• Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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    5 hours ago

    I’m a pacer. If I cannot pace, I hurt myself discreetly. Digging my nails or my mechanical pencil into my skin (under the desk) tends to work. Not too much, just enough to create a sharp sensation to keep me focused.

    • CapuccinoCoretto@lemmy.world
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      5 hours ago

      Wild. I’m a pacer when I need to think, and a leg jiggler, but this is really interesting to me. That sharp sensation lets you focus on something other than the sensation?

      • Jo Miran@lemmy.ml
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        4 hours ago

        Yes. It kind of replaces the need to fidget or rock. Pacing truly increases my focus and effectiveness (read superpowers engage). Pain is just a coping mechanism to make sure my performance doesn’t degrade right into fully disconnected from the moment.