There's A New Trend That’s Dividing Opinion… And It’s NOT For Us

It’s called ‘bed rotting’ and it’s when you choose to spend days on end in bed. It’s being described as a form of self care, an extended ‘duvet day’ if you like. It’s about spending prolonged periods of time alone in your bed to rest, recharge and focus on your needs. You eat, read, stream your favourite shows and browse online, all from the comfort of your bed. But is it a form of self care, or is it self destructive?

Here’s our take on this new trend that's taking TikTok by storm.

 

 

Choice Over Need

Firstly, let’s be clear, this is a conscious choice to stay in bed for a prolonged period, not a reaction to a physical or mental health condition. Someone living with depression or recovering from injury may struggle to get out of bed, but bed rotting is when someone makes a conscious choice to retreat to their bed for days at a time.

 

The Positives

Bed rotting has many supporters out there, especially among Gen Z, with millions of views on TikTok. There are many devotees who love the thought of taking time out of their busy schedule to embrace a slower pace of life, doing absolutely nothing for a while. Making time to recharge and reconnect with yourself can be a good thing, and something we all should probably do more of. As with most things in life, it’s about doing it in moderation.

 

Balance Is Key

We’re all for focusing on self care, and of course it’s ok to step back from the busy pace of life every now and then. But, as with all things in life, finding the right balance is key. Spending a lazy morning in bed on your day off is absolutely fine if you can do that, but if ‘bed rotting’ is the norm for you and you’re spending a lot of your free time under the covers, maybe it’s time to think about why you are isolating yourself in this way.

 

Explore The ‘Why’

Feeling the need to shut yourself away from the world could be a warning sign that you’re feeling overwhelmed and that your busy lifestyle is taking you in the wrong direction. If you feel tired all the time, mentally, physically and emotionally, you may feel more pessimistic and less motivated than you once would have been.  There are alternative ways to help you manage your feelings of overwhelm and turn things around to make the situation more manageable.

 

Maintain Your Natural Rhythm 

Staying in bed for too long can disrupt your sleep pattern and mess with your circadian rhythm, impacting on the amount and the quality of sleep you get. It’s also important to be active during the day so that you set yourself up for a good sleep and enjoy a more restful night. There’s lots going on while you sleep as your body and mind have a chance to reset, strengthening your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Find A Fresher Alternative

We’re all for focusing on self care, and of course it’s ok to step back from the busy pace of life every now and then. But there are healthier ways to do this than retreating to your bed. Fresh air and exercise, whether that’s a gentle walk or a vigorous workout, are known to make you feel better. The Benefits of Spending Time Outdoors are well documented. From lifting your mood to improving your immune system, there’s scientific evidence that proves spending time in nature is good for you.