It might sound like a teenage hangover cure, but top docs insist it’s most popular among the conscientious for the numerous perks it offers our health and wellbeing.
‘Bed rotting’, is a relatively new term used to describe lounging in bed during one’s free time—and surprisingly—it’s encouraged by doctors (no, your eyes deceive you).
“Bed rotting appears to be more common in those with busy schedules who want to recharge and unwind,” explains psychologist, Dr Ree Langham from Impulse Therapy:
“The trend is gaining popularity with those who feel like they need to prioritize self-care and find that resting in bed is a great way to self-nurture while looking after their physical and mental needs.”
Bed rotting = self-care
People from every age group can reap the rewards of ‘bed rotting’, and while it’s ideal for those recovering from illness or injury—you certainly don’t have to be unwell or busy to benefit from it.
“The benefits are universal,” continues Dr Ree Langham. “For starters, we can’t deny that being in bed is comfy. It provides us with a familiar and safe space to recharge and destress.”
Plus, relaxing in bed—alone—offers a chance to focus on self-wellbeing, which is a great way to find solace in our ever-digital and increasingly busy world.
But, striking the right balance is essential
This trend has sparked discourse on whether rotting in bed is ‘self-care’, or on the contrary, an unhealthy habit that’s possibly even a sign of mental health and sleep issues.
“Bed rotting in itself isn’t dangerous,” says Dr Ree Langham. “Downtime and relaxation are important for mental and physical health. But, you do need to consider other aspects of your life like physical exercise, social activity, and responsibilities.
Staying in bed for prolonged periods can have an impact on your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular fitness. It can even increase the risk of blood clots developing. Not moving regularly can also lead to weight gain.
“Spending too much time in bed can also lead to feelings of isolation—even anxiety and depression. Not to mention that it can cause havoc to your daily routine. It’s important to set boundaries to ensure that your bed rotting doesn’t get in the way of your health or time with loved ones.”
Bed rotting: our top tips
If you’ve decided to take a rot once in a while, bear these tips in mind for a peaceful night’s sleep and energized post-rot peak.
- Never choose bed rotting over daily activities. This can lead to depression and isolation.
- Set boundaries…and an alarm if you’re prone to oversleeping.
- Prioritize time for physical activity and socializing.
- Try not to invite electronic devices into your bed.
- Try meditation, coloring, or breathing exercises during your bed rotting time.
- If you feel as if your mental health has become dependent on bed rotting, speak to a medical professional.
