Social media has been abuzz with the latest self-care trend that is proving to be effective. Known as ‘Floor Time’ on TikTok, users have been posting pictures and videos of themselves indulging in various activities on the floor. From exercising to playing with kids, the viral Floor Time trend is being embraced for its meditative and grounding benefits.
To put it in a better way, you might get completely floored by this TikTok trend, literally. Here’s everything to know about Floor Time and its mental health benefits.
What is the viral ‘Floor Time’ trend?
As the name suggests, Floor Time entails sitting or lying on the floor during your downtime to decompress and relax at the end of the day. Netizens have been describing this practice as one of the best ways to relax after a hectic day.
For the unversed, lying on the floor has long been part of different relaxation and mindfulness practices. For example, in yoga, Shavasana, which means ‘corpse pose’ in Sanskrit, is a resting pose that typically takes place near the conclusion of a yoga session. Shavasana requires you to lie on the floor in a spread-eagle pose, while completely relaxing all your limbs. It’s even more effective when you practise deep breathing with Shavasana.
Floor time isn’t restricted to lying on the floor with your eyes closed. Your floor time can be any activity as long as it is done on the floor. It could be any floor exercises, or simply or lying on the floor while scrolling on your phone or playing with your kids. Check out some of its health benefits:
5 Health benefits of ‘Floor Time’
1. Stress relief
Spending some time on the floor can help reduce stress effectively. It is considered to be a mindfulness practice and it could improve the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
By simply lying down and breathing deeply, you signal to your brain that you’re safe, which can help lower cortisol levels, heart rate, and relax your mind.
2. Calms your nervous system
One of the biggest benefits of floor time is its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system. This shifts the body out of fight-or-flight mode and into a state of rest and relaxation.
This can help in calming your nervous system down and achieving the ultimate state of relaxation.
3. Grounding and meditative
Floor time can be grounding, which is why it is calming. Grounding techniques are recommended for those who experience anxiety or stress. TikTok users have reported that floor time helps them feel more connected to their surroundings.
Experts say that when we lay our full body on the floor, we naturally become aware of the points making contact with it or the body. This awareness deepens our connection to the present moment.
4. Postural and spinal health
Spending time on the floor also promotes better posture and spinal alignment. We tend to spend hours slouched over screens, sitting at desks, or lounging on soft couches that don’t always support our backs.
So, when you lie on the floor, gravity pulls everything down equally, allowing the body to realign and reset imbalances caused by poor posture.
5. Promotes rest without guilt
Many of us struggle with resting without feeling guilty. We always feel the pressure to be productive. The pressure to be productive even while resting or the mental chatter that comes with downtime can make relaxing the body and mind a challenge.
Floor time can help normalise laying still while doing nothing, reminding us that taking a break is not something to be guilty about.
Social and lead images credits: Freepik
Read iDiva for the latest in Bollywood, fashion looks, beauty and lifestyle news.
