Displacement activity

Displacement activity is a kind of behavior that animals (including people) do when they feel anxious, stressed, or uncomfortable. It's like a reflex – the animal doesn't think about it, they just do it automatically. Examples of displacement activity can be things like scratching, shaking, yawning, grooming (for animals) or checking your phone, shuffling papers, or tapping your foot (for people). It's like a way to release the pent-up energy or anxiety you feel inside.