As experts and introverts continue to tout the benefits of self-care, “bed rotting” has become one of the most popular forms of recouping.
With nearly 305 million views on TikTok, “rotting” away in bed seems to be one of Generation Z’s preferred methods for self-care.
While it may sound extreme — and gross — “bed rotting” just refers to laying in bed for long amounts of time.
It doesn’t matter what you do while you’re in bed or why you’re there, as long as you’re cuddled up in bed beyond bedtime.
Some people are “bed rotting” while binge-watching Netflix, stuffing their faces with sugary snacks or simply staring at the ceiling, while others are falling a bit more into the “clean girl” aesthetic by doing face masks, sleeping on silk pillowcases and meditating in bed.
Fans claim “bed rotting” can be a great way to reclaim both physical and mental health whether people are recovering from a cold, a busy week or a nasty hangover.
While people have laid around and stayed in bed for long periods of time for years, many Gen Zers online note that “bed rotting” has to be intentional and come with no guilt or “Sunday Scaries” to really count and be regenerative.
As TikTok user @g0bra77y teased, “Who tf actually likes rotting away in their bed” — before pointing to herself in a viral video that’s been viewed 1.4 million times.
“I wish it was acceptable to tell ppl this is my hobby,” one person wrote.
”I feel my purpose in this life is to rot in dif places. my bed, hotel bed, beach sand, hammock, etc. I was made to lay and rot,” replied another.
“My favorite activity,” added one more of the reportedly relaxing routine.
Other #bedrot promoters claimed that, for them, it was a “hobby” and a “passion,” as well as a “willpower” booster and a way to bond with like-minded folks.
While the self-care and wellness industries have rapidly expanded in recent years — especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic — some critics have suggested that wellness culture has gotten a little out of hand and even a bit toxic.
Recent trends like “body checking” and “What I Eat in a Day” videos may be tumbling over the line into an unhealthy obsession with self-care and wellness routines.
