Month: September 2023

Popular Psychology, Taking Control of Your LIfe

Bed Rotting and Gen Z: A Trend, A Statement, or A Cry for Help?

by Torey C. Richards, LMHCLeave a Comment on Bed Rotting and Gen Z: A Trend, A Statement, or A Cry for Help?
Bed Rotting and Gen Z: A Trend, A Statement, or A Cry for Help?

Tucked away in the algorithm-driven corners of TikTok, Twitter (or should I say “X”), and Instagram, there’s a phenomenon gaining traction, especially among Gen Z: “bed rotting.” But what is it about this act that resonates so deeply with today’s youth? Is it a passing trend, a form of silent protest, or a deeper sign of the times?

Diving into Bed Rotting

For the uninitiated, bed rotting is the act of lying in bed for prolonged periods, not due to illness or physical fatigue, but often driven by emotional or mental states. While older generations might dismiss it as sheer laziness or a lack of ambition, the reality is far more nuanced.

Why Gen Z?

This generation, armed with technology from a young age, has seen the world in ways no previous generation has. From global crises to the rise of influencer culture, their worldview is unique. So, why is bed rotting becoming a “thing” among them?

  1. Overwhelm & Digital Burnout: Gen Z is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in the digital world. While this brings unparalleled connectivity, it also brings information overload, comparison culture, and a sense of never truly “switching off”.
  2. Protest Against Hustle Culture: Recently I wrote a blog post about Hustle Culture. For a generation witnessing the fallout of relentless hustle, bed rotting can be seen as an act of rebellion. A silent protest against the “always-on” mentality.
  3. Mental Health Awareness: Unlike previous generations, Gen Z is more vocal about mental health. Bed rotting can be both an expression of mental exhaustion and a plea for understanding.
  4. Isolation in Connectivity: Ironically, in an era of global connection, many feel isolated. Physical interactions have been replaced with likes, shares, and retweets. The bed becomes a safe cocoon against the paradox of feeling alone in a crowded digital space.

Beyond the Trend: Implications & Understandings

Bed rotting, whether a conscious act or subconscious retreat, has tangible implications:

  • Physical Health: Extended periods in bed can lead to health issues, from muscle weakening to sleep disturbances.
  • Mental Well-being: While it might start as a retreat, prolonged bed rotting can exacerbate feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression.

Breaking the Cycle

Understanding is the first step. If Gen Z’s bed rotting is a statement, then it’s one we should listen to. Solutions can be multi-faceted:

  1. Open Conversations: Encourage open dialogues about feelings without judgment. Sometimes, understanding the “why” can pave the way for change.
  2. Digital Detox: Encourage breaks from the online world. Rediscover offline hobbies and passions.
  3. Redefine Success: Challenge the traditional narratives of success and achievement. It’s okay to have days of rest and reflection.
  4. Professional Help: If bed rotting becomes chronic, consider seeking therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion

For Gen Z, bed rotting isn’t just a trend; it’s a statement. It’s an embodiment of their experiences in a world that’s both incredibly connected and profoundly isolating. Recognizing it as such allows us to approach the phenomenon with empathy, offering support and understanding rather than judgment.

Popular Psychology, Taking Control of Your LIfe

Hustle Culture: The Glorification of Burnout and the Quest for Balance

by Torey C. Richards, LMHC1 Comment on Hustle Culture: The Glorification of Burnout and the Quest for Balance
Hustle Culture: The Glorification of Burnout and the Quest for Balance

The saying goes, “Rise and grind.” Every day, social media feeds are flooded with motivational quotes urging us to hustle harder, push further, and never rest until our dreams are realized. Welcome to the era of “Hustle Culture” – a modern societal phenomenon that glorifies ceaseless work as the path to success. But at what cost?

Defining Hustle Culture

Hustle culture is the societal norm that promotes an obsession with relentless work. It’s the notion that every moment not spent working towards a goal is a moment wasted. Overnight success, according to this culture, is a myth. Instead, success is seen as the fruit of sleepless nights, sacrificed weekends, and an unwavering commitment to the “grind.”

The Rise of the Hustle

Several factors have contributed to the rise and popularity of hustle culture:

  1. Social Media & Comparison: Platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn often showcase highlight reels of individuals’ lives, leading others to feel they’re lagging behind and need to hustle more to catch up.
  2. Economic Pressure: In an era of rising living costs, many feel the pressure to side-hustle just to make ends meet.
  3. Entrepreneurial Dream: Stories of tech billionaires and startup successes have fueled the desire for entrepreneurship, often seen as a path that demands unyielding hustle.

