After a long day at work, an exhausting day of school or an emotionally challenging situation, some people seek the comfort and solace of their room by resting in bed, watching tv or reading a book.
More commonly known as “bedrotting,” this practice of recouping in bed and shutting out the outside world is a practice that has grown in popularity, especially in the realm of self-care.
But when does bedrotting become a symptom of a bigger issue, and when should you assess whether your “self-care” is truly benefitting you?
What is bedrotting?
The term “bedrotting” is a relatively new internet trend that has gained attention as people discuss self-care and mental health. It essentially refers to spending extended periods in bed, often without a specific reason other than the desire to rest, relax or escape from daily pressures. Unlike getting extra sleep, bedrotting is more about lounging in bed while awake, using the time to watch shows, scroll through social media, read or reflect.
This trend has caught on partly because people lead busy lives filled with responsibilities, workloads and social commitments. Bedrotting offers a form of reprieve where you can pause and do nothing, allowing yourself to relax fully. For some, it becomes a method of recharging mentally and physically, providing a welcome break from the chaos of everyday life.
However, it’s important to recognize that while taking time for yourself is beneficial, excessive bedrotting can have downsides. Overdoing it might lead to feelings of isolation or a lack of productivity, which can actually increase your sense of stress or anxiety. Like many self-care practices, mindfulness is key to ensuring this trend helps you, not adds to the stress you feel.
When does bedrotting become a sign of something more serious?
Bedrotting, while at times a harmless way of relaxing, can point to underlying issues like depression or burnout if certain patterns and behaviors emerge. It’s important to be mindful of the difference between healthy rest and symptoms of these mental health conditions.
Some of the following could indicate that bedrotting is actually symptomatic of depression, burnout or dissociation.
- Feeling uninterested in activities you once enjoyed and preferring staying in bed despite having things to do;
- Consistently spending long stretches of time in bed for days or weeks, instead of occasionally using spare time to reset;
- Feeling exhausted despite adequate sleep and rest can point to burnout or depression. Bedrotting in this context is often not restful, but instead a sign of overwhelming fatigue;
- Feeling hopeless, sad or anxious in addition to the desire to “rot in bed” for long periods of time;
- Using bedrotting to escape from responsibilities, social interactions or decision-making;
- Allowing the habit of bedrotting to interfere with daily obligations like work, school or even chores around the house;
- Struggling with a persistent lack of motivation to get out of bed and engage with the world, since bed becomes a retreat from overwhelming stress or emotional numbness.
It’s important to remember that everyone experiences rough patches, and occasionally needing extra rest is normal. However, if you or someone you know is consistently demonstrating these behaviors, it might be time to seek professional help. Therapists and counselors can offer support and strategies to address these underlying issues and help improve overall well-being.
How can I practice self-care without falling into prolonged bedrotting habits?
Self-care is an essential practice for maintaining physical, mental and emotional well-being. While bedrotting can sometimes offer a break, there are numerous other ways to practice self-care that can be more engaging and beneficial.
Here are ten self-care tips that don’t involve bedrotting:
1. Mindful meditation — Spend a few minutes each day practicing mindfulness or meditation. This can help reduce stress, improve focus and increase self-awareness.
2. Go outside — Take a walk in nature, go for a run, get some sun by the pool or simply sit in a park with a book. Being outdoors can elevate your mood, increase energy and provide a fresh perspective on issues you might be facing.
3. Do art — Engage in something creative like drawing, paint by number, writing or playing music. Creative pursuits can be a great outlet for emotions, plus they foster a sense of accomplishment.
4. Exercise — Incorporate regular exercise into your routine, whether it’s yoga, dancing, cycling or gym workouts. Physical activity releases endorphins, which can boost your mood and overall well-being.
5. Socialize and connect — Spend time with friends, family or join a club or group with similar interests. Positive social interactions can reduce feelings of loneliness you might be experiencing and provide support when needed.
6. Eat balanced meals — Prepare and enjoy nutritious meals full of protein, vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet can improve physical health and contribute to better mental clarity and mood stability, giving you more energy and less desire to lay in bed doing nothing.
7. Journaling — Write down your thoughts, feelings and experiences, or a daily list of what you felt gratitude towards. Journaling can help process emotions, clarify thoughts and set personal goals, as well as change your mindset as you work through various perspectives.
8. Detox from media — Take a break from screens, including social media, emails and TV, to focus on offline activities and be present in the moment. See a time limit of how much time you spend online, or take an entire day off.
9. Expand your horizons — Try a new hobby or activity by enrolling in a class, watching an educational video or reading about a new topic of interest. Continuous learning can keep your mind active and boost confidence.
Incorporating these self-care practices into your routine can help foster a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, ensuring you are taking care of your mind, body and soul.
Need more support?
IF you are concerned that your habits are trending towards unhealthy, and yet can’t seem to pull yourself out of it, Seeds of Hope is here to help. With expert mental health support, you will be able to find your way back towards balance and self care in no time. To get started today, contact Seeds of Hope by calling (610) 679-8262 or fill out an online contact for here.
