Taking Time Off Shouldn't Mean Letting Go

A recent trend I've noticed involves people discussing and embracing the concept of "rotting"—spending entire days on the couch or in bed, doing little more than consuming content. I've seen people on social media talk about how they're having a rot day and articles on the internet about the best TV shows to watch or books to read while you're rotting. (Also, I love Betches and I mean no hate to these talented and funny authors).

Upon further research, I also realized this trend has been going on for the past year, which surprised me a bit, as I thought it was newer than that. My feelings about this trend are a bit complex, so I wanted to spend some time talking about it.

Disclaimer: This is not a personal attack on anyone who has embraced the rot life, but rather a call to recognize the potential negative impacts of this trend.

Escaping Unrealistic Expectations

Any big trend, in general, can be overwhelming. It may be difficult or frustrating to feel like you need to be "that girl", and live up to the idealistic image of someone who does everything right, like working out, eating well, taking supplements, etc. It can also be difficult to keep up with whatever the next trend may be. From clean girl to grunge girl, coastal grandma to eclectic grandpa, there's always something new popping up that many people online want to jump on. Even if you aren't chronically online, these trends likely have come across your feed. And there's nothing inherently wrong with that. It's fun to try new styles, hobbies, and habits, but you don't need to hop on every bandwagon just because it's being shoved in your face. The "rot" trend does present a reality for many people. There's nothing to do other than relax. There's no unrealistic expectation to make yourself live up to when you're rotting.

The Fine Line Between Destigmatizing and Glorifying Mental Health Struggles

Here's the thing, I understand having a lazy day. And I do think it's okay, and maybe even beneficial sometimes, to have a "rot" day. (But maybe we don't have to use such a gross word.) Something about social media, Gen Z, and the current trends that I appreciate is how they are helping to destigmatize mental health topics. I think this is a really cool and important thing to do, as it makes us all realize we're more alike than we think and that we shouldn't be ashamed when we have a hard time. And I absolutely think there should be no shame in struggling. I understand what it's like to be stuck in a funk, and I won't judge anyone dealing with that struggle. The issue is, that this can sometimes turn into glorifying things like depression and rotting, rather than look for ways to break out of it.

I could certainly be making this deeper than it is, as a lot of things like this are meant to be taken with a grain of salt and a sense of humor. I've just been seeing it so much lately, that it's starting to feel a bit aggressive. If we are all promoting rot culture to this degree, are we harming our mental health and overall well-being?

Rot-Free Ways to Practice Self-Care

It's okay to take a day to just relax and do nothing, but let's look at some other options! It's not always easy to leave your home or even your bed, but it's good for you. I wanted to take a look at some self-care practices that don't involve sitting in one spot all day. So here are some ideas for self-care that don't involve "rotting":

Move Your Body:

• Take a walk or hike and get some fresh air (If you are alone, be sure to stay safe!)
• Do some stretching or yoga.
• Go to a new and exciting workout class. This can be a great way to exercise and meet new people.
• Dance to your favorite songs. Maybe even invite some friends over and have a dance party!

Connect With Others:

• Plan a game night with friends or family.
• Have a phone call or video chat with someone you haven't talked to in a while. (You can even chat on the phone while you go on a walk!)
• Volunteer at a local organization.
• Join an interest group or club where you can meet new people and share common interests.

Practice Mindfulness:

• Do some deep breathing exercises.
• Meditate or try a guided meditation.
• Spend time in nature, whether it's gardening, walking, or just sitting outside and taking in the sights and sounds.
• Write in a journal and reflect on your thoughts and feelings.

From "Rotting" to Thriving

Self-care is so important, and it can mean so many different things. Some days, you may need to sit on the couch for a while with your comfort TV show, but this shouldn't be an all-day everyday thing. I can say from personal experience that I'm in a much better place now that I am more active, keep a routine, and stay busy with fun activities than I was when I constantly wasted away bingeing The Vampire Diaries after work.

It's all about finding the right balance for each individual, as everyone has different needs and coping. If you are feeling stuck in the rot and finding it hard to do anything else, I'd recommend reaching out to a professional. You deserve to be happy and healthy. I know it isn't always easy, so this may be a good way to get you started.

While it's important to destigmatize struggles, let's not glorify them and instead support each other in finding healthier ways to cope. So let's ease up on the "rotting" trend and instead focus on taking care of ourselves in more fulfilling ways. Let's embrace self-care that nourishes our minds, bodies, and souls without falling into the trap of doing nothing all day. Remember, self-care is not just about "treating yourself", it's about practicing healthy habits that contribute to your overall well-being.

Keep in mind that I am a writer, not a mental health professional. This is more of an exploration of my thoughts and feelings on a trend that has been a little too embraced in popular culture. (IMO).

For further reading, take a look at this article where healthcare professionals discuss the benefits of winding down to avoid burnout. They explore this practice with a critical lens, examining when and how it could be damaging, and provide insights on how to practice it safely.