Anxiety Rings Are the New Fidget Spinners. We Asked a Psychologist If They Really Work

They can be, according toDr. Monica Vermani, clinical psychologist and author ofA Deeper Wellness: Conquering Stress, Mood, Anxiety and Traumas．“关键通过任何设备来降低焦虑,be it a piece of jewelry, or a fidget toy is the intention of the user,” she tells us. “When we associate an object with positive coping and soothing, it becomes just that. We’ve [likely] heard the phrase, What you focus on expands. When we turn to comfort food for comfort, it works. When we focus on using a ring, a bracelet, a gemstone or a fidget spinner… that device calms us,” she says.

“People with anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia) or attention issues (attention deficit disorder/attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) who find it challenging to sit still may fidget when they are feeling anxious, restless, impatient or nervous. Fidget toys— including anxiety rings—give these movements an outlet and a focus. They can help calm a person’s nerves, counter and relieve stress through self-soothing, and serve as a distraction in an environment or situation where they are over-stimulated.”

That’s the case with one early adopter of the anxiety ring trend, Manhattan-based marketing executive Jon Paul Buchmeyer. “As a champion debater in high school and college, I developed a habit of spinning my pen in one hand as a way to alleviate pressure. But when I got to the real world, I needed a less distracting substitute for spinning a pen in high-pressure meetings,” he says. “On a trip to Bali touring the John Hardy design shop, I discovered the designer's spinning pinky ring and fell in love. That ring got me through some particularly stressful times.” We’ve tracked down that John Hardy design, as well as some other popular anxiety rings, for you to admire and possibly even fiddle with during your next anxiety event.

1.Madewell Roller Ring

Three gold-plated brass bands rotate over one another while you wear them.

2.366 Days Cubic Zirconia Anxiety Ring

A simple line of CZ makes this the eternity ring for the White Claw generation.

3.John Hardy Reticulated Rotating Band Ring

A central band of flame-sculpted sterling silver rotates in this luxurious men’s keepsake that we’re tempted to wear on our thumb.

4.Alextina Anxiety Ring

In stainless steel, this glitter-finish ring has an outer rim that spins. It’s available in a dozen colors and patterns.

5.Boho Magic Sterling Silver Spinner Ring

A chunky band of silver spins smoothly around the ring’s slender side panels.

6.Favor Jewelry Bead Stacking Ring

A collection of yellow gold-filled and sterling silver beads spin on this delicate ring that looks and feels even better in multiples.