Goodbye to early mornings: ‘hurkle-durkling’ is the new winter trend in which you don’t have to feel bad about staying in bed

As winter arrives, the pursuit of well-being and rest takes center stage in our daily routines. However, this year, a new trend has taken social media by storm and promises to redefine how we get through cold days: hurkle-durkling. Based on an old Scottish term meaning “to lounge” or “to stay in bed doing nothing,” this practice encourages staying under the blankets for hours, enjoying warmth and calm as an act of self-care.

What is hurkle-durkling?

Far from being mere laziness, hurkle-durkling has been embraced as a conscious way to disconnect from the outside world. In a context where productivity dominates personal and work life, the trend advocates for necessary rest and emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies. Digital platforms, especially TikTok, is where the philosophy has gained traction, sparking debates about the balance between rest and duties.

Hurkle-durkling, as described by Megan Hajduk, director of The Williams Inn, involves “staying warm and savoring the luxury of doing nothing.” This simple concept has captured the attention of those seeking refuge from stress during the coldest months of the year.

Nour Laasri, general manager of the Marriott Marquis in Houston, notes that hurkle-durkling reflects a shift in people’s priorities: “We are learning to value rest as much as productivity. Both are necessary to maintain balance in our lives.”

Why you should hurkle-durkle

According to Marisha Mathis, a clinical social worker, hurkle-durkling can be a response to the exhaustion imposed by the culture of constant performance. “Starting the day calmly not only improves mental health but also prepares the body to better face daily challenges,” she explained in an interview with HuffPost.

Dr. Jessica Gold, a psychiatry professor, adds that staying in bed longer than usual can be a sign that our body needs rest: “Good sleep is essential for mental health. Sometimes, the desire to stay under the covers is a way of listening to our body.”

The downsides of hurkle-durkling

However, experts warn that hurkle-durkling can become a problem if it turns into a form of avoidance. Mathis says that the activity, when prolonged beyond a momentary respite, could indicate deeper emotional issues, such as depression.

Dr Gold insists balance is key: “Hurkle-durkling should be an act of self-care, not an excuse to avoid responsibilities or important relationships. It’s crucial to know when to rest and when it’s time to act.”

As hurkle-durkling continues to gain followers, experts emphasize the importance of practicing it in moderation. Incorporating moments of mindful rest into your daily routine can be beneficial, as long as it doesn’t interfere with responsibilities or overall well-being.

Winter invites us to snuggle under the blankets, but we must remember that rest is part of a balanced lifestyle. Beyond social media and trends, hurkle-durkling teaches us to prioritize self-care without neglecting social interaction and the activities that give meaning to our daily lives.

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