Anxiety rings, sometimes referred to as fidget or fiddle rings, are wearable distraction devices which help to alleviate symptoms of stress, anxiety and general over-stimulation.
They contain movable elements from loose beads to twistable central bands and are designed to assist with grounding and self-soothing practices.
Referred to by some as a close relative to fidget spinners and toys, anxiety rings serve as a discreet, practical and often more luxurious alternative to common self-soothers such as the fidget cube, monkey noodles or mesh marble toys.
Unlike the vast majority of classic fidget and distraction toys, anxiety rings can be worn at all times. This not only ensures that grounding exercises and practises can be engaged in no matter where you are, but it also works as a subtle and unobtrusive solution for those who aren’t normally comfortable engaging with fidgets in working or professional environments.
How do anxiety rings and fidget toys work?
Both anxiety rings and classic fidget toys work by employing a displacement theory. By engaging the brain with something else to focus on, the user’s attention is displaced from the thought, feeling, task or situation that is causing stress and anxiety. The repetitive movements simultaneously work to distract and displace negative behaviours or reactions to stress, while providing a calming sense of relief within an over-stimulating environment – otherwise known as self-soothing.
While a fidget or fiddle ring isn’t entirely necessary when it comes to practicing grounding and self-soothing, it can certainly be a helpful tool to focus one’s attention and enter into a more meditative state.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, contact your local NHS GP for advice and support. Alternatively, call the Samaritans free 24/7 helpline on 116 123, or visit their website for further information.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best anxiety rings to help with self-soothing.
Keep scrolling for more
Best healing crystals for anxiety: wearable and meditative options for ultimate healing
The best self-improvement books to boost your personal development in 2023
Best essential oils for electric diffusers: calming and focus-boosting scents
Best essential oils to elevate your aromatherapy practice
Carrie Elizabeth Star Set Spinning Ring
Spinning is perhaps one of the most common fidget distractions, whether engaged with via fidget spinners or other miniature kinetic devices. This timeless piece, however, offers a discreet means of spinning and fidgeting as much as you need, while flying under the radar.
This ring is available in sterling silver or 14ct gold vermeil, and both options are complete with six single-cut diamonds in a star-shaped setting. What’s more, this ring features a beautiful engraving on the inside which simply states, “this too shall pass” - a lovely reminder that tough times don’t last forever.
Buy now £120.00, Carrie Elizabeth
Monica Vinader Heirloom Woven Chain Ring
This beautiful, woven chain ring is available in both recycled sterling silver and 18ct gold vermeil. Crafted in a manner that makes each luminescent bead look as though it’s hovering atop the next, this vintage-inspired ring has a uniquely stretchy and flexible design. This makes it perfect for fiddling with when you’re feeling particularly anxious, both on and off your finger. This dainty piece works wonderfully as an everyday, stylish ring which carries a unique hidden purpose.
Buy now £100.00, Monica Vinader
Fidget Tourmaline Anxiety Ring
Known to help balance energies and foster compassion, cool-headedness and healing, we couldn’t think of a more fitting gemstone than tourmaline to accompany an anxiety ring. Choose from either a larger or smaller beaded design and enjoy the wonderfully calming benefits of the healing, spinning crystal.
Buy now £14.99, Etsy
Rajput Sunset Silver Spinning Ring - Red, Silver
Another incredibly stylish spinning ring, this design from Charlotte’s Web Jewellery was inspired by kaleidoscopic sunsets and beautiful, natural colour gradients. It has been crafted from a combination of sterling silver, brass, copper, faceted rainbow moonstone and faceted raspberry garnet. It’s also available in a turquoise and pearl gemstone combination.
Buy now £85.00, Wolf & Badger
Abbot Lyon Custom Stamped Fidget Ring
Another beautiful spinning option made from 18ct gold-plated brass, this time entirely customisable. Choose between a range of stamped icons and letters, embellishments and more. Each piece is handmade to order and comes with a two-year warranty.
Buy now £79.00, Abbot Lyon
Sterling Silver Lucky Anxiety Relief Fidget Ring
Reinforce the manifestation mantra that you are, in fact, the luckiest of humans, with this practical and chic anxiety-relief fiddle ring. Adjustable to fit all sizes and complete with sterling silver bands which provide a soothing, rolling motion – we can’t imagine you’ll be taking this piece off your finger any time soon.
Buy now £16.79, NOTHS
9ct Gold 2mm Russian Wedding Ring
Russian wedding bands have been a popular, casual jewellery choice amongst the non-betrothed for decades. For some, the three intertwined bands symbolise the father, son and the holy spirit. For others, they simply represent the mind, body and soul. Whichever way you choose to perceive the infinitely rotatable bands, they’re sure to provide some welcome, grounding relief no matter where you are.
Buy now £240.00, NOTHS
