Does anyone else get physically uncomfortable sitting still, like you want to crawl out of your skin?

That feeling of being in a meeting or study session and suddenly sensing your whole body coil up, like you need to move right now or you’ll burst is something a lot of people with ADHD describe. This is called internal hyperactivity or motor restlessness, and it’s absolutely a real ADHD phenomenon even when it doesn’t look like the stereotypical bouncing‑off‑the‑walls hyperactivity seen in kids. Instead of showing up as visible movement, it can feel like pressure under the skin, buzzing energy, physical discomfort, or an urgent need to shift, stretch, or fidget. What helps is finding ways to release that energy subtly, without drawing attention or disrupting the environment. Many people use quiet, low‑profile strategies like shifting posture, stretching their ankles or toes inside their shoes, rolling their shoulders, or doing slow diaphragmatic breathing to bleed off the internal tension. Small fidgets can also be discreet; a pen you can click silently, a ring you can spin, a textured object in your pocket, or even gently tapping a foot under the table. Changing sensory input can help too: taking a sip of water, chewing gum, adjusting your seat, or briefly looking away from the screen to reset your nervous system. These micro‑movements give your body the outlet it’s demanding without looking unusual or disruptive.