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How can I stop my hands shaking

243 Answers
Last Updated: 06/01/2022 at 9:16am
How can I stop my hands shaking
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Tracy-Kate Teleke, PsyD, M.A., LMFT

Marriage & Family Therapist

I assist adults and couples in CA experiencing relationship challenges and interpersonal struggles including anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other life challenges.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
March 23rd, 2016 8:08am
Usually when your hands shake it's a sign of anxiety. How I stopped my hands from shaking was by playing with anything like jewelry, keys, or pens
SMStar
July 9th, 2016 7:26pm
I have shaky hands and spent a lot of time trying to find a "cure." Relaxation techniques help, a little. I find that eating regularly throughout the day and keeping hydrated are enough to keep my hands steady enough for neat handwriting. Don't ask me to do any brain surgery, though! I did once ask my trusted physician about my shaky hands. They said it was normal, and as long as it didn't hurt or interfere with my day-to-day activities, not to worry.
Anonymous
April 22nd, 2016 9:50am
Firstly we would need to find the route of the problem. How often do your hands shake? Do you find that when you are in certain situations your hands shake more? You could also do a calming exercise if you feel you need to take some time out and relax.
Dannnn
September 15th, 2016 9:43pm
I find that slow breathing is a really good way to relax and calm yourself. 4 seconds breathing in, 6 seconds holding, 8 seconds breathing out. I do this whenever I'm stressed or nervous or angry and it works every time
Petalbowes
November 11th, 2015 12:46pm
My shakes always get worse once I am thinking about them. So now I just accept that they happen and that it is okay for them to happen. They are a natural part and it's fine for hands to shake a little. If I try to make them stop then it just makes them worse, for me. I also find distraction with my hands such as origami or knitting helps me. As does having a water bottle to sip and chewing gum to give me a rhythm that my hands conform to.
KassySunshine96
March 23rd, 2016 1:59am
Take a moment to relax. Breathe. Take a moment to take in your surroundings. Chew a piece of gum, focus on the taste. Count to 50 in your head, focus on the numbers. Perhaps hold your hand in a fist for a few minutes, not to hard of a fist.
Anonymous
May 1st, 2016 12:34pm
Shaky hands is commonly referred to as a hand tremor. A hand tremor is not life threatening, but it can be embarrassing or make daily tasks difficult. It can also be an early warning sign of some neurological and degenerative conditions , also anxiety, depression and being very nervous. 1.Eliminate Caffeine. ... 2.Quit Smoking. ... 3.Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol. ... 4.Check Your Medications. ... 5.Check Your Blood Sugar Levels. ... 6.Reduce Stress, Practice Relaxation Techniques and Get Enough Sleep. ... 7.Consult Your Doctor. also could be •seizure •overactive thyroid •cerebellar disease •Huntington’s disease •medication side effects •caffeine overdose •alcohol abuse or addiction •anxiety •low blood sugar Use heavier objects. You may need to replace lightweight or delicate objects, such as glasses, silverware, or plates, with heavier versions. The extra weight may make the item easier to handle. •Use specially designed utensils and tools. Gripping and controlling pens, pencils, garden tools, and kitchen utensils may be difficult if you have shaky hands. You may need to seek out versions of these items that are designed for individuals with grip and control issues. •Wear wrist weights. The extra weight on your arm may make control easier. Again I think seeing your doctor would be the best :)
Listener2106
June 11th, 2015 8:56am
A good thing to do is to eliminate caffeine as it causes hyperactivity. Smoking, alcohol, and some medications can cause disruption in the brain. Getting sleep is a fantastic way to cope with situations such as this. Even drinking sips of water can help.
Anonymous
May 20th, 2016 8:48pm
Do something with your hands, whether it be squeezing a stress ball or twirling your pencil, it works
SimplyBeing
April 9th, 2016 5:44am
I know from my experience hands shake for a lot of reasons, In the cold my hands hurt and I shake them to make that a little better. My hands shake when I am excited and it comes bubbling out from everywhere. I hands shake when I have anxiety for no reason at time. My hands have shaken out of fear when the task I had before me was life or death and my hands have shaken when I have had to say goodbye to a loved one for the last time. My hands shake sometimes because of my medication and sometimes because I don't have my medication. It was always helpful for me to seek the advice of my doctor if something changed about how my hands shook. Sometime he could help and others he could not. I watched a TED talk called "embrace the shake." in which an artist's hands began to shake and he was not able to do his work. A doctor finally told him the cause and said there were no treatments at this time. The artist learned to embrace his shaking hands and found a way he could work with the to create beautiful art. It wasn't the same art as before but when he accepted his hands the way they were he and his hands worked together to create beautiful new art. I wish you peace, J
bouncySpring75
October 19th, 2016 2:36pm
Focus on your breathing, Drink water and eat healthy. Make sure to sit down aswell. Keep calm. :) :)
fruitydew23
September 15th, 2016 6:56pm
Medically, you may be low on sugar, so eating something with sugar in it will help. But if you are anxious about something, try taking slow, deep breaths. And if you have time, the anxiety self help guide can teach you many more methods to reduce it. ❤
