In this age of endless trends, it seems like there’s always something new emerging.
TikTok, in particular, has become a hub for the latest memes, dances, cooking hacks, and various other peculiarities.
However, one trend called ‘bed rotting’ has caught on and gained popularity on the platform.
At first glance, the term could be interpreted in various ways.
Does it refer to neglecting to wash your sheets for weeks, allowing them to become filthy? Or perhaps it’s about failing to make your bed?
The phrase itself is quite vague.
In reality, bed rotting simply entails spending the entire day in bed, blissfully unaware of what’s happening in the outside world. It’s about cocooning yourself and pretending that the rest of the world doesn’t exist.
Given the distressing events occurring globally, such as the increasing cost of living, it’s no wonder that bed rotting has become a popular term to describe this particular activity.
However, this isn’t the first instance of people adopting a passive approach.
We’ve already witnessed the rise of ‘quiet quitting,’ where employees do the bare minimum at work to avoid losing their jobs.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with having a lazy day every now and then, indulging in excessive bed rotting could potentially indicate an underlying issue.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Washington University, Dr. Jessi Gold, took to TikTok to address common concerns surrounding bed rotting and encourage self-reflection on the reasons behind engaging in such behavior.
Dr. Gold shared, “I just learned about this term called bed rotting, and apparently, it means being so tired and stressed out that you don’t leave your bed, using it as a coping mechanism.”
“I think many of us can relate to that feeling of tiredness because stress and anxiety drain our energy. Lack of sleep due to these factors can make us tired as well. But while we do need sleep, we should question whether it is restorative or avoidant.”
“Are you sleeping because you want to escape being awake, due to stress, anxiety, or the tasks you need to accomplish? Or are you sleeping because your body genuinely needs the rest?”
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“You don’t always have to resist the temptation to bed rot, but it’s essential to ask yourself why you’re doing it.”
While a lazy day spent in bed can be a form of self-care, it’s crucial to examine the underlying motivations and ensure that it doesn’t become a means of avoidance or a symptom of a larger issue.
Understanding our behaviors and addressing any underlying causes is essential for maintaining a healthy well-being.
