychologists say you could be engaging in self-stimulatory behavior called “stimming”

Are you a stimmer? You probably are, even if you don’t realize it.

What is stimming?

Stimming, also known as self-stimulating behaviors or stereotypy, refers to the repetitive performance of certain movements or vocalizations.

This behavior is often associated with neurodivergent individuals, especially those with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, it is also common among neurotypical people, who may stim in certain situations without even noticing it.

In all cases, stimming is a response to a mental or emotional state and usually helps a person regulate feelings or cope with stress.

Why stimming matters

Stimming is “helpful, sometimes necessary, to offload pent-up energy and anxiety or help a person to maintain attention,” neurodivergent therapist Stephanie Gardner-Wright told HuffPost.

For neurodivergent individuals, stimming is often essential, as it can significantly affect the nervous system and overall well-being. Lauren Dawson, who describes herself as “a late-discovered Autistic ADHD-er,” explains, “We may stim more than a neurotypical person, and our stims may look different from what is generally accepted by society.”

What stimming looks like

So what are some typical examples of stimming? Dawson notes that stimming is “highly individual,” varying from person to person both in the movements themselves and the situations in which they occur.

• Playing with your hair – Twirling, braiding, or running fingers through hair offers comforting tactile feedback and self-soothing pressure.
• Biting your nails, lips, or cheeks – Chewing or nibbling provides oral stimulation that can relieve stress, increase focus, or respond to under-stimulation.
• Tapping your hands or fingers – Drumming fingers or moving hands repetitively delivers tactile and auditory feedback that can aid concentration and sensory regulation.
• Bouncing a leg – Repetitive leg movements give sensory input that helps manage restlessness or maintain alertness when sitting still.
• Swaying side to side – Rocking or swaying back and forth helps regulate balance, reduce stress, and can enhance enjoyment or anticipation.
• Pacing – Walking back and forth can help process thoughts, solve problems, and maintain focus during mentally demanding tasks.
• Rubbing your hands or feet together – Rubbing hands or feet rhythmically can release excess energy and create a calming, tactile sensation.
• Listening to a song on repeat – Replaying the same song or part of a song can provide predictable, soothing auditory stimulation and help focus attention.

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