DipityEnigma
November 30th, 2015 2:32pm
It depends upon what is causing your hands to shake. If it's a medical problem, I would strongly suggest going to see your GP as soon as possible. If it's just the cold, wrap up nice and warm. If it's because of things such as what you're currently thinking, try to calm yourself down by doing some breathing exercises and do things that take your mind off of the situation.
hoppingpen
August 25th, 2015 6:13pm
First off, emotional stress can make it worse- try taking a deep breath to calm and center yourself. Pick up things with both hands, brace your wrists or forearms against something, especially when you're trying to write. Staying hydrated and nourished can also help with this problem. Most of all, don't be embarassed- you can't control it and getting upset will only make it worse.
chatterbug
September 8th, 2016 8:31am
What I do when I can't stop my hands from shaking is that I curl my toes and think of something positive, as weird as it sounds, it works!
Anonymous
March 30th, 2016 1:37am
You can try to release song tension maybe something is stressing you and you need a break at the moment right now.
Anonymous
April 15th, 2016 11:19pm
One way that I know that can help me is to tighten all of the muscles in my hands, squeeze them tight, for about 5-10 seconds. Once you've done that you may feel a slight wave of 'exhaustion' in your muscles. This wave of chemicals may help your muscles relax and not shake so much.
Anonymous
September 22nd, 2016 4:28pm
what I have found to be really helpful is taking a few deep breaths into your belly..try inhaling for 4 seconds, pause 2 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds all the air from your belly and your chest..try repeating until your hands stop shaking :)
charmingsmiles
April 2nd, 2016 2:40am
Do something that can keep your hands busy. Try purchasing a stress ball or a worry stone. These things help ease anxieties and let your hands move without shaking.
Positivecharmimgcutey
November 13th, 2015 8:50pm
Try to distract yourself,do your fav thing! if this doesn't work,for me meditation really helps me, if not that then seeking the doctor is the best option! I hope you get well soon! :) *hugs*
Power14
July 5th, 2018 9:03am
There are so many medical conditions which can make hands shake. You can see a good Physicians based on his advice work on it.If He/She finds out your issue is due to some Psychological issue in that case see a good therapist. Best Of Luck
bestKitty12
April 1st, 2016 12:44pm
Take long breaths. Make sure your hands are applying force on any solid object in front of you. Lastly always remember to calm down and not to mess up because everybody doesnt get a second chance. :)
Spreadthevibe
May 13th, 2016 10:08am
Take a deep breath and exhale out gently. Repeat this three times. Do the victory pose by raising both hands up. These exercises will balance the hormones and make one confident.
DearElle
June 5th, 2016 2:20am
I get my hands to stop shaking when I am nervous or have anxiety but knitting. I rally get carried away and before I know it its gone!
BuildYourWings
May 18th, 2017 5:00am
Shaking hands is one of the classic symptoms of stress, or anxiety - often a result of adrenaline. There is no instant fix, but the shaking will stop as your body begins to relax. It will help if you can acknowledge it's happening; remind yourself that while it's not a pleasant thing, it won't harm you, and it's not as obvious to others as it feels it could be. Fortunately, one of the most effective ways to calm yourself, is through breathing - which you do automatically, and can do anywhere, and is something I've found a great help personally. We tend to breathe high, shallow breaths when we're anxious, which makes the physical sensations feel worse, and can keep the cycle going. So, take a deep breath down into your belly, feeling it expand. As you do: Breathe in for a count of 4 Hold it for 7 Breathe out for 8 If you find that count too difficult at the time, concentrate on making the out breath longer than the in breath, and keeping your breaths even. It doesn't take too long for this breathing technique, to begin having an effect.
Anonymous
May 20th, 2017 7:46pm
I think the more you try to fight it, the more your hands will shake. Just try to accept it (I know it's easier said than done!). Get in a comfortable position and focus on your breathing. Remind yourself that it's okay and normal for your body to react to stress this way. It's annoying, but it's not permanent and it's not dangerous. If your hands shake, they shake. It's okay. It's normal. You are going to be alright!
PhoenixFoxTail
May 8th, 2016 5:40am
Keep your hands busy and don't think about it. If it's an anxiety issue, Clamp your hands over each other. Otherwise it may be the early stages of a form of Parkinsons which you should consult your doctor about.
peacefulButterfly23
October 13th, 2016 5:15pm
In order to stop your hands from shaking you can try a few methods, you can concentrate on your breathing, eliminate caffeine, check your blood sugar levels, stop smoking and practice relaxation!
Anonymous
September 22nd, 2016 2:33am
I'm sorry your hands are shaking. Sit down and take a super slow, slow, slow, deep, deep breath and then hold it in for five seconds or more. When you let it out, let your breath out slow, slow, slow, slow. Think about the blue sky, green grass in the wind, mountains in fog, calming thoughts and calming places. Close your eyes and try to see them, while breathing in and out super slowly and deeply. Count to ten very slowly. Good luck finding techniques!
Anonymous
September 28th, 2016 3:00pm
Work on relaxation techniques and de-stressing yourself. Though it could be more severe of an issue and you may need to see a doctor.