The rise of therapeutic laziness – why we deserve guilt-free rest

Whether you’re TTC (trying to conceive), pregnant, parenting, or just about anywhere in between any of those life stages, you’ll know that whilst they can be some of the most rewarding times, they can also be profoundly difficult and exhausting, leaving us burnt out. 

Between sleepless nights, emotional labor, and the endless list of daily responsibilities and things to remember, we know from personal experience that rest often falls to the bottom of the priority list. But here’s the reality: rest isn’t just essential for being present and patient with others – it’s a way to stay anchored in yourself.

Today, we’ll explore the value of intentional rest and how to build small, restorative rituals that ground you through life’s most transformative chapters.

Read on!

Introducing therapeutic laziness

Therapeutic laziness is a rising movement in wellness that favors rest over rigidity. It encourages low-effort, high-impact routines designed to support your well-being without demanding time or energy you don’t have. 

These are not idle moments – they’re purposeful pauses that often work while you wind down, or even while you sleep.

This shift isn’t about giving up on self-care – it’s about redefining it.

What is therapeutic laziness?

Therapeutic laziness is exactly what it sounds like: intentional rest reframed as self-care. It centers on minimal, calming rituals like multitasking skincare, aromatherapy, or warm lighting – all designed to support relaxation with minimal input.

Rather than squeezing in one more wellness task at the end of a long day, this approach gives you permission to do less – and still feel cared for. 

As trend analysts at WGSN describe it, therapeutic laziness is an “anti-wellness” movement that transforms the TikTok trend of “bed rotting” (ask your nearest Gen Z) into a refined ritual of rest.

It’s not about neglect. It’s about nourishment.

Why women are embracing therapeutic laziness – the trend redefining self-care

The numbers reflect a collective exhale. In the past 30 days, searches for “relaxing bedtime routine” have climbed by 85%, and “minimal skin care” has jumped by 140%.

More of us are stepping back from high-effort beauty and wellness regimens in favor of routines that are sustainable, quiet, and nurturing. This shift is especially important after years of messages that equated wellness with hustle, from early mornings to long to-do lists of “musts” before bed. Therapeutic laziness pushes back on that, offering a way to prioritize peace without sacrificing results.

Why experts are backing therapeutic laziness – the science of slowing down

Research backs it up. In a Cult Beauty article, dermatologist Dr. Deborah Lee shares that minimalist skin routines can lower stress and reduce decision fatigue, both of which often peak at night. Overcomplicated skincare, she notes, can even damage the skin barrier. By contrast, streamlined rituals using effective, gentle products support both skin health and mental clarity.

These small acts — whether it’s dimming the lights or misting a calming scent — help signal to your body that it’s safe to unwind.

The simple routine that works                                                                        

Therapeutic laziness doesn’t mean abandoning self-care – it’s about doing it differently. 

Here’s what that might look like:

• Streamlined skincare: A three-step routine using multitasking products that hydrate, brighten, and protect.
• Overnight hair care: Applying a nourishing oil or scalp treatment, then wrapping your hair before bed for hands-off repair.
• LED masks: Hands-free treatments that work while you listen to a podcast, journal, or simply rest.
• Aromatherapy: Incorporating scents like lavender or chamomile through sprays, candles, or diffusers to ease the mind.
• Bedroom upgrades: A tidy bedside table, soft bedding, and warm ambient light create a space that feels like a retreat.

These habits don’t require time-consuming rituals – they just bring ease and intention into your wind-down. 

Insights from industry insiders confirm that this approach is gaining popularity not just for its comfort, but its effectiveness.

Why it matters – the impact on women’s well-being

Therapeutic laziness resonates deeply with many who often carry an invisible load – from motherhood to caregiving, to managing careers and households. 

For many, slowing down feels counterintuitive, even indulgent. But this mindset shift invites a new perspective: that rest is not something you earn, but something you deserve.

This isn’t about glamorizing exhaustion. It’s about recognizing that in order to show up for others, women need space to show up for themselves, without guilt, and without the expectation of doing more to feel “well.”

For mothers in particular, therapeutic laziness offers a practical way to reconnect with themselves without needing an elaborate schedule or expensive products. It’s a permission slip to pause – and in that pause, to protect their energy, identity, and peace.

The takeaway? Embrace rest, without guilt

Wellness doesn’t have to mean more effort, more steps, or more noise. Sometimes, the most powerful act of care is doing less and letting that be enough.

A quiet room. A gentle routine. A few moments that belong only to you.

That’s not laziness – that’s wisdom!