Gen-Z Are Mad Into Bed Rotting These Days

Photo by Aljona Ovtšinnikova / Pexels

Lying in bed all day has gotten a glow-up, and it’s called bed rotting.

Haven’t heard of it? Well, if you’re a human being who lives and exists in this world, you’ve probably done it.

Bed rotting is not as disgusting as it sounds. In fact, it can be quite relaxing, comfortable, and even sometimes necessary.

To bed rot is to embrace your desires. To listen to your body. To decide to remain beneath your duvet surrounded by a variety of things (including three meals, your phone and your laptop), only emerging to go to the bathroom, or procure a fresh fork from the kitchen when your next Deliveroo is on the way.

Bed rotting is all about self-care, and we’re here for it.

Like most trends these days, bed rotting was born out of TikTok, and the abundance of people on there who are prioritising their energy levels, mental health, and desire to stay in bed all day, for a treat.

Gen Z-ers aren’t just sleeping in bed, they’re getting lots done – like catching up with friends, rewatching Gossip Girl for the fourth time, and doing a bit of reading.

They’re bed rotting because they want to, but also because they might be burnt out, tired, and simply need a rest… and they don’t want to feel guilty about it either.

@thatisangela Was wondering why downstairs was so quiet #rottinginbed #tiktokinbed #familytimefun ♬ Funny – Gold-Tiger

Nicole Hollingshead, PhD, told Health: “Our society tends to put too much emphasis [on] and, in some ways, [glorifies] being busy or productive all the time.

“This can lead to feeling burnt out and not allow us time to rest or recharge without labelling this as ‘being lazy.’”

Bed rotting, however, shouldn’t be confused with an inability to get up and face the day.

We all experience those times when we simply can’t be arsed to speak to anyone or do anything, but if your bed rotting day is turning into bed rotting days, or even a bed rotting week, it may be time to consider why lying around in isolation is your preferred method of living.

Staying in bed for multiple days at a time isn’t just recharging. In fact, it could be a sign of depression or other mental health related issues, so take note of your bed rotting habits, and ensure that they’re serving you, not hindering you.

Bed rotting should be a treat – a welcome additional to life that allows you to shut off, take a moment, and recharge before hitting up the world again.

And eating lots of snacks while lying down, obviously.

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