Have you ever found yourself wandering around the house during a phone call?
Maybe you start off sitting, but within seconds, you’re circling the couch, strolling the hallway, or pacing around your kitchen.
I used to think it was just me—that I simply couldn’t sit still for more than a minute while on the phone.
Then I started noticing how many other people do the exact same thing.
Turns out, pacing during a call can reveal interesting quirks about your personality.
It’s not just about burning off energy or trying to get steps in.
It’s also about how your brain processes information, copes with stress, and engages in conversation.
Below are nine distinct traits often found in those of us who just can’t help but wander while chatting away.
Let’s jump right in.
1. They have restless energy
People who pace on the phone usually have a surplus of physical and mental energy.
Sitting still feels stifling, especially when there’s a problem to solve or an exciting conversation underway.
This restlessness can be a double-edged sword:
It propels you to stay busy and productive, but sometimes it can make relaxation a challenge.
From what I’ve read in Daniel Goleman’s work, movement can sharpen focus and stimulate creativity.
So if you find yourself pacing, it might mean you naturally channel your energy into motion whenever your mind is active.
2. They process information kinetically
For many folks, pacing actually boosts comprehension.
It’s a form of “kinesthetic learning,” where physical movement helps lock in what’s being said or thought about.
I’ve seen friends who swear they think better on their feet.
If they’re stuck on a challenging issue, they’ll circle the room as they talk it out.
It’s like each step helps them untangle their thoughts.
“As Alan Watts once said, ‘The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.’”
In a similar way, pacing keeps you engaged, helping you flow with the conversation rather than fight it.
3. They’re often high-energy communicators
If you pace around while talking, chances are you’re animated in how you speak.
You might use bold gestures, shift your tone frequently, and ask tons of questions.
Whenever I see someone on a call, practically doing laps around the living room, they’re usually the most lively person in group meetings too.
It’s like your body language can’t help but match the enthusiasm in your voice.
The upside? You’re memorable.
People sense your passion—it’s not just in your words, but in your every move.
If there’s a downside, it might be overwhelming for calmer folks who prefer a more subdued style.
4. They’re easily bored by routine
Let’s face it: repetitive calls can feel like a snooze-fest.
And if you’re pacing, you might also be the type who gets bored quickly by predictable tasks or never-ending meetings.
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m definitely the type who thrives on variety.
If a call drags on, I start walking around just to keep my brain stimulated.
This trait can spark creativity and spontaneity, but it’s worth remembering that some level of routine is necessary for real progress.
Balance is key—mixing in a healthy dose of novelty while still respecting the importance of structure.
5. They’re deeply reflective
At first glance, pacing might seem like restlessness.
But it can also be a way of giving yourself space to think more deeply.
When I’m diving into a big issue, movement feels like an outlet for all the mental chatter going on.
I’ll circle the room, asking myself questions out loud, almost as if each step unlocks a new layer of insight.
As Marcus Aurelius noted, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”
Sometimes, physical action is precisely what helps you overcome mental barriers and get to the heart of a conversation.
6. They’re adaptable under pressure
Have you ever noticed you pace more when a call is critical—like a job interview or an important negotiation?
That surge of adrenaline has to go somewhere, and walking it off can help you think clearly.
If you pace under pressure, you’re less likely to freeze.
Instead, you adapt quickly, almost using the movement to channel your nervous energy into productive thought.
It reminds me of a principle I’ve seen in several self-development books:
Action—no matter how small—can reduce anxiety.
In this case, pacing is your small action that helps you stay calm and alert.
7. They’re often multitaskers
Some people who pace aren’t just walking around aimlessly.
They’re straightening books, checking emails, or scribbling notes at the same time.
This reflects a mind that likes multiple streams of input.
Rather than being overwhelmed, you might find it refreshing to juggle more than one thing at once.
Of course, you have to be careful not to overdo it.
Multitasking can lead to scattered attention if you’re not disciplined.
But if you pace and multitask effectively, you’re probably efficient at handling various tasks on the go.
8. They’re inclined to think out loud
You might notice that “pacing people” also tend to talk through their ideas, almost brainstorming aloud.
It’s like the conversation is happening both in your head and outside it, all at once.
This habit can make you an excellent collaborator.
You share your thought process openly, which encourages feedback and new perspectives.
Yet it’s worth noting that thinking out loud can consume a lot of airtime.
Be sure to pause and check whether the other person wants to chime in, or if they need a moment to absorb what you’re saying.
9. They’re excellent listeners—when they remember to pause
Despite being dynamic talkers, many people who pace are also sharp listeners.
The movement keeps them engaged and helps them pick up on nuances in the conversation.
“As Epictetus once said, ‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.’”
Sometimes the challenge is remembering to pause and really hear what’s being said.
When you do pause, you’re often attuned to tonal shifts and subtle cues—like a catch in someone’s voice or a change in their tempo.
That heightened perception can make you a highly empathetic listener.
Rounding things off
Pacing on the phone isn’t just a random quirk—it’s a window into how you handle energy, stress, and communication.
Whether it’s kinetic learning, a need for novelty, or the desire to think out loud, there’s a good chance it speaks to deeper parts of your personality.
And the best part?
Once you understand why you do it, you can use this trait to your advantage.
Let your movement fuel creativity rather than detract from focus.
Give yourself permission to pace, but also remember to slow down and really listen.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about taking steps—it’s about taking meaningful strides in how you connect with others and understand yourself.
