How to Stim

1. 1
   Look at ordinary objects that move repetitively. Fans, car wheels, and washing machines all make repetitive motions.
2. 2
   Buy or create stim toys . Plenty of fidgets and desk toys involve some sort of moving patterns.

   • Snow globes
   • Lava lamps
   • Mobiles (A mobile of planets is considered socially acceptable for older ages.)
   • Glitter jar (made from water, glitter glue, food coloring, and glitter)
3. 3
   Look at nature. Watch the wind move long grass or leaves in trees. If nature isn't easily available to you, look up calming nature videos on the internet. Even 30 seconds of watching a video of long grass can help you feel relaxed.
4. 4
   Find repetitive animations on the internet. These can feel very calming. Many follow a specific pattern, which can be pleasing for autistic people whose brains are optimized for systematizing.

   • The "Mesmerizing Gifs" and "loadingicon" threads on Reddit contain plenty of gifs. ^{[6] [7]} (Some may be unsuitable for people with photosensitive epilepsy.)
   • You can also find videos of objects or people spinning.
5. 5
   Play with light. Try messing with a flashlight, lighting fireworks, or flickering the light in a room (if no one else is there).

   • Try moving colored paper or translucent objects over flashlights to see cool colors and patterns.
   • Download light- and pattern-related games onto your mobile device, such as a firework-generating app.
6. 6
   Make repetitive motions with your fingers or hands. This can provide gentle stimulation to help you in overwhelming situations, or just help you amuse yourself.
7. 7
   Enjoy music. This is socially acceptable in most environments, and it lets you have a pleasant song in your head for the next few hours. You can listen to something in headphones or sing/hum if you know it's not disruptive.
8. 8
   Repeat words and phrases out loud. This is called echolalia, ^[8] and it can improve your focus and help you remember things. Be mindful of other people if you decide to do echolalia, to make sure you aren't disrupting anyone's concentration.

   • Repeat things that you need to remember, such as material from your exam study guide.
   • Repeat something nice someone said to you.
   • Repeat something you read.
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The mouth and nose are associated with food and can be powerful for self-calming. These stims can be especially helpful when you are stressed or tired.

1. 1
   Chew gum or suck on a lollipop. Carrying these around can be useful to quickly address stress or focus issues. They are especially helpful if you tend to bite your nails or put non-food objects in your mouth—as soon as you notice what you're doing, stick some gum in your mouth instead.

   • Sugar free gum will not cause cavities.
2. 2
   Consider wearing chewy jewelry. These can have the same effect as gum and candies, and are more portable. While most companies market them to children, a few (such as Stimtastic) are designed for all ages.
3. 3
   Carry a small piece of sweet-smelling lotion, soap, or essential oils. Pick a scent that is especially calming to you. When stressed, take a sniff and count to ten.
4. 4
   Enjoy good smells in the scenery. Step into cafes and bakeries, or stop to smell the flowers. Try getting scented candles and personal care products. It can be fun to explore different scents.
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Proprioceptive stims provide deep touch, which has a calming and centering effect on the body. Regular tactile stims are related to texture.

1. 1
   Wear clothes with textures you enjoy. You can rub your sleeves or feel the silky fabric of your scarf as you are sitting at your desk. Try fleece and microfiber for special softness.
2. 2
   Hold or rub things with pleasing textures. Try rubber pencil grips, smooth stones, blankets, and jewelry with cool textures.
3. 3
   Play with stim toys. The possibilities of tactile stim toys are endless. Many are available at special needs stores, and more are sold as "fidgets" to office workers. Here are some examples of tactile stim toys:

   • Stress balls and rubber sea urchins
   • Tangles
   • Chains of key rings
   • Slinkies
   • Coil bracelets or beaded bracelets
   • Fidget cubes
   • Balloon filled with a fistful of flour
4. 4
   Find objects that can provide deep pressure for you. Beanbags, weighted blankets, lap pads, and other tools can offer deep pressure. This can help you feel focused and calm.

   • Get a weighted blanket.
   • Put on a weighted lap pad or large beanbag.
   • Use a massage roller.
   • Put your hand or finger inside a heavy book, and close it. (Other people may assume that you're just holding your place.)
   • Rub a surgical brush over your skin.
   • Put a pillow on yourself, and place a heavy object (e.g. a dictionary) on top. Make sure that you are able to lift it off yourself, or that someone else is nearby so they can help you if needed.
5. 5
   Ask a loved one for a tight hug. Not only will you feel the soothing effects of deep pressure, but it will be from someone you love.

   • You can also squeeze yourself if nobody else is available.
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The body's vestibular system is responsible for processing movement.

1. 1
   Use trampolines and swings. Both of these can be indoors or outdoors. (See special needs stores for indoor swings.)

   • Small trampolines are portable and can be leaned against a wall for storage. Some of them have handles to help you keep your balance.
2. 2
   Find natural ways to move during your everyday life. For example, you might switch out your chair for an exercise ball so you can bounce, rock, and move around in the day.

   • Rock in a rocking chair
   • Bounce on an exercise ball
   • Pace
3. 3
   Get a vibrating stuffed animal. When pressed, they will shake and provide vestibular input. These can be especially helpful for managing bedtime stimming. Search the phrase "heartbeat bear" online to help.
4. 4
   Flap your hands, shake your leg, or wave your arms. Some neurodivergent people do this instinctively, and it can help with processing surprises, handling challenging experiences, or expressing emotion.

   • If you flap your hands/arms, people will usually be able to tell you are disabled. Whether this is good or bad is for you to decide.
5. 5
   Spin around in circles. Use a swivel chair, or stand up and spin. This is good for informal situations, outdoors, or at home.

   • Stay safe! Watch out for obstacles like sharp corners. If you get too dizzy, stop and take a break.
   • This is especially fun in a long skirt or dress.
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