Embracing the Fun: Why Every Researcher Needs a Desk Toy

If we popped into any university research lab around the world, we would expect to see some serious equipment: microscopes, 3D printers, complex computing setups. But take a closer look at the individual workspace, and we might be surprised by what else we find. Tucked between scientific papers and lab notebooks, we will often spot a small, colourful anomaly: a desk toy. From soft toys of Kity Cat, Dogs, Minions, Bear, Panda, LEGO minifigures striking a pose to stress balls shaped like capsules and tablets or tiny rubber ducks overseeing experiments, these are not just clutter. For many of us in the demanding world of academia, they are an essential part of our PhD survival kit. Why are these playful items so important? Because of,

The Instant Mental Reset

Research at New York University,  Polytechnic School of Engineering, suggests that certain hand movements and physical fiddling can improve focus and spark creative thinking (1). Taking a couple of minutes to arrange a LEGO scene, squeezing a stress ball or just glancing at a goofy Minion breaks the cycle of intense focus. It is a tiny, immediate distraction that helps us reset, much like rebooting a computer. When we return to our task, we often find a fresh perspective or renewed energy.

A Reminder Not to Take Everything So Seriously

Academia can be intense. Experiments fail, papers get rejected, and progress can feel painfully slow. In these moments, it is easy to get bogged down by frustration and self-doubt. Injecting humour into our workspace helps. According to the Mayo Clinic, laughter activates and then relieves our stress response, increasing and then decreasing heart rate and blood pressure, and it can soothe tension by stimulating circulation and relaxing our muscles (2). That little rubber duck is not judging our failed gel; Minion is not demanding perfect prose. They remind us to find joy and humor, even amidst the pressures of research.

Touch of Personality (and Sanity)

Laboratories can feel impersonal, especially in shared open-plan spaces. Personalising a small corner of our desk with toys or trinkets can have psychological benefits. A study reported by the Association for Psychological Science found that personal items such as photos and knick-knacks give workers a greater sense of ownership and control over their space, which may buffer against the negative effects of low privacy (3). The same article notes that employees who decorated their low-privacy workspaces reported lower levels of emotional exhaustion than those in generic, undecorated spaces. The miniature dinosaur or bobblehead becomes more than a toy; it may be a symbol of identity and stability during deadlines and data.

So, the next time, if we see a lab mate’s desk adorned with a tiny dinosaur or a bobblehead, do not dismiss it as childish. Recognize it for what it truly is: a small, powerful tool for mental well-being, creativity and resilience in the fascinating, challenging world of scientific discovery.

What is your go-to desk toy? Share your favorite ways to bring a bit of fun into your workspace in the comments below!

By Rutuja Nandlal Meshram

References

1. PR M. WSJ: Your Desktop Toys Should Be Taken Seriously The Wall Street Journal [Internet]. March 2, 2015 4:54 pm ET. Available from: https://marinopr.com/post/wsj-get-creative-at-your-desk-with-a-little-playtime.

2. Clinic M. Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke Sept. 22, 2023. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456.

3. APS. Being Able to Personalize Your Workspace May Have Psychological Benefits – Association for Psychological ScienceDecember 16, 2014. Available from: https://www.psychologicalscience.org/news/minds-business/being-able-to-personalize-your-workspace-may-have-psychological-benefits.html.