Is "bed rotting" really self-care?

To rot or not to rot. ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ ͏   ­ [Healthline]( [Wellness Wire]( In a Nutshell “Bed rotting,” a recent TikTok trend where people lie in bed *all day* in the name of self-care, has gained over 160 million views. As an introvert who loves to recharge at home, this sounds amazing. But according to experts, bed rotting can do a lot more harm than good (darn). Read about the potential side effects below. Before you scroll down, check out some of these new stories I think you’ll like: • [10 tips for how to advocate for yourself at the doctor]( • [Chair yoga poses for older adults]( • [These discount cards can save millions in out-of-pocket costs]( Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline Written by Morgan Mandriota September 15, 2023 • 2.5 min read [Too much of a “good” thing?]( what’s got us buzzing [Too much of a “good” thing?]( 🛌 What is bed rotting? [This trend]( is all about prolonged periods of bed rest that can last up to multiple days. Think: A few days of watching your favorite Netflix shows, eating yummy takeout, and scrolling on social media for hours, all from the comfort of bed. Sounds lovely, right? Not quite … ⚠️ ️Potential side effects. The occasional lazy day isn’t the end of the world, but bed rotting is very different. Despite being touted as a form of self-care by people like you and me, health experts say it can harm your physical and mental health. For starters, it could actually contribute to depression –– or make [depressive symptoms]( worse. Other risks include increased feelings of loneliness or anxiety, sleep disorders, muscle weakness, and blood circulation issues. 💚 Better ways to “do nothing.” If you’re dead set on rotting in bed, licensed professional counselor Helene D’Jay, MS, says 1–2 days of bed rest might be acceptable, if no other physical or psychological issues exist. Otherwise, consider trying *actual* [self-care strategies]( like connecting with loved ones, moving your body, limiting social media use, and spending time in nature ([grass rotting]( > bed rotting). Great finds Did someone say heated vibrating massage? [Homedics Elite 3D Shiatsu & Vibration Massage Pillow with Heat]( [Homedics Elite 3D Shiatsu & Vibration Massage Pillow with Heat]( [Shiatsu massage]( is great for people who want to relax and relieve pain, stress, or tension. Skip the expensive spa day and treat yourself with this heated shiatsu massage and vibration pillow! Its rotating heads and multiple vibrating nodes are helpful for those hard-to-reach spots. It’s also portable, so you can use it at home, in the office, or even in the car –– making it a solid self-care practice wherever and whenever you need it. (And yes, it’s a better option than bed rotting.) Get $20 off your massage pillow below! [Buy now]( Every product we recommend has gone through [Healthline's vetting process](. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. health stories you need What we’re reading next [] 👀 [Visual symptoms of hypothyroidism.]( Did you know that one way to tell is by looking at your hands? 💩 [6 constipation mistakes to avoid.]( Don’t do these things if you want to poop more often. 😵‍💫 [Everything to know about dry eyes.]( All of your questions, including about causes and treatments, answered. 🔊 [Lessons from the Holocaust.]( Learn from the author of “Painful Joy: A Holocaust Family Memoir” on this new Inside Mental Health podcast episode. Thanks for reading! Have a happy and healthy weekend. We’ll see you again on Monday. Until next time, [healthline]( Take care of yourself, and we’ll see you again soon! [Telegram] This edition was powered by chillier weather. [fb]( [tiktok]( [insta]( [View in browser]( Did a friend send you this email? [Subscribe here.]( To see all newsletters, [click here.]( [Privacy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001