Bathroom Camping & Other Self-Care Trends: Why Your Weird Little Rituals Matter
Ever heard of bathroom camping? Gen Z’s latest self-care trend proves there’s no one-size-fits-all way to cope with stress. Here’s why your quirky rituals matter – and how to find what actually works for you.
What Is Bathroom Camping?
“Bathroom camping” is a Gen Z trend where people turn their bathrooms into cozy retreats – think candles, fairy lights, snacks, maybe even a playlist. It’s not about being Instagram-perfect, it’s about creating a tiny safe space when life feels overwhelming.
Why Do Self-Care Trends Like This Catch On?
Because sometimes life is heavy, and people need accessible coping tools. Bathroom camping highlights what therapists have been saying for years: self-care doesn’t have to be big, complicated, or expensive. It can be as simple as claiming a corner of your world and making it yours.
Nothing Works Until Something Does
One of the best pieces of advice I got during my own grief journey was:
“Nothing works until something does.”
You might try meditation, journaling, or exercise and feel nothing click. Then, one day, something small surprises you and it helps.
For me, during the hardest season of my life, that “something” wasn’t therapy or a retreat. It was getting my nails done. A simple ritual that gave me structure, care, and normalcy. That was my version of bathroom camping.
What Could Your Version of Bathroom Camping Look Like?
You don’t have to drag a blanket into your bathroom to get the benefit. Your quirky ritual might be:
Sitting in your car for five minutes after school drop-off with coffee in hand.
Rearranging a small corner of your home so it feels peaceful.
Playing the same playlist every night as a wind-down routine.
Saying “no” to one thing so you can say “yes” to rest.
The point is simple: if it works for you, it works.
Is Bathroom Camping Good for Your Mental Health?
Yes – if it helps you feel calmer, safer, or more grounded. The bigger picture is that self-care is personal. There’s no universal formula. What matters is finding what helps you breathe easier and own a small piece of peace in your day.
The Takeaway
Bathroom camping might sound silly, but it’s really about permission – permission to care for yourself in whatever way makes sense to you. Whether it’s a cozy bathroom setup, a biweekly manicure, or just five minutes of quiet, your rituals matter.
So, what’s your version of bathroom camping?
Looking for more real-life ways to care for yourself? Follow @3rdwavetherapy for therapy that actually gets it – plus tips, memes, and resources to help you feel more like yourself again.
