Finger Tapping

Jamie.Ether · Sep 16, 2011

This may be too vague of a question or it may have no significance,
But
I have a strong habit of tapping my fingers to my thumb. I alternate fingers, each one tap to the thumb, and there is always an unconscious pattern and rhythm to the tapping.
[I assume] it takes me quite some time to realize that I am even doing this, as it is very unconscious.
It happens more often and with more rapid movements when I have had caffiene.
I know it's some sort of energy release. Nervous energy, I assume?
But I was wondering if there are any other psychological links to this behaviour.
I know the habit itself is pretty harmless, besides it occasionally causing me to feel self-conscious if I'm with others.
Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.
Thanks.

MonieJ · Sep 16, 2011

We've Got Rhythm: Research Into Finger-Tapping Reveals How A Presumed Internal Mechanism Guides Motor Actions, Helping Us Respond To Subliminal Changes In Stimuli

I dnt know if it's what you wanted but it was interestin.

I also finger tap unconsciously when I get super nervous.

Decay153 · Sep 16, 2011

Tell them you appreciate the rhythm in life.
That you're a drummer at heart. It's particularly easy for my because I am a drummer.

Jamie.Ether · Sep 16, 2011

Decay153 said:
Tell them you appreciate the rhythm in life.
That you're a drummer at heart. It's particularly easy for my because I am a drummer.

Haha. Good response. :]
Once someone asked me why I am always tapping my hands/feet and I said "Gotta stay in constant motion [with life], keep in oneness with infinity. [Keep moving, can't stop]"

Mad Psychologist · Sep 18, 2011

People with ADD/ ADHD do things like that. I find it calming to have some other side activity going on in the background.

jessmk7 · Sep 18, 2011

I'd agree with the add/ADHD thing. Are you one of the two?

Mad Psychologist · Sep 18, 2011

ADD, It does have some really good aspects/ advantages though. How about you?

slyspy · Sep 19, 2011

Abnormal control of hand movements may hint at ADHD severity in children

Same site talks about adhd and impulsive motor control.

Jamie.Ether · Sep 20, 2011

That's very interesting. I've never looked into ADD/ADHD because I am physically pretty calm and reserved, but my mental energy on the other hand, is definitely not.

Apocalypse kid · Oct 1, 2011

I am always tapping my figures, i do it when i am thinking or if i have a song playing in my head. Or if i am nervous.... but it is like i cant stop, if i do i get really unconformable and jittery. so i guess it is a way to keep me from jumping up and running around the room with energy or for keeping bored.

Tucken · Oct 4, 2011

I'd say it's a "moving function" according to the fourth way. It's a learned pattern basically, similar in nature to moving your eyes or legs without thinking about it. It's interesting that it's automatic and that you don't notice it happening.

If you're thinking a lot as you're doing your finger tapping that may be the connection you're looking for and something to investigate. A moving mind may result in movement of the body such as wandering, tapping your foot or fingers.

edit: See the post above, it is very interesting. This is why meditation is so hard and it hints to the importance of it!

Finger Tapping

Jamie.Ether

MonieJ

Decay153

Jamie.Ether

Mad Psychologist

jessmk7

Mad Psychologist

slyspy

Jamie.Ether

Apocalypse kid

Tucken

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