I’m not sure when I first noticed that “life hacks” were a thing. And yes, I jumped on that bandwagon. I’m always looking for a quick or straightforward way to accomplish something.
But I want to know they work — like the three life hacks the Japanese attribute to exceptional longevity.
Now, “life hacks” literally flood social media sites with tips on how to sleep well, lower stress or feel happier — among other things.
But how trustworthy is this advice? Is it based on facts? Or is it plain quackery that will do you more harm than good, particularly when it comes to your mental health?
It’s always a good idea to do a little of your own research to find out. Here’s what medical experts at UC California have to say about a few TikTok trends that are popular hacks…
What the experts say about these TikTok trends
#1 Brainrot
Brainrot is defined as “the supposed deterioration of mental or intellectual state, especially due to overconsumption of online content perceived as trivial or unchallenging.”
Think cute cat videos or Moo Deng, the baby hippo. It feels great to unwind and watch these after a long day of work. But they can actually alter your brain… and not for the better.
“Although the term ‘brainrot’ may sound like a joke, zoning out to short-form, stimulating content can alter how the brain develops and functions,” says Assistant Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Ekta Patel.
“Over time, this can desensitize the brain’s natural reward pathway, making everyday activities such as work, school, reading or face-to-face conversations feel boring or mundane in comparison.”
“The key is intention,” she adds. “Are we using it to gently recharge, or to disconnect completely from our internal world? This question can help answer if it’s a coping tool or a barrier to healing.”
One good thing about spending time online, though, is that the internet gives your “transactive memory” a workout. This type of memory requires that we remember the source of information we use rather than the information itself. So it’s not all bad.
Instead of watching silly videos, learn something new online.
#2 Cortisol cocktails
Can a simple mixture of orange juice, sea salt, coconut water and magnesium lower your level of cortisol, the stress hormone, and do so safely?
Dr. Jodi Nagelberg has her doubts.
“It may taste refreshing, but claiming such a cocktail is a ‘fix’ for the effects of chronic stress on one’s body is an exaggeration at best.”
“Typically, there is no need to ‘fix’ one’s cortisol levels, but rather target the underlying cause of chronic stress as a means of improving one’s overall health,” Dr. Nagelberg says.
However, during my time reading and writing health and wellness content, I’ve become aware that prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to various issues, including adrenal fatigue, elevated blood sugar, and mood swings.
Low levels of magnesium in the body can increase stress, and high levels of physical or mental stress can lead to lower magnesium levels. But I’d reach for a multivitamin, myself, and adaptogen herbs that impact stress and anxiety.
#3 Sleepmaxxing.
This term refers to combining multiple sleep strategies in an effort to achieve the perfect night’s sleep.
Dr. Michael McCarthy, who has studied the intersection of circadian rhythm and mental health, warns that the quest for perfect sleep can actually exacerbate the problem.
“Anxiety of any kind, including obsessive worrying about sleep, can cause sleep problems,” warns Dr. McCarthy.
In other words, worrying about not getting enough sleep can create even more stress, which can lead to chronic insomnia.
Some strategies, like sleeping in a cool, dark room, work well. But many have not been proven to help.
The best approach, Dr. McCarthy advises, is to keep it simple.
“Keeping a consistent sleep-wake schedule is helpful and trains the body to know when sleep should come. Spending time outdoors, especially in the early morning, is key to maintaining healthy circadian rhythms,” he says.
My simple “hack” for better sleep is melatonin. It’s tested and true, so no reason to overthink it. And if you think it’s just for sleep, think again! If stress is part of the reason you can’t sleep, I have a colleague who swears by L-theanine.
#4 Floor time as self-care.
If you’re a TikTok user, you may have seen people stretching out on the floor – carpets, hardwood floors, even grass — to relax.
This practice has some profound mental health benefits. It helps quiet mental noise and brings awareness to physical sensations.
Dr. Pollyanna Casmar says, “When you lie down, you connect with your body rather than your mind — that’s the first thing that happens.”
She notes that lying on a firm surface encourages natural relaxation and smoother breathing, which in turn helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s built-in calm mode.
Over time, this kind of practice helps regulate stress and restore balance. This is the final resting pose in yoga, known as shavasana.
And when you can’t lie down, focusing on points of physical contact can help — your feet on the ground, for example — while taking short breaths in and longer breaths out. This calms the nervous system by activating the vagus nerve.
Just be sure to use a yoga mat or a folded blanket, unless you have cushy carpet, so you can enjoy the stress release instead of feeling uncomfortable. While you’re down there, consider stretches to keep your mind and body sharp.
Sources:
Are these TikTok trends really self care — UC San Diego
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