Experts Reveal The Psychological Reason Why People Can't Stop Shaking Their Legs

There’s actually a psychological explanation behind why some people constantly shake their legs, no matter where they are or what they’re doing.

We’ve all sat next to someone in a café, on a train, or maybe even at the office, who won’t stop bouncing their leg up and down. Sometimes it even rattles the table and makes drinks spill, which can be pretty distracting. You might also have a friend who does it all the time without even realizing.

And for many, it’s not just other people. You may catch yourself doing it too, tapping away under the desk during work until your knee feels sore from knocking it against the table.

Regardless of who’s doing it or when, there are a few common explanations for the habit, and most of them are linked to psychology rather than anything physical.

The good news is that it’s usually harmless. Aside from tired muscles or the occasional bruise from banging into the table, leg shaking doesn’t tend to cause lasting damage.

Some people may not even realise they're doing it Getty Stock Image

Psychological reasons behind leg shaking

According to BetterHelp, one simple reason is boredom. The body is basically signaling that it isn’t getting enough stimulation, so the legs move to release some of that restlessness.

The online therapy service also points out that leg shaking can happen unconsciously when someone is deeply focused on a task. It becomes a sort of background habit the brain doesn’t even register.

Another major reason is anxiety. When the body has extra nervous energy to release, the legs start moving as a subtle way to let that tension out without making a scene.

Counselling Directory member Dawn Templeton once explained this idea to Metro, saying: "When we are stressed or feeling anxious, our bodies prepare us to fight the stress, or run away from it, known as the 'fight or flight' response."

When the body prepares for stress, muscles naturally tense up, which creates extra energy that needs to be released somehow. Since anxiety tricks the body into thinking it’s in danger, people who spend a lot of time sitting often find themselves jiggling their legs to cope with it.

Clinical psychologist Catherine Huckle added: "It's essentially our body getting ready to deal with an anticipated threat,"

Your leg shaker mate might be anxious Getty Stock Image

Ways to help stop shaking legs

If leg shaking isn’t tied to an actual medical condition, there are several techniques that can help manage it.

BetterHelp suggests experimenting with different ways to stay stimulated, like doodling on paper, chewing gum, playing with a fidget toy, or even jotting down notes. These activities can give your body another outlet for that extra energy.

It also recommends looking at the bigger picture—addressing your emotions, making sure you’re getting proper rest, practicing yoga or meditation, and even seeking therapy if the habit feels tied to deeper stress or anxiety.

Another practical option is exercise. Adding more physical activity into your daily routine can burn off the energy that might otherwise show up as constant tapping or shaking.

At the end of the day, if leg shaking is mainly caused by boredom, focus, or anxiety, it isn’t dangerous in itself. The only downside is that it might annoy the people sitting nearby when the table keeps shaking.

Other reasons for leg shaking

There’s also the possibility that repetitive leg movements could be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Issues like nerve or brain damage, restless leg syndrome (RLS), Parkinson’s disease, or even thyroid disorders can sometimes be connected to this behavior.

If the movement feels uncontrollable or constant, it’s best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional to rule out any medical causes.