The first is crazy but we’re trying it, the last is crazy and no one on this earth should try it.

by The Candidly Team

Ah, Tik Tok. How you entertain and delight us, and so often leave us with more questions than answers.

Especially when it comes to topics of “health” or “beauty” … or both.

Well, today we are here to parse out the good from the bad, or the possibly good from the just plain weird, from the “ok, maaaaybe I’d try that” to the “absolutely not, why is this even allowed on the internet?”

Basically, we’re here to tell you about 3 trends that could be worth a try if our goal is to be calmer, stronger, and glowier humans. And to just outright trash talk 3 trends that have us baffled.

It’s all about balance, my friends.

THE GOOD

1. Okra Water

The concept: Ahhh, like a nice cucumber spa water (sort of). Simply wash and slice fresh okra, add it to water and leave it overnight in the fridge. The next day, strain out the okra and sip on the water, though you may want to chug if you’re averse to the thicker texture it will likely have from the mucilage (aka “slime”) leftover from inside the okra pods.

The claims: The rumors you might hear circling around okra water, especially if you’re on Tik Tok could include that it may help you lose weight, give you glowy skin, lower blood glucose or cholesterol, boost gut health and immunity, and even oomph up your sex drive by making things less dry down there.

The actual possibilities: While okra water has limited evidence to back it up, okra itself is filled with antioxidants and inflammation-fighting polyphenols. And according to Healthline, that mucilage we talked about “can bind to cholesterol during digestion, causing it to be excreted with stools rather than absorbed into your body.”

In addition to heart health, okra is a high-fiber food that’s been linked to helping with blood sugar (though do note it could interfere with some diabetes medications). Its fiber content also makes it good for the gut and digestion and can get things moving in your GI tract. And finally, it’s got vitamin K content, which is helpful to bone health.

Now, all of these benefits are actually tied to EATING okra and don’t necessarily weigh what’s lost in turning it into a water. That said, drinking water is vital for us anyway. And when heath trends like this are likely harmless, we’re of the mind to try it and see what happens. We’re always game for being dazzled by something we can grab up on our next trip to the grocery store.

How to do it:

2. Shy Girl Workouts

The concept: These are workouts designed for non-attention seeking gym-goers or people who prefer to work out at home. The goal is to get maximum fitness center