Strained tension

Restless

Also known as fidgety

Strength 1 of 4

Unable to settle, with a low hum of energy that keeps you shifting, getting up or switching tasks, often while waiting or when something feels unfinished.

In the body

  • Legs that won’t keep still
  • Shifting position again and again
  • An itch to get up and move

Needs behind it

When these needs aren’t met

MovementStimulationPeace

Softer and stronger

  1. Restless
  2. Edgy
  3. Jittery
  4. Tense
  5. Agitated

Often confused with

Agitated

Restless is a mild itch to move or change something; agitated is strain that has grown big enough to spill out into pacing, fast speech and distress.

Bored

Bored has nothing calling for your attention; restless has energy in the body that can’t settle anywhere.

See also

Unsettled