stims
Repetitive calming movements
Stims are self-stimulatory behaviors—repetitive movements or sounds that regulate sensory input or emotional state.
The term comes from autism and neurodivergent communities, where stimming includes hand-flapping, rocking, humming, or fidgeting: My stims help me focus when I'm overwhelmed.
The word has broadened to include any habitual self-soothing action: Clicking pens is one of my stims.
Body's spatial self-awareness
- vestibularOf the balance organ
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- calmingInducing a settled state
- groundingConnecting to earth
Active mental awareness
- focusConcentrated attention point
- energyPower to do work
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
- concentrationSustained single-minded attention
arousal · attention · clarity · motivation · productivity · hyperactivity · jitteriness · restlessness
Neurodevelopmental processing difference
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
- ASDSpectrum of neurological difference
- neurodivergentHaving atypical brain function
- autisticHaving a developmental neurotype
masking · unmasking · neurodiversity · visible · subtle · suppression · acceptance · identity
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- nicotineAddictive tobacco alkaloid
- amphetamineCentral nervous system stimulant
- AdderallAmphetamine-based concentration aid
- RitalinADHD stimulant medication
dextroamphetamine · ephedrine · cocaine · methamphetamine · pre-workout · nootropics · uppers · speed
proprioception
Body's spatial self-awareness
- vestibularOf the balance organ
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
- calmingInducing a settled state
alertness
Active mental awareness
- focusConcentrated attention point
- energyPower to do work
- wakefulnessState of being conscious
concentration · arousal · attention · clarity · motivation · productivity · hyperactivity · jitteriness · restlessness · insomnia
autism
Neurodevelopmental processing difference
- ADHDNeurodevelopmental focus impairment
- ASDSpectrum of neurological difference
- neurodivergentHaving atypical brain function
autistic · masking · unmasking · neurodiversity · visible · subtle · suppression · acceptance · identity · community
caffeine
Methylxanthine stimulant compound
- nicotineAddictive tobacco alkaloid
- amphetamineCentral nervous system stimulant
- AdderallAmphetamine-based concentration aid
Ritalin · dextroamphetamine · ephedrine · cocaine · methamphetamine · pre-workout · nootropics · uppers · speed · psychostimulant
fidget
Restless small movements
flap · squeeze · bounce · tap · hum · click · movement · self-soothing · nail-biting · rhythm
stimsmeltdowns
Complete losses of control
shutdowns · dysregulation · sensory overload · overwhelm · panic
stimsstillness
Complete lack of motion
motionlessness · masking · suppression · inhibition · camouflaging
stimsdepressants
Substances reducing nervous activity
downers · sedatives · tranquilizers · benzos · barbiturates
- electrical stimulationCurrent applied to body
- mental stimulationEngagement of cognitive faculties
- sexual stimulationPhysical acts causing arousal
- ovarian stimulationHormone-induced egg maturation
- stim toyTactile self-regulation device
- sensory stimulationInput activating perceptual systems
stimulate, stimulant, stimulation, stimulator, overstimulation, unstimulated, overstimulate, stim, understimulated