What is bed rotting? Understanding this TikTok trend
What's the story
Gen Z is giving "all day in bed" a mind-blowing makeover. They are geeking out over bed rotting, the newest TikTok trend that apparently champions "self-care marathon!" While it may sound like a bizarre idea to some, it will be surprising to know that this trend is being followed and practiced by millions around the world. Let us delve deep to understand the trend.
Concept
Staying home for an extended time
In simple words, bed rotting is staying home for an extended amount of time. Sometimes after a long work week, you just want to use your time in bed to rest and decompress by doing nothing constructive but just eating, scrolling your phone, reading a book, or watching movies. The idea here is to rejuvenate by resting and not taking any responsibilities.
Self-care
It is a self-care practice
Bed rotting is considered a way of self-care, especially for working employees. To keep the mind and spirit healthy one requires mental rest. And this trend caters precisely to that. However, many people misunderstand the idea. Bed rotting doesn't mean skipping work and lazing in bed all day. It has more to do with well-being and self-care. Think of it from a re-energizing perspective.
Twitter Post
Here's a tweet explaining the concept in brief
Alright Mum! Bed rotting is really a form of self-care for Gen-Z. I am not just lying on my bed all day doing nothing, I am practicing self-care. #wion #selfcare #bedrotting
— Jayanti (@bored_cheri) June 7, 2023
Trending
Garnered millions of views
Videos showcasing or promoting bed rotting reportedly have over 305 million views on social media platforms. Some people who engage in bed rotting consider it their guilty pleasure and have asserted that it is their pastime, passion, and way of life. These videos have a huge engagement in the comment section with many resonating with the idea and some others diss the idea.
Critics
It comes with health risks, warns medical professionals
Some have addressed the trend as a style of behavior that openly defies social standards by being self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or selfish. Medical professionals assert that excessive sleep or regularly practicing this trend leads to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and strokes in several significant research. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to aggravate depressive symptoms and weight gain.
Comparison
Bed rotting is a pre-existing concept
While the term 'bed rotting' is new, the concept is not. This lack of recognition has led to criticisms. Older employees may be familiar with the concept of taking an occasional day off from work to relax, but Gen Z has given the concept a self-care twist. Gen Z nomenclature seems to be all about revamping age-old concepts and redefining them for their generation.