Have you heard of "hurkle-durkle"?

It's a term that might be new to many, but on TikTok, it's quickly becoming a part of everyday vocabulary, especially among those looking to embrace a more leisurely start to their day.

Actress Kira Kosarin brought this term into the limelight on TikTok, sharing how she's a "big fan of a hurkle-durkle" and sparking interest and identification among millions. It's not just about staying in bed; it's about claiming a moment of peace before diving into the day's demands.

The enthusiasm for hurkle-durkle on platforms like TikTok reflects a broader desire to step back from non-stop productivity and find value in rest.

It’s a clever social media name that’s given a fresh, appealing spin to the idea of resting, making it more acceptable to take those extra moments in bed without guilt.

This trend is a reminder of the importance of balancing our day with moments of relaxation, contrasting sharply with the often relentless pace of modern life.

It's a lifestyle choice that prioritizes mental health and well-being. By acknowledging the benefits of a morning ritual that includes hurkle-durkle, we can start our days with a sense of calm and readiness, rather than rushing from the moment we wake.

It's a call to redefine our morning hours, finding joy in the tranquility of the early day rather than succumbing to the immediacy of our to-do lists.

A step-by-step guide to making it part of your morning routine:

• ⌛ Set Aside Time: Choose a morning or two each week where you can afford a slower start. Saturday mornings are perfect for a hurkle-durkle, but any day will do as long as you have the time to spare.

  
  

• ⏰ No Alarms Allowed: On your chosen hurkle-durkle day, turn off the alarm. Let your body wake naturally, allowing yourself to enjoy the last durkle without the jolt of an alarm.

  
  

• 📴 Limit Technology: While it might be tempting to grab your phone first thing, try to resist. Scrolling through social media can wait. Instead, let your mind wander, daydream, or simply enjoy the coziness of your bed.

  
  

• 😌 Savor the Moment: Use this time to luxuriate in the comfort of your bed. Notice the warmth of your blankets, the softness of your pillow, and the quiet of the morning hours.

  
  

• ✌🏻 Gentle Transition: When you feel ready to rise, do so gradually. Stretch, take deep breaths, and give yourself a few moments to adjust to the idea of starting your day.

  
  

• ☀️ Reflect on Gratitude: Before leaving your bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for. Starting your day with a positive mindset can profoundly impact your mood and outlook.

The best way to integrate hurkle-durkle into your life is to allocate much time in your given morning to practice it.

Experts recommend between seven to nine hours of sleep for optimal health (Source: National Sleep Foundation), but hurkle-durkle isn't solely about the hours of sleep; it's about what happens after you wake.

It's a deliberate choice to stay in bed a bit longer to ease into the day, which can contribute to better mental health and social interaction by reducing stress levels and improving mood (Source: Harvard Medical School).

Hurkle Durkle is Contrast to Bed Rotting

While "hurkle-durkle" promotes the joy and mental health benefits of a slower start, it's important to differentiate it from "bed rotting" – another term circulating on social media that denotes spending excessive time in bed as a form of escape.

While both involve extended periods in bed, hurkle-durkle is celebrated as a positive morning ritual, whereas bed rotting could be a warning sign of avoiding daily responsibilities or underlying mental health issues.

In embracing hurkle-durkle, we not only pay homage to an old Scottish term but also embrace a healthier, more mindful approach to our daily routines. As TikTok user Kira Kosarin and experts like Kristin Wilson suggest, making time for such practices can lead to a happier, more balanced life.

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