Small repeated movements such as tapping, clicking a pen or shifting objects without clear purpose.
During a long meeting a participant turns a pen end over end again and again. The hands keep busy with no aim beyond keeping busy, a quiet outlet for energy with nowhere to go.
A rise in fidgeting often signals boredom, impatience, anxiety or pent up energy seeking release. Note whether it climbs as a topic drags or a deadline nears, since timing reveals the cause.
For some people fidgeting aids concentration, so read changes against their normal manner. A habitual fidgeter may be listening closely even while the hands never fall still.
Walking back and forth in a confined area, releasing nervous or restless energy through motion.
ExploreThe way the feet point, often revealing where a person truly wishes to go or to direct attention.
ExploreThe manner of walking, including pace, length of stride and the carriage of the body.
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