Why Hurkle-Durkling Is The New Way To Embrace Morning Calm

Published on August 20th, 2024

In a world where the hustle never seems to end, many people are rediscovering the age-old practice of simply doing nothing—or as the Scots would say, hurkle-durkling. It recently gained traction on TikTok as a cozy, slow-living trend.

But what exactly does hurkle-durkling involve, and how does it fit into our modern understanding of self-care?

What Is Hurkle-Durkling?

Every so often, the term “hurkle-durkle” makes the rounds on social media as new audiences stumble upon it. According to Countdown star Susie Dent, hurkle-durkling means “lingering under the covers of a warm bed long after it’s time to get up.”

For anyone who hasn’t heard it, to ‘hurkle-durkle’, from 19th-century Scots, is to linger under the covers of a warm bed long after it’s time to get up.

— Susie Dent (@susie_dent) January 12, 2024

The term is deeply rooted in the word “hurkle,” which refers to hunkering down or curling up in a crouched position for warmth, making hurkle-durkle an ideal expression for the chilly winter months.

To hurkle-durkle means spending extra time in bed—not necessarily sleeping, but rather enjoying a prolonged period of relaxation.

This term, which originated in Scotland, was first recorded in an 1808 edition of An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language. While “hurkle” signifies “drawing the body together,” the exact origin of “durkle” and its combined usage remains somewhat obscure.

Despite its recent appearances on social media, hurkle-durkle is not a commonly used term in everyday language.

Beyond its traditional definition, this TikTok-inspired trend draws its essence from another viral concept—bed rotting.

Bed rotting, when done in moderation, is seen as a rebellion against our productivity-driven lives. As a whimsical counter to the pressures of hustle culture,

How Is It Different From Bed Rotting?

In recent years, a similar trend called “bed rotting” has gained popularity, particularly among younger generations. Bed rotting involves spending extended periods in bed, often while engaging in low-energy activities like scrolling through social media or watching TV.

While both hurkle-durkling and bed rotting involve staying in bed, the key difference lies in their intention and execution.

Hurkle-durkling is a mindful practice, where the focus is on savoring the moment and enjoying the comfort of bed.

It’s about a slow, gentle start to the day. Bed rotting, on the other hand, often carries a connotation of escapism, where one retreats to bed not for rest, but to avoid the demands of daily life.

While hurkle-durkling can be a refreshing pause, bed rotting may lead to feelings of lethargy and depression if overdone.

Pros & Cons Of Hurkle-Durkling

Taking time to slow down and ease into your day can have positive effects, but like anything, too much of a good thing can lead to problems. While it’s important to consciously step back from the hustle, losing control and letting the urge to relax take over can be harmful. Mental health professionals recognize the value of this trend, but they also urge caution.

Benefits Of Hurkle-Durkling

Slowing down in the morning can be a great way to prioritize rest and mental health. Taking the time to rest, move slowly, and reset before starting your day can be a form of self-care that helps you approach the day more effectively.

When done in moderation and with intention, this practice can be the refreshment you need. Experts suggest setting boundaries, such as time limits and avoiding interruptions, to make the most of this time.

However, it’s crucial to maintain balance and not use this as an excuse to avoid important tasks.

Drawbacks Of Hurkle-Durkling

On the flip side, extending this practice beyond the morning or making it a regular habit that interferes with responsibilities can be problematic.

It might lead to neglecting important duties or isolating yourself from others. In some cases, this could be a sign of underlying issues, such as depression.

It’s important not to use the idea of Hurkle-Durkling to escape reality or avoid getting out of bed.

Additionally, mindless scrolling on your phone while in bed can distract you from recognizing your body’s signals about your mental health.

When Is It Appropriate To Hurkle-Durkle?

Hurkle-durkling is most appropriate on days when you have the luxury of time. Weekends, holidays, or vacation days are ideal for indulging in this practice.

It’s also a great way to start your day if you’ve had a particularly stressful period and need a moment to recharge without any immediate obligations.

