Rotting.

It’s an ugly word and a trendy new name for an activity that’s been around forever. The idea is that you stay home or in bed and do nothing. Whether you watch tv, nap, read, play on your phone or just BE, the term rotting encompasses a lot of the things that help us feel rested and relaxed. 

My version of this comes on Sundays when I stay in bed late, spend a few hours doing light chores and the remainder of the day dabbling in pursuits that make me happy – reading, trip planning, and doom scrolling on Pinterest are enjoyable activities that don’t tax the mind or body and can be done from the couch or bed. It’s a form of self care and it’s a wonderful use of free time. 

I view it as recharging while others are calling it rotting and I truly don’t understand why. 

To rot is to decay so by modern definition, staying home and just hanging out is a form of decomposition. What an odd view of the world. Are we all really so busy that the idea of lounging in bed or kicking up our feet and relaxing is allowing ourselves to rot? Words matter and, frankly, this word stinks. 

Human beings were not designed to be on the go all the time. We need a chance to rest and recover, to rejuvenate and recharge. That’s how we have the energy to go on for another day. I refuse to apologize for this and refuse to call it anything but what it is. A word with such a negative connotation has no place in a world where we all need to do what’s necessary to recharge and be better. 

There’s no need to justify it. There’s no need to give it an ugly new name. You’re not a tree or a half eaten ham sandwich. You won’t rot if you rest. You won’t decompose in your bed if you linger a while. You will feel better if you rest and you will be ready for more if you recharge. 

I hope you will find a way to work in some quiet rest time very soon.