At the end of a Zoom work meeting, there’s no better feeling than closing your laptop, stepping away from your desk, and slowly sinking onto the floor. Bonus points if you moan a little, rub your temples, and have a moment of existential dread.
On TikTok, this practice is called "floor time." With some videos under the hashtag reaching nearly 8 million views, "floor time" seems to be a must-have for anyone who's stressed, overwhelmed, or sad, as well as anyone who just needs a moment to themselves to relax. Preferred activity.
When creator @loewhaley posted about floor times last July, her comments section was filled with surprise and understanding. One person wrote, "Thought I was the only one who did this," while another said, "After every meeting, this is me." Someone else chimed in, saying they often just sit on the floor, but occasionally need to “Lie fully” – that’s easy to relate to.
According to TikTok, floor time can also feel soothing after a breakup, after a long day, or when you're having a bad day, which might explain why so many pop culture moments reference floor time as well. Think of Taylor Swift’s lyrics “laying on the cold, hard ground,” or “ Euphoria” when Cassie has a moment and Nate doesn’t get back to her Text message scene.
Below, experts explain all the reasons why floor time is so great and how to make the most of it.
Why floor time feels so right
Many people have the urge to lie on the floor, says Brandt Passalacqua, founder, director and principal teacher of Deep Breathing Yoga Therapy. "I think adults will find it soothing...because it gives them similar benefits to more mindful practices like Savasana."
After all, this yoga move, also known as Corpse Pose, is pretty basic. Like mindful savasana at the end of a yoga practice, floor time allows you to physically disconnect from anything that's stressing you out, like work or household chores, he says. Lying flat also puts your body in a neutral position, which can relieve muscle pain and tension.
Feeling the firmness of the floor beneath your feet also sends a message to your body that you are safe and supported, which can help you feel more present—like the ground is actually supporting you. "You might feel a connection to the earth," Passalacqua said. "This calms the mind, reduces stress, and makes floor time attractive for its rejuvenating nature."
Floor time may also help reset the central nervous system, says therapist Janet Bayramyan, LCSW. Moments of relaxation allow your breathing to return to normal, your stress hormones will dissipate and your heart rate will slow as your parasympathetic nervous system kicks in.
This is why floor time is such a huge hit for anyone suffering from anxiety. Creator @zeeyeal shared that whenever she feels broken, she longs to be on the floor for a while. In her comments, one person said, "I love seeing other people getting down on the floor and conditioning too," while another wrote, "We love grounding."
Passalacqua says a certain amount of floor time can change your perspective, both physically and mentally. It feels good to see things in a new way from the odd angle on the kitchen floor, which is why you might feel refreshed when you wake up — —or at least feel refreshed and a little stressed.
When do you need venue time?
If nothing else, floor time can be beneficial for anyone who needs a reset. "Maybe it's after a stressful day or stressful experience," Bayramyan says, like an annoying Zoom call or an argument with your partner.
Karla Misjan, a certified yoga instructor and teacher at The Class, says if you sit and work all day, it feels good to put your head down. "Your body will most likely stay in the same shape for hours on end," she tells Bustle. In that case, floor time can serve as an excuse to roll around and stretch.
It can also be helpful when you need to slow down and be still. "We often talk about Savasana as the most advanced pose in yoga practice because it requires complete surrender," says Miskin. "[The popularity of floor time] tells me that people are becoming more aware and comfortable with knowing when they need to step away, take a moment to readjust, and then let go before they can move on."
Floor time is essentially a do-nothing practice, which means it's the ideal way to unwind after get off work, on a Saturday morning, or whenever you're having a Sunday scare. “It takes the pressure off of needing to do, do, do and gets us into a state of allowing, accepting, integrating and absorbing,” she adds.
Make the most of your floor time
TikTok always proves that I've never had an original experience, but there's something comforting about it.
For anyone else who enjoys floor time, you know it's as simple as laying down on the bathroom, kitchen, or living room floor and staying there for as long as you need to, but there are ways to make the most of the moment.
Whitney Berger, a certified yoga instructor and founder of WhitFit NYC, recommends lying down and closing your eyes or focusing on a spot on the ceiling. "If looking at your phone helps you relax, then let it go, but I highly recommend putting it away and taking a break," she tells Bustle.
Misjan said prioritizing comfort is also key. "If you have some sensitivity in your lower back when you stretch your legs forward, place a pillow or rolled-up blanket under your knees," she says. From there, try scanning your body starting with your feet and moving up to your head. "Soften any areas that feel tight or tight," she notes, and soften your breath.
To turn your floor time into a true savasana, Passalacqua recommends lying there for at least five minutes, or as long as you need.
Research reference:
Pandey-Perumal, SR. (2022). The origins and clinical significance of yoga nidra. Sleep vigil. DOI: 10.1007/s41782-022-00202-7.
Woodyard, C. (2011). Discover the therapeutic benefits of yoga and its ability to improve your quality of life. International J Yoga. DOI: 10.4103/0973-6131.85485.
source:
Brandt Passalacqua, Founder, Director, Yoga Therapist, Lead Teacher of Deep Breathing Yoga Therapy
Janet Bayramyan, LCSW, Therapist
Karla Misjan, certified yoga instructor, teacher at The Class
Whitney Berger, certified yoga instructor, personal trainer, founder of WhitFit NYC