The Downside of the Grind

While hard work is undeniably essential for success, the relentless push advocated by hustle culture can have negative effects:

  1. Burnout: Working incessantly without breaks can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Burnout can manifest as fatigue, irritability, and reduced performance.
  2. Mental Health Issues: The constant pressure to perform and achieve can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression.
  3. Lost Personal Time: Family, friendships, and personal hobbies can suffer when every moment is dedicated to the hustle.
  4. Physical Health Neglect: Sacrificing sleep, eating quick unhealthy meals, and lacking consistent physical activity can lead to a myriad of health issues.

Finding a Balanced Approach

Success doesn’t and shouldn’t come at the cost of well-being. It’s possible to be productive and driven without succumbing to the extremes of hustle culture:

  1. Set Clear Boundaries: Whether it’s logging off by a certain time or taking weekends to rejuvenate, setting boundaries is essential.
  2. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on task efficiency rather than hours worked. Being productive for a few focused hours can be more beneficial than scattered efforts throughout the day.
  3. Listen to Your Body: Rest is not a sign of weakness; it’s a requirement for sustained effort. Sleep, relaxation, and leisure activities recharge the mind and body.
  4. Seek Support: Build a supportive community around you. Talk about pressures with friends, family, or professionals who can provide perspective.
  5. Redefine Success: Remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Your measure of success doesn’t have to mirror someone else’s Instagram feed.

Conclusion

Hustle culture, with its seductive promise of success and recognition, has its merits. There’s no denying the value of dedication, commitment, and hard work. However, a balance is crucial. Embracing a more holistic view of success—one that includes well-being, joy, and contentment—can pave the way for a more fulfilling, healthy, and sustainable life journey.

In an age that often equates busyness with worth, it’s essential to remember that our value isn’t solely determined by our output. Taking a step back from the grind, every once in a while, might just be the real key to finding a meaningful life.

Taking Control of Your LIfe

The Seven-Year Itch: Myth, Reality, or Just a Passing Phase?

by Torey C. Richards, LMHCLeave a Comment on The Seven-Year Itch: Myth, Reality, or Just a Passing Phase?
The Seven-Year Itch: Myth, Reality, or Just a Passing Phase?

The iconic scene of Marilyn Monroe standing over a subway grate, her white dress billowing around her, isn’t just an unforgettable image from Hollywood’s golden era. It’s a cultural reference to a phenomenon many couples fear: the seven-year itch. But is this itch real, or just a figment of Hollywood’s imagination? Let’s peel back the layers on this relationship concept and see what the fuss is all about.

What Exactly is the Seven-Year Itch?

Coined in the 1955 film of the same name, the “seven-year itch” alludes to a decline in happiness around the seventh year of a relationship, but especially a marriage. It suggests that at this point, partners may feel a sense of restlessness, leading to doubts and temptations outside the relationship.

The Reality Behind the Number

While ‘seven’ is a catchy number (and makes for a great movie title), research shows the concept is a bit more complicated than the film suggests. Some studies propose that marital satisfaction dips not at year seven, but earlier, around years three to four, when the challenges of child-rearing often arise. For others, it might come later. The point is, there’s no universally fixed timeline for relationship ruts.

The Itch Factors

Several factors might contribute to this so-called itch:

  1. Routine and Monotony: The initial euphoria of love, termed the ‘honeymoon phase,’ can wane, giving way to the predictability of daily life.
  2. Children: While they are bundles of joy, children also bring challenges. Sleepless nights, financial strain, and divided attention can take a toll.
  3. Neglect: Partners may feel neglected or take each other for granted as time goes on.
  4. External Temptations: Over time, individuals might feel the allure of new attractions or experiences outside their relationship.

Combating the Itch

The good news? An itch doesn’t mean the end. Here’s how to scratch it without tearing the fabric of the relationship:

  1. Communication: Talk openly about feelings of restlessness or discontent. Recognizing the problem is the first step to addressing it.
  2. Rekindle the Spark: Invest in date nights, take a vacation together, or try something new as a couple.
  3. Seek Counseling: Professional therapy or couples’ counseling can offer tools and strategies to navigate rough patches.
  4. Self-Reflection: Sometimes, the itch might be more about personal dissatisfaction than the relationship. Consider personal therapy or self-help resources.

