How to Overcome Bed Rotting in 6 Simple Steps! Crafting, Creativity & Self-Care

Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of endless scrolling, unable to muster the energy to do anything else? If so, you’re not alone. The term bed rotting has recently gained traction on social media, describing the state of staying in bed all day, feeling unmotivated, and mindlessly consuming content on your phone. While rest is essential, being stuck in this loop can leave you feeling drained rather than rejuvenated.

If you’re struggling with motivation but aren’t quite ready for major lifestyle shifts, the key to breaking free lies in baby steps—small, easy actions that require little effort but create momentum over time. One of the most effective (and surprisingly therapeutic) ways to ease yourself out of a bed rotting phase is through crafting.

Even if you don’t have the energy for a full project, simply making a few stitches with yarn can bring a sense of accomplishment and peace. Here’s how you can gently reintroduce movement, creativity, and self-care into your day without overwhelming yourself.

How to Overcome Bed Rotting in 6 Simple Steps!

1. Start Small: Just Move a Little

When stuck in a scrolling spiral, the hardest thing can be getting out of bed. Instead of forcing yourself into a full routine, try these small shifts:

• Adjust your position – If you’re lying down, sit up. If you’re under the covers, try sitting on top of them.
• Stretch one limb at a time – Wiggle your toes, roll your shoulders, or stretch your hands. Movement can help wake up your brain.
• Drink a glass of water – Hydration can make a surprising difference in how you feel.

2. Pick Up Yarn—Even Just for Swatching

If the thought of starting a full crochet or knitting project feels overwhelming, swatching is the perfect baby step. No pressure, no deadlines—just the simple act of making stitches.

• Pick up some scrap yarn – Don’t worry about the “right” yarn or needles/hooks. Whatever is nearby works!
• Make a swatch – Try out a simple stitch pattern, even if it’s just rows of single crochet or knit stitches.
• Enjoy the motion – The repetitive movements of yarn work can be meditative and soothing.

No goal, no pressure—just the joy of creating. Even five minutes of playing with stitches can ground you and provide a sense of calm.

☀️ 3. Let in a Little Light

If you’ve been in bed for hours (or all day), your environment might be affecting your mood. Try one of these tiny shifts:

• Open your curtains just a little to let in some natural light.
• Turn on a warm lamp to create a cozy atmosphere.
• Light a candle or diffuse a favorite essential oil for a small sensory boost.

These small changes can make your space feel less stagnant and help your brain register a shift in your day.

4. Consume Differently—Try Books, Podcasts, or Audiobooks

If scrolling is the main activity keeping you in bed, try swapping it for something that feels more fulfilling:

• Listen to a craft podcast or an inspiring audiobook.
• Read a physical book (or an ebook if that’s easier).
• Watch a tutorial and learn something new.

Even if you’re not quite ready to be fully active, consuming content that engages your brain in a meaningful way can help you feel more refreshed than endless scrolling.

5. Do Something With Your Hands (No Pressure!)

Crafting isn’t just for productivity—it can be an act of self-care. If swatching isn’t your thing, here are some low-effort ways to get creative:

• Doodle in a sketchbook or color in a coloring book.
• Make a pom-pom—a fun, mindless craft that requires minimal effort.
• Roll a ball of yarn—simple, soothing, and productive.
• Organize a small section of your craft stash—just looking at your beautiful yarns might spark inspiration.

These tiny actions can help shift you from passive consumption to gentle creativity.

6. Break the Cycle with Tiny Wins

If you’re struggling with low motivation, don’t focus on “fixing” everything at once. Instead, celebrate small wins:
✔ Sitting up in bed = A win
✔ Drinking water = A win
✔ Making a few stitches = A win
✔ Moving to the couch = A win

Each step matters. With time, these small victories build upon each other, helping you naturally regain momentum.

Final Thoughts: Be Kind to Yourself

If you’re stuck in bed rotting mode, don’t be hard on yourself. Sometimes, we go through seasons where rest feels like the only thing we can do. The key is to gently introduce small, positive shifts—without pressure or guilt.

Start with tiny, comforting actions like picking up yarn, stretching, or letting in a little light. Over time, these micro-movements can help you reconnect with creativity, purpose, and yourself.

If you try any of these baby steps, let me know in the comments! What small action helps you feel better when you’re in a slump?

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