Everybody has their fidget. The leg shake, nail biting, putty, a little toy, twirling hair, and my fidget, gum chewing. I like this way of fidgeting because it keeps my mouth fresh, replaces my terrible nail biting, and helps me focus. So, I started thinking can gum scientifically help you remember and/or concentrate? 

Due to Psychology Today it has been said  that gum can improve memory, concentration, reduce stress, and maintain attention. But how? Chewing gum stimulates the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which tends to make us more alert and sharp. 

There has been many studies showing that gum chewers over non gum chewers have done better on exams most likely due to improved memory. Chewing gum also gives you something to do. For me, if I’m not chewing gum I will start to shake my leg or do something else to move my body. And my having that stimuli I’m better to listen and focus on what the direction is I am given. 

So to bring my research to Canyon Vista I asked some of my friends and previous teachers at school what their thoughts were about gum. 

“I think gum helps students focus but when people smack it really frustrates me. It also keeps me from being too hungry throughout the day, ” Campbell Hardin (8) said. 

To agree with Hardin, 

“Gum helps me focus on the subject and it keeps my mind from wandering,” Hannah Bresser (8) said. 

Now do teachers view gum as a distraction or a useful tool? 

“Gum should be allowed at school because it has been proven to help kids focus and become better students. Chewing gum helps your memory improve and it also helps you focus while you’re studying. Chewing gum helps to relieve stress and relax,” Mrs. Davalos said. 

There are many types of ways to help concentrate and fidget but this controversial fidget has seemed to make a breakthrough from being a distraction to being a comforting habit.