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Have you heard of the trend “bed rotting”?
Sounds a bit grim, doesn’t it? Let me explain ?
It’s not your typical duvet day, where you take a break and then bounce back. Instead, “bed rotting” has been gaining traction – particularly among those who feel overwhelmed by hustle culture.
At its core, it’s about intentional, extended rest – disconnecting, decompressing, and giving yourself permission to simply be, with zero pressure to be productive. Some see it as an act of rebellion against burnout culture, whilst others frame it as an essential form of self-care.
But here’s the coaching perspective…
- When does rest become avoidance?
- When does restoration turn into disengagement?
We know that prolonged withdrawal can negatively impact motivation, mood, and self-esteem. As a coach or mentor, you may often support clients in balancing productivity with well-being, helping them shift from overwhelming to intentional action.
The Bigger Picture: What is the Cost of Poor Work-Life Balance?
This conversation isn’t just about personal habits – it has far-reaching implications for mental health and productivity.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO) , an estimated 15% of working-age adults had a mental disorder in 2019.
- Globally, 12 billion working days are lost every year due to depression and anxiety, costing approximately US$1 trillion annually in lost productivity.
- The workplace plays a crucial role in either contributing to burnout or creating environments where people can thrive.
This underscores why finding the right balance between rest and productivity isn’t just an individual concern – it’s a global one.
Reframing the Conversation Around Rest
- How do you help clients rest without guilt?
- How can you guide them towards sustainable restoration rather than unintentional avoidance?
- What signs suggest when someone needs to rest – and when they need to re-engage?
“Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” – Ovid
Rest isn’t about laziness – it’s about renewal. Just like fertile soil needs time to recover for a healthy harvest, our minds and bodies need intentional rest to perform at their best.
The Greater Good Science Center reports that quality rest – particularly deep sleep – soothes the brain, improves emotional resilience, and helps prevent burnout, reinforcing the importance of rest as a tool for sustainable success and boosting overall well-being.
3 WAYS TO HELP CLIENTS FIND BALANCE
- Reframe Rest as a Strategic Tool, Not a Reward
Encourage clients to see rest as a necessary strategy for sustainable success rather than something they must earn. A well-rested mind makes better decisions, enhances creativity, and strengthens long-term effectiveness. - Identify the Difference Between Rest & Avoidance
Help clients recognise when rest is truly restorative and when it’s becoming a way to withdraw. If they feel re-energised after resting, it’s serving them. If they feel more disconnected, it might be a sign of avoidance. - Use ‘Active Recovery’ Instead of All-or-Nothing Thinking
Many clients struggle with black-and-white thinking – either they’re all in or completely checked out. Encourage active recovery – gentle movement, mindful activities, or creative hobbies that support restoration without total disengagement.
This is where coaching plays a vital role. Professional coaches apply proven coaching tools and techniques proficiently. It’s not just about encouraging clients to ‘keep pushing through’ – it’s about helping them develop a healthy, sustainable relationship with rest and productivity.
I’d love to hear your thoughts:
As a coach or mentor, how do you support clients in navigating the increasingly complex issue of balance?
As a coach or mentor, how do you support clients in navigating the increasingly complex issue of balance?
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