TikTok Translator: Behind the Hashtags
Does your kid, teen, or college student mention TikTok trends you’ve never heard of? We're here to demystify two recent hashtags and debate the science behind the trends.
Lucky girl syndrome
Although ‘Lucky Girl Syndrome’ is one of our least favorite names for a trend, we understand why young people are attracted to it. Lucky Girl Syndrome offers a feel-good-quick allure when facing the stressors of growing up in a complex and flawed world. This popular hashtag is essentially the idea that if we think we are the luckiest person ever and deliberately look for things that confirm that belief, good things will happen to us. Affirmations and positive self-talk can indeed be helpful tools for managing anxiety and sadness. Still, toxic positivity and magical thinking can lead to more distress and self-blame when disappointments and difficulties inevitably arise.
It makes sense that young people want to cultivate more feel-good emotions and manage distress. Yet, the Lucky Girl Syndrome trend may not be the answer. Parents.com suggests using a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approach as a more helpful way to take action toward goals and values without diminishing or ignoring emotions. Read the article to learn more!
Cozy cardio
Trending in the fall, Cozy Cardio has resurfaced this winter with those pesky New Year resolutions. This TikTok trend touts a more inviting approach to exercise wherein folks light candles, wear pajamas, and even drink cocoa while engaging in slow movement. We LOVE cozy cardio at Mind, but some TikToks are linking it to unhelpful exercise goals. “Cozy Cardio” is not a guaranteed pathway to the gym (nor should it be), but it can help kids and teens increase their comfort with movement. Pairing non-preferred activities with feel-good environmental factors - such as music and lighting - can increase positive feelings toward the activity.
Movement is an essential part of managing mental health challenges, like depression, and can positively impact other areas of wellness, like sleep. So, if sweatpants and lavender help you move, then YES PLEASE! There is no one way to do movement. So, we love this trend for its accessibility and creativity!
This article was authored by Clinical Director Dr. Lee Wells.