Is It All Bad?

While the concept of the seven-year itch sounds negative, it’s not necessarily a disastrous sign. It might be an opportunity for growth, reflection, and a renewed commitment. Many couples emerge from these phases with a deeper understanding and appreciation for each other.

In Conclusion: To Itch or Not to Itch?

Relationships, like all living things, evolve. They have their seasons of spring-like romance and winter-like discontent. While the seven-year itch makes for catchy terminology (and iconic film moments), it’s essential to recognize that every relationship has its timeline. With understanding, communication, and effort, most itches can be soothingly scratched, leading to many more years of shared happiness.

“The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but to hold hands.” – Alexandra Penney

Popular Psychology, Taking Control of Your LIfe

The Allure and Downfall of Doomscrolling

by Torey C. Richards, LMHCLeave a Comment on The Allure and Downfall of Doomscrolling
The Allure and Downfall of Doomscrolling

In a world where the news cycle feels unending, and every refresh brings new tales of catastrophe, a peculiar yet entirely relatable behavior has emerged: doomscrolling. It’s midnight, you’re tucked into bed, but instead of drifting off to sleep, you find yourself trapped in a loop, endlessly scrolling through negative news. Sounds familiar? This phenomenon is often called “doomscrolling” and as innocent as it may appear it’s actuall affecting our mental well-being.

What is Doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling (or doomsurfing) describes the act of consuming a vast amount of negative online news, even though it’s upsetting or depressing. This compulsive need to constantly update oneself about the latest crises, tragedies, and anxieties of our time can have significant emotional consequences.

The Science Behind the Scroll

So, why do we doomscroll? On the surface, it seems counterintuitive. We’re hardwired to seek pleasure and avoid discomfort. Yet, when faced with a constant barrage of dire headlines, our brains become hooked. Here’s why:

  1. Negativity Bias: Humans are evolutionarily predisposed to pay attention to negative stimuli. It was a survival mechanism – the more aware you were of potential threats, the more likely you were to survive.
  2. The Need for Control: By staying updated, we might feel a sense of control over uncontrollable situations.
  3. Endless Information Stream: Modern technology, with its endless news feeds and updates, makes it easier than ever to get lost in the scroll.

The Impact of Doomscrolling

Emotional Toll

A steady diet of doom and gloom can significantly impact our mental health. Persistent exposure to negative news can increase feelings of anxiety, sadness, and hopelessness. Over time, it can also lead to compassion fatigue, where individuals become indifferent to tragic news due to overexposure.

Physical Consequences

Doomscrolling, especially before bedtime, can disrupt our sleep patterns. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Moreover, the emotional toll taken by the negative news can also lead to restless sleep.

Social Implications

Our worldviews can become skewed if we’re constantly immersed in negative news. We might start to see the world as a more dangerous place than it actually is, leading to unnecessary fear and anxiety in our daily lives.

Breaking the Cycle of Doomscrolling

Awareness is the first step. Recognizing that you’re falling into a doomscrolling spiral is crucial. Here are some strategies to curb the habit:

  1. Set Boundaries: Allocate specific times for news consumption. It can be helpful to avoid checking the news first thing in the morning or right before bed.
  2. Limit Notifications: Turn off news notifications on your phone. This prevents the constant barrage of updates that can pull you into the doomscrolling cycle.
  3. Curate Your Feed: Follow positive news outlets or accounts dedicated to uplifting content. Balance is key.
  4. Digital Detox: Designate times where you unplug entirely. This could be an evening, a weekend, or even an hour during your day.
  5. Engage in Positive Activities: Whenever you feel the urge to scroll, redirect your attention to activities that uplift you, such as reading a book, listening to music, or engaging in a hobby.

The Bigger Picture

In an age of information overload, it’s essential to remember that our media consumption habits play a significant role in shaping our perceptions, emotions, and overall well-being. While staying informed is important, it’s equally vital to ensure that our consumption patterns don’t negatively impact our mental health.

Conclusion

Doomscrolling, while a modern term, touches on age-old human behaviors and tendencies. In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, taking charge of our media habits can serve as a first step toward ensuring our emotional well-being. Remember, it’s okay to step back, breathe, and disconnect. Your mind will thank you.