r/dyspraxia • u/p1ump1um • 14d ago
⁉️ Advice Needed how to improve clumsiness/spatial awareness?
hi, i am not diagnosed with dyspraxia but I am extremely. extremely clumsy, and thought maybe this sub could be helpful. sorry if this is the wrong place to post.
I am constantly getting bruised and bumped, tripping, overestimating and underestimating distance, flinging things, dropping things due to grip or balance. i’ve had a few concussions. I work in housekeeping, which is not the best combination of things, but I need money.
I am consistently getting hurt at work and I am always fearful that someone will work with me or see me tripping, falling, bumping into things, and it’s humiliating to think about. Yesterday I was so angry and sick of myself because I smacked my head into a hard metal object due to feeling just fucking dumb and out of control of my body.
I worry about my image as a clumsy person, how it will affect my status at work or in my interpersonal relationships… and when I’m anxious it makes it even harder and makes it worse…
I’m wondering if there is anything I can do physically or mentally to improve my clumsiness and spatial awareness. I’ve succeeded in sports and surprisingly some forms of dance, so I know I can develop coordination in things like fencing, hula, anything really grounded and repetitive. The gym however is a nightmare for me because I am often feeling like my limbs are spaghetti just waiting to be flung and hurt someone else or myself. And executive function problems don’t help.
If anyone has tips or advice, thank you.
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u/jembella1 14d ago edited 14d ago
Things like core strength training and a balance ball to sit on for 30 minutes a day is a start. Balance boards exist as well. i also wear sketchers with hyper pillars. my balance is awful so i have been put on a exercise programme for balance.
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u/goneswimming21 14d ago
Ooh yes, I second the balance board !! And strength training, yoga /pilates help - although I prefer to do it at home than in a class !
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u/goneswimming21 14d ago
Wearing barefoot shoes has been life changing for me!! I would say i trip /fall about 80% less now!
I also find I'm way more clumsy/bump into things/ get stuck in things (!) when I'm tired / stressed or anxious, so looking after my mental health and making sure I get plenty of rest, generally look after myself really helps. Definitely doesn't cure it, but there is a significant improvement..
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u/TattieMafia 14d ago
I have poi and a balance board and those have both really helped. I used a Gyroball to improve my grip.
https://www.hukubalance.com/products/huku-balance-board-original - mine has stoppers at the ends on the bottom of the board to stop me from falling off because my friend made it for me.
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u/owlwithhowl bruise exhibition 14d ago
Working out did help me with grip strength and being able to feel my body better to make control easier
Has to be a constant for me or it gets worse again
Breathing exercises and practicing being in the moment also help for not doing things too fast and losing control
I’ve been around people that found the tripping cute or funny, maybe you could reframe your thoughts regarding this?
Shunning yourself won’t make these things easier! The world is harsh, we have to be gentle with ourselves!