Do you find yourself lying in your bed for long periods of time, and not just for sleep? You could be bed rotting.
Bed rotting is a new trend that’s all over TikTok that involves staying in bed for long stretches of time to do passive activities. As you’ve probably guessed, that’s not always a good thing.
Here are a few signs that signal you could be bed rotting and what to do about it.
- You find yourself scrolling on TikTok endlessly on your phone or binge watching Netflix episodes for hours on end while lying in your bed. While it’s good to unwind every once in a while, if it gets to a point that you’re doing this nonstop for multiple days - if not weeks - then it’s definitely not healthy for you physically or mentally.
- You are finding it difficult - if not impossible - to find the energy to get out of bed to do simple mundane tasks. While laziness is a basic human condition, it does become concerning when you’re finding it a pattern of behavior to be glued to your bed for long periods rather than doing simple everyday things.
Now that we’ve covered some of the signs, now let’s cover what you should be doing about it.
1. Get out of bed
While it’s pretty self-explanatory, the fact is you need to force yourself out of your bed to get out of this bed rotting ‘funk’ that you’re in. The best way out is to engage in some physical movement or exercise. For instance, go for a walk around the block or go to the gym. Getting some sun and doing some basic movements is extremely helpful.
2. Take a shower
Taking a nice warm shower makes you feel better and helps you get out of the bed rotting headspace you’re in.
3. Call up a friend
Go grab a coffee with your buddy. Going out to interact and socialize with others fulfills that need for connection that every human being has.
4. Clean your space
Do you ever find yourself feeling better after cleaning your home? Use the momentum of cleaning - and all of its aded benefits - to help you get out of bed.
How 'Bed Rotting' Impacts Sleep
The trouble with bed rotting is that it can impact your overall sleep quality. When you lounge too much in bed, your brain may associate your bed with things other than sleep, leading to sleep disruption. That’s why it is best to find a comfortable spot outside of the bedroom to do things like watching TV or scrolling on your phone, then go to bed when you are ready to sleep.
Develop a Regular Workout Routine
A great way to break out of the bed rotting cycle is to instill a regular workout routine so that you are moving your body frequently and staying healthy.
The key to maintaining a good workout regimen is to engage in physical exercises that you truly enjoy, such as dance, yoga, crossfit, biking, pilates, etc. Connect with the type of workout that you love to do - and it definitely doesn’t need to be intense or vigorous to have the added benefits.
Once you have your workout routine down packed, make sure to stick to it consistently and build it into your routine. It needs to make sense with your personal schedule. Also, if you’re someone who likes to workout with others, then make sure to invite your friends or join a group that’s already doing those types of exercises. Other people can help you stay accountable for your health and fitness journey and keep you accountable.
How to Bed Rot Safely
If you are someone who wants to lounge in your bed every once in a while, then just make sure you’re doing so in a safe way. A great way to do this is by setting a time limit. For instance, put a timer on your phone for a short amount of time (like 1-2 hours).
Another important thing is to check in with yourself on how you’re feeling following the bed rotting. Are you more recharged or are you just feeling more anxious, stressed or depressed? Check in with your mental health and if you need to be implementing better, more beneficial self care methods such as exercise, socializing, going for a nice long walk, and so on.
Remember: you’re absolutely allowed to prioritize self-care. However, it’s still important to be aware of the types of self-care methods you’re engaging in and whether or not they’re helping or hurting yourself in the long run.
Polysleep Takeaway
If you found that you’ve been bed rotting, don’t beat yourself up about it. Bed rotting is something to be on the lookout for if you’re spending more time than usual in your bed during the daytime. You know you best - so if it feels like you’re lying in bed for way too long, then check in with yourself, make mental note of it, and figure out what you could be truly needing.
If you notice you have a problem, then make sure to address it by trying any one of the tips above. Make sure you’re staying fit and healthy with regular exercise and that you’re meeting all of your physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
