When was the last time you spent most, if not all, of the day in bed? As usual, TikTok has come up with a name and created a trend out of this habit: “bed rot”. Yes, the second part of the name may seem like a negative connotation, but the phrase is quite nuanced and promotes conversation about mental health, rest and burnout. Keep scrolling to learn more about trends in mental health care, if it actually helps with mental health issues, and if it leaves people feeling good.
What is a “rotting bed”?
“Bed rot” is packaged as a form of self-care and consists of spending significant amounts of time in bed and engaging in low-energy activities such as watching TV or browsing social media, instead of normal daily activities that use significant energy. explains Brook Choulet, MD, The Performance Psychiatrist.
“These behaviors tend to overlap with symptoms of depression and burnout, as the person is often more isolated and disinterested in their normal activities during these times,” she adds.
Although the term is relatively new, the activity itself is not. “Bed rot” as a phenomenon stems from the way social media popularizes and celebrates behaviors related to self-care and rest, says Dr. Choulet.
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♬ Original Sound – Luca Martinez
“Bed rot” and its complex relationship to mental health
Dr. Choulet notes that staying in bed all day is linked to mental health and can easily lead to social isolation and physical and mental health problems if approached in an unhealthy way. He says that “bedsore” tends to overlap with symptoms of depression and burnout because the person is often alone and not following their normal routine or interests at the time.
There’s no clinical term for “bedsucking,” but it generally refers to inactivity that can result from stress and stress coping mechanisms, adds Bryan Bruno, MD, medical director of Mid City TMS Medical Center.
The allure of bedbugs is its promise of guilt-free relaxation at a time when many feel overworked and burned out, explains Kristie Tse, psychotherapist at LMHC and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling. He notes that today’s fast-paced lifestyles leave little room for taking breaks, a trend that resonates strongly with people looking for relief from the pressures of society.
“As a psychotherapist, I often see clients who feel compelled to constantly achieve and perform,” she says. “‘Bed Rots'” is about their need for a break, a moment to recharge, but we still need to be careful. What starts as self-care can easily turn into avoidance if used to escape from the underlying issues.
While rest and recovery are essential, when “bedsucking” becomes excessive and a person spends too much time in the behavior — say, several days — it can have a negative impact on mental health, says Dr. Choulet.
Experts agree that mental health risks associated with excessive “bed rot” include feelings of isolation, depression and anxiety.
How to participate in “bed rot” in a healthy way
Experts say the way to healthily engage in “bed rot” and reap the restorative benefits is to prioritize moderation and balance.
“As long as it’s not overdone, ‘bedsore’ isn’t bad for you, and can actually be beneficial when done for rest, relaxation, or even meditation,” says Dr. Bruno. “Rest is very important for mental health and it’s always very helpful to take time out to rest and catch up with your emotions.”
@lifeasraven If you’re feeling stuck, try doing these 5 things AT LEAST once and see how you feel
♬ Original Sound – LifeAsRaven
He advises that you be intentional about how you deal with “bed rot.” Set limits, such as setting aside a day or a few hours when you can fully relax without feeling guilty, but balance it with physical activity and social interactions. It’s important to remember why you’re taking the time so you don’t overdo it, she warns.
“If you set limits on how much time you spend in bed, you can achieve a good balance,” adds Dr. Choulet. “It is important for your mental and physical health to engage in regular physical and social activities. It’s also important to set boundaries around how you spend time in bed. Do you mindlessly scroll through social media or engage in thought-provoking activities like reading? You might also consider using this time to meditate.
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your doctor before proceeding with any treatment plan.
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