This Anti-Anxiety Hack Actually Makes You Way More Anxious, Says A Therapist

Stress-relieving hacks truly run the gamut, and not every promising trick will work for everyone. Some people swear by breathwork, many love a good gratitude practice, and others might keep a calming essential oil on their person during times of overwhelm. 

Essentially, bed rotting involves lounging in bed for a long period of time. You may watch TV, scroll through your social media feeds, or read a book—but the key is to do those things alone. Bed rotting is a solo activity. 

Look, taking time for yourself is important, and there is something to be said about finding time to rest and recharge. We also totally believe that downtime, in and of itself, is productive time. 

But as Grover declares, bed rotting is not a form of “self-care,” contrary to what many adopters believe. “Any time we disengage from our surroundings like that for a great length of time is not a very healthy choice,” she says. 

I would have to agree, and I say this as someone whose bed is her ultimate sanctuary. I’m a proud Earth sign—texture is important to me, and I love being cozy. Perhaps that’s why the idea of bed rotting sounds so alluring; for many, the bedroom is a safe, peaceful space for them to recharge their social batteries. 

I’d be lying if I said I never holed myself up in my room and committed to a Netflix binge. But experts—Grover included—warn that the habit can actually damage mental health over time. 

See, we as humans are social beings, and quality social connections are crucial for a longer, healthier life. In fact, "Social connection is the greatest factor we know in longevity and happiness," says personalized medicine physician Molly Maloof, M.D., on another mindbodygreen podcast episode. Research has even shown that social isolation is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. 

Bed rotting might sound like a harmless hack, but isolating yourself from IRL social connection will not serve your health over time. Of course, a few hours of solitude won’t completely derail your well-being goals—being alone is different than feeling lonely—but try not to make bed rotting a habit, if you can.