Bed rotting: The new self-care TikTok trend
Self-care looks different for everyone. But for Gen Z students who have made scrolling on social media an essential part of their week, “bed rotting” has become a familiar form of self-care. And now, #bedrotting is trending on TikTok.
With #bedrotting amassing over 6.9 million views, it’s safe to say that this “trend” existed far before it had a name. According to TikToker Vanessa Hill, “Bed rotting is when you do literally nothing but lay in bed.” Picture a day when you cozy up with a blanket, your phone (or another device!), and a snack, and choose to just spend the day in bed.
Bed rotting has pros and cons, especially since it’s all too easy for 30 minutes of relaxing in bed to turn into a few hours or even all day. It may not be the healthiest, long-term form of self-care for students, but in moderation, it’s an easy way to give yourself a break from responsibilities and the need to be productive.
Despite its potential cons, emotional health and self-care practices are core values for many students, so keep reading to find out more about this trending term.
The roots of “bed rotting”
While some people argue that bed rotting is a form of self-care because it gives you the chance to zone out, relax, recharge, and rest, others are worried about it being a “toxic form of self-care” since it involves little social interaction or movement.
Dr. Jessica Gold, a college psychiatrist, shares that “bed rotting is similar to having a lazy day, but it’s “more of an immobile term, with less activity.”
@drjessigold I learned about folks #coping by being #inbedrotting …here are some thoughts #mentalhealth #burnout #sleep #stress
Whether or not you think bed rotting is a positive or negative act of self-care, students are sharing their thoughts on bed rotting in the comments of these viral videos. For many students, their beds are a safe space where they can rest, read a book, or scroll on their devices.
Why is “bed rotting” appealing to students?
In an “ask teens” interview with twenty-nine students, Abbey Maxbauer asked teens around the world what their relationship with their room was like. Here’s what they said:
- “Coming back from school in the afternoon. Feeling lazy and tired after a long day and knowing that your bed is right there is the best feeling.” —Ines, 17, Madrid
- “I spend the most time in my room when I’m feeling sad or other emotions that I feel can’t be expressed in public. My room is my safe space where I can let all my emotions out.” —Jane, 18, Toronto
- “Reading, TikTok, and homework.” —Sophie, 14, Greenwich, CT
Since students’ rooms and beds are safe places for them to decompress, it makes sense that the bed rotting trend has gone viral.
TSI’s Take
While having a relaxing, do-nothing day is a valid way to prioritize well-being, we can also empower students to strike a balance between passive self-care like bed rotting, and active self-care like journaling or exercising. We have to remind our students that bed rotting is okay in moderation, but that too much of it could lead to isolation or other negative emotions. At the same time, students should be mindful of their time on tech while bed rotting, whether they’re watching Netflix or scrolling on social media. Encourage your students to set a screen-time limit on the apps they most frequently use when they’re resting in bed! This way, their devices will give them a friendly reminder that it’s time to do something else.
Educators, and adults in general, may find it challenging to see the value of “bed rotting” without assuming students are using it as an excuse to be “lazy.” But bed rotting truly is a chance for your students to take a beat, do something they love like watch a TV show or read, and take care of their well-being.
Right now, during the summer months, students have even more free time to relax and “rot in bed,” which means the transition to the upcoming school year may be a difficult one as they will need to reduce the amount of time they spend participating in this self-care trend.
You can help your students transition from bed rotting to other positive self-care acts during the school year by sharing this list of self-care ideas with them, or challenging them to complete one act of self-care per week outside of the classroom and out of their beds! When you take the time to encourage healthy conversations about self-care practices in your classroom, you’re going the extra mile to show your students that their mental health and well-being are just as important as their test scores or grades.
Looking for a guide to help your students balance social media and tech as they transition from summer to the school year? Look no further, we’ve got you covered.
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