We’re just a month into 2024 and social media has already enriched our lexicon with a new phrase: “hurkle-durkle” — to lie in bed or lounge around when you should be up and about. Hurkle-durkling is by no means a new concept. The word “hurkle" first appeared in 1808 in Scotland, meaning "to draw up the limbs and crouch or squat.” So, what are the benefits of hurkle-durkling? Believe it or not, it can be a healthy form of self-care, as it offers the space to think and simply exist without interruption or pressure. It presents us with the opportunity to get much-needed rest, move at a slower pace, and reset to properly approach the day. While embracing a hurkle-durkle outlook can be beneficial, there are also downsides. It might be a ref flag when it extends beyond a slice of the morning and drags on throughout the day, or when it comes a regular occurrence that keeps us isolated from friends and family. This can contribute to or be a symptom of something more serious, such as depression. Using a goofy-sounding phrase like “hurkle-durkle” might make it easier to avoid reflecting on just why we don’t want to get out of bed ― especially if this is a frequent occurrence. So, what’s the right way to embrace the hurkle-durkle? Doing it occasionally, giving yourself an extra 5-10 minutes in the morning, is a good thing. Self-compassion and having more awareness of what you’re doing is more important than rushing into your day. Set some boundaries, such as time limits and no interruptions, and enjoy yourself. Grab a journal, listen to music, light a candle, and truly relax. Just make sure you’re not using hurkle-durkling to avoid tasks, conversations, or processes that need your attention.
