Experts Warn: This ‘Lazy Day’ Trend Could Be Harming Your Health

What Is Bed Rotting?

Though the term "bed rotting" might be new, the action behind it has been around for a very long time. "Bed rotting" is a Gen Z slang term made popular on TikTok. Like the term implies, a person lies around in bed for a good part of the day doing nothing except zoning out with the TV or their phone and eating snacks.

We used to call it being a "couch potato," which, in my opinion, is a much nicer term than bed rotting. I get CSI flashbacks every time I hear it. Still, many people use bed rotting as a way of turning off their minds and relaxing, escaping the demands of the world.

My Couch Potato Era

I can assure you that I did plenty of bed rotting in my early 20s. Near the end of college and for a few years before I landed my first career job, I bartended. The money was fantastic, so I only had to work three nights a week to pay my bills.

I knew I didn’t want to bartend forever, but it was a great transitional gig that kept me afloat and gave me a break from the previous 18 years of nonstop school and work. I knew full well that I had 40+ years of full-time employment ahead of me, so those couple of years of taking it easy were invaluable.

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Too Much Free Time Can Turn Into Bed Time

The problem was, when you only work about 20 to 25 hours a week, and you don’t have a family or home to care for, you end up with a lot of free time on your hands.

I spent a lot of time at the pool and hanging out with friends, but even that didn’t fill up my days. I didn't have a lot of extra income to throw around so I couldn't spend that time shopping or doing fun things that I knew cost a lot of money. So, I spent a good amount of time just watching TV and doing nothing.

I only had three channels and smartphones weren’t really a thing yet, so when I finally splurged on the $18.99 basic cable package that included Law & Order: SVU reruns, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven.

Now, with unlimited streaming options, superior programming, and algorithms designed to keep us scrolling, taking a little “me time” can easily morph into hours of uninterrupted viewing.

In My 'Who Has Time for Bed?' Era

My bed-rotting days didn’t last forever. It wasn’t long before I got married to a man with children and then had one of my own. Staying in bed a moment past 6 a.m. was pretty much impossible. And if I wanted to sit and watch a show, I’d better be multitasking with laundry or some other chore that allowed me to sit for a bit.

I still remember when the second season of Stranger Things came out. I loved it so much that I took a vacation day from work, dropped my daughter off at daycare, and spent the entire day in bed watching those kids battle it out with the Upside Down.

I'm so incredibly busy now that that one day still stands out as one of my favorite vacation days I’ve taken at this job, and I’ve been here for 14 years.

Is Bed Rotting Bad For You?

Couch potatoing, like most things, has its pros and cons.

In a world where society values busyness, work, and the almighty dollar, lying around for a few hours and being unproductive can seem like laziness. But according to a report by Health.com, couch potatoing can actually calm the body and reduce stress, if done in small doses.

As a society, we are really stressed out and need tangible ways to relax. One study found that relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, relaxation imagery, autogenic training, and applied relaxation were highly effective in treating anxiety, especially in younger people.

When Bed Rotting Makes Things Worse

The problem is, a lot of people use bed rotting to escape, but the content they consume while doing it can make things worse. Watching certain shows or spending hours on social media can actually increase anxiety and overstimulate the brain.

According to Health.com, excessive bed rotting can also lead to anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. On the physical side, it can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, which increases the risk of cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline.

How to Avoid Bed Rotting

If you feel like you’re falling into a bed rotting rut, here are a few things that can help you break the habit:

1. Try Relaxing, Mind-Engaging Activities

Instead of defaulting to passive screen time, do something that engages your brain while still being restful. Try reading, drawing, painting, journaling, yoga, or even doing a puzzle.

2. Set Time Limits

Most smartphones allow you to set screen time limits or daily app usage caps. Use them to hold yourself accountable when relaxing turns into numbing out.

3. Make Screen Time Active

Only allow yourself to watch your favorite shows while walking on a treadmill, doing light stretching, or tackling a household chore like folding laundry.

4. Don’t Make It a Daily Habit

Even if bed rotting feels harmless, doing it every day can slowly eat away at your mental and physical health. Keep it as an occasional treat, not a lifestyle.

Couch Potato in Moderation

Just like anything else, bed rotting has its place, in moderation. Sometimes your brain and body need a little downtime, and that’s okay. But when zoning out starts to become your default setting, it’s time to check in and try something different.

Your future self will thank you.

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