Reframing Gen Z’s ‘Bed Rotting’: An Excuse for Laziness, or Radical Self-Care?

In the ever-changing Gen Z landscape, an unusual term has taken centerstage on TikTok – bed rotting. With more than 305 million views, the phrase might bring out a chuckle, but it’s far from being gross.

The term simply means spending the whole day in bed, a habit that has been here for ages. But it recently has been looked at as a way of “self-care.”

Bed rotting is nothing new but rather an old practice in a fresh wrap. The idea of whole-day lounging comes with binge-watching, food delivery, and non-stop napping. Sounds great, eh?

College students and young professionals are pretty familiar with this habit. They are the ones often daunted by the hustle and bustle of life in this modern era.

‘Bed rotting’ Gen Z is destroying their future: ‘Never be at home’ https://t.co/f91G0rqaOg pic.twitter.com/lTywTHFwvb

— New York Post (@nypost) May 30, 2023

Distressed Gen Zs

Surprisingly, a Fast Company report said that the rebranding of bed rotting as ‘self-care’ makes it much more different.

Beneath the wide umbrella of wellness habits, some see it as less counterproductive, a lazy practice, and more like a reset button. However, this shift in perspective has caused raised eyebrows  from older generations, which see it as an act of laziness.

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Several surveys and interviews by McKinsey show that Gen Z has the least positive view of life than older generations.

Gen Zs are the ones most affected by unemployment, job loss, and educational struggles due to remote learning. The pandemic has taken a toll on this generation.

@elizza_ro

I love my bed more then myself #fypシ

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Gen Z’s Outlook on Bed Rotting

Many criticize Gen Zs as “lazy and entitled,” but they have a different perspective on this practice. As a generation who labels everything, names candid descriptions of their experiences and shares them on social media, Gen Z has much to say about this term other than being lazy. Bed rotting for them isn’t just a mere day off; it’s self-care and their way of recharging without guilt.

The Possible Pitfalls of Bed Rotting

However, the question is whether bed rotting as ‘self-care’ might be too much. Normally, a day in bed is often seen as a sign of underlying issues.

These signs of problems include possible exhaustion, hangover, or depression. Due to this, normalizing bed rotting sparks concerns about possibly encouraging unhealthy coping methods.

Nathalie Savell, a Baltimore holistic psychotherapist and nature therapy facilitator, shares the same sentiment. She says, “People think they’re helping themselves because a stressed brain just wants to shut down.”

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Savell added, “but what it actually needs is healthy types of stimulation and rest.”\

Alternatives to Bed Rotting

If bed rotting is not the best way to do self-care, then what is? Savell advises searching for balance through nature exposure, disconnection from the digital worlds, and even crying.

These habits can give long-term benefits than hiding under the sheets with smartphone in hand. While many Gen Zs embrace the idea and find it desirable, it’s important to remember that it’s not a healthy coping process.

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