Gen Z Trend You Might Need to Add to Your Self-Care Routine

Being of the Gen X group, I have a hard time recommending a Gen Z trend…but stay with me...I’m not crazy about the terms for these practices either…BUT I like the concept! Okay, allow me to elaborate…

The first trend, mainly on TikTok, is called “bed rotting.” While not a savory term, it doesn’t mean “wasting away in bed,” as one might do if they are depressed and it’s not referring to continually sleeping…it’s staying in bed doing leisurely activities, such as “hanging out” with your significant other, watching movies, having a snack, looking at your smartphone, reading, etc. It can be for a few hours or for a few days. The concept it to stop and relax, in a safe space, while doing whatever “nothing” helps you to reset. I know, I was floored too…we always called it “lounging in bed.”

I actually did this after getting out of active domestic abuse. My friends and family worried that it might be depression, and it definitely was that and grief (a bit), BUT I felt like it helped me take time to pause and process and decompress — so it had more positive effects, I feel! It’s when Gen Z (or anyone of any other generation) stays in bed and AVOIDS their responsibilities, that problems start. Doing it to relax and even save money (because you have none), is perfectly acceptable. I just wish there was different name/terminology for it…also, risks can include depression, disturbed sleep schedules, body odor (from not bathing), lethargy, lack of exercise…so use it SPARINGLY!

The next Gen Z trend is called “everything showers.” What they are, basically, are extended showers….sometimes for an hour or two. I think this is a bit excessive, being of the Gen X populous, but I understand the need for longer showers, such as being depressed or needing longer to care for your hygiene. I have certain “maintenance” that I have to do involving body hair, so then that shower can be a 20 or 30 minute shower, but my showers generally last 10 minutes or less. If I took a 1 to 2 hour shower, I would turn into a pruney person! I would also run out of hot water (and my boyfriend would be angry) AND run up a huge water bill. I cannot, in good conscience do that, but I get the concept. We always had luxury baths, the Gen Xers, but Gen Z prefers showers. It’s another practice of slowing down and unwinding, which we should all do more of in this fast-paced world. I think I’ll stick to my spa baths once every week or two, which accomplishes much the same thing with A LOT LESS water wastage.

I guess the whole preface of my blog post is this: find MORE time for self-care, but do it on your terms. Gen Z certainly is! Take care of YOU because no one else ultimately will! <3