However, it’s important to be mindful of when hurkle-durkling might be a sign of something more concerning, such as avoiding responsibilities or slipping into a rut. Like all self-care practices, moderation is key.

Katherine May, in her book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times , explores how to navigate challenging transitions. She emphasizes a hard truth: no one is immune to the difficult seasons of life.

During these times, it is not only appropriate but essential to slow down as a form of self-care, even taking to bed when overwhelmed by busyness.

May notes that while lounging in bed isn’t always possible, it’s a wonderful way to start the day slowly rather than in the rushed manner we’re accustomed to.

Although often associated with laziness and lack of productivity, she argues that we must learn to value rest and recovery in our hectic lives.

Is there a limit to how long You can stay in bed after waking up?

There’s no strict rule, but spending 15 to 30 minutes under the covers each morning is usually enough. Dr. Marjorie Soltis, a sleep medicine specialist at Duke University, suggests that if this routine makes you feel good, there’s no need to stop. However, she considers 30 minutes a reasonable limit.

Can Hurkle-Durkling Fix A Sleep Debt?

One of the common questions surrounding hurkle-durkling is whether it can help alleviate sleep debt. Sleep debt occurs when you consistently get less sleep than your body needs, leading to a buildup of sleep deprivation over time.

While hurkle-durkling can provide some extra rest and may help you feel more refreshed in the short term, it is not a cure for chronic sleep debt.

To truly address sleep debt, it’s essential to prioritize consistent, quality sleep by going to bed earlier and creating a sleep-friendly environment.

Hurkle-durkling can be part of a broader strategy to improve sleep quality, but it shouldn’t be relied upon as the sole solution.

Tips For Getting A Better Night’s Sleep

To maximize the benefits of hurkle-durkling, it’s important to focus on getting a good night’s sleep in the first place. Here are some tips to help you achieve better sleep:

Establish a Bedtime Routine: Creating a consistent pre-sleep routine can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. This might include activities like reading, meditating, or taking a warm bath.
Limit Screen Time Before Bed: The blue light emitted by phones, tablets, and computers can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bed.
Create a Sleep-Conducive Environment: Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet. Investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows can also make a significant difference in your sleep quality.
Watch Your Diet: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime, as these can disrupt your sleep.
Manage Stress: High levels of stress can interfere with your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Incorporating stress-reducing practices like deep breathing or journaling into your routine can help.

Alternative Self-Care Practices To Hurkle-Durkling

While hurkle-durkling can be a delightful way to start your day, it’s not the only way to practice self-care. Here are some alternative practices that can also contribute to your overall well-being:

Mindful Meditation: Starting your day with meditation can help you cultivate a sense of calm and focus, setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
Morning Yoga or Stretching: Gentle physical activity in the morning can help wake up your body and mind, leaving you feeling energized.
Gratitude Journaling: Taking a few minutes to jot down things you’re grateful for can shift your mindset and foster a sense of contentment.
Creative Expression: Whether it’s drawing, writing, or playing an instrument, engaging in a creative activity can be a fulfilling way to begin the day.

Creative Ways To Practice Self-Care Without Lying In Bed

If you’re looking for self-care practices that don’t involve staying in bed, consider these creative ideas:

Nature Walks: Spending time in nature can have a restorative effect on your mental and physical health. A morning walk in a park or along a quiet street can be a refreshing start to your day.
Cooking a Nutritious Breakfast: Preparing and enjoying a wholesome breakfast can be a nourishing way to care for yourself.
Listening to Music or a Podcast: Starting your day with something that uplifts or inspires you can set a positive tone for the hours ahead.
Gardening: If you have a garden, spending time tending to your plants can be a peaceful and rewarding way to begin the day.

Hurkle-durkling offers a simple yet profound way to embrace self-care by doing nothing but enjoying the present moment. While it has its place in a balanced self-care routine, it’s essential to complement it with other activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul.