How to unlock the joy of bed-rotting

What is a perfect day? The old timers may say it’s when the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the sea is glistening and other joyous things that end in ‘ing’ are well, happening. But as any normie in the real world would attest, this is not only rare but also untrue. What’s actually perfect is when you slip into bed and discover that holy position where you can scroll on Twitter ‘till your eyes water, without a care about the phone dying.

It’s that orgasmic zing you feel when your sweaty summer feet touch the soft sheets and the comforter smells a little like watermelons and tropical gardens (or whatever else the fabric softener promised). And the laptop is perched on a pillow at optimum height ensuring you don’t have to arch your neck when you rewatch Fleabag, Sex Education or You. There’s also a scented candle and a gorgeous book within arms reach, just in case you decide that’s the mood.

If this soothing picture makes your heart race – craving, wanting, needing more – then TikTok’s new self care trend, bed rotting, is just for you. The rules are simple, get in bed, get comfy and chill. That’s all. There’s no space for guilt or shame or notifs reminding you to reply to that friend from weeks ago. There’s no time limit and especially no scary P words (plans, productivity, pressure ew). In case you “don’t even have a plan”, you’re on the right track.

And you’re hardly alone. The hashtag #InBedRotting has over 4.4 million views on TikTok with thousands of creators vouching for its healing powers. The trend began at the tail end of 2022 when TikTokker @g0bra77y asked "Who tf actually likes rotting away in their bed," before pointing at herself. This video now has 1.4 million views and a whole wellness movement behind it. For context, if goblin mode was last year’s “don’t care” version of seeking rest, bed rotting is this year’s mindful “do care” iteration.

In case you need some extra shut eye, time to marathon a reality show, doom scroll, read, meditate, journal or just be, go ahead, bed rotters encourage it all. To help you on your way, we’ve curated a list full of beautiful and calming things to get you started (or restarted) on this journey. There’s feel-good stuff for the bed, the skin, the vibes and for the rest-loving soul.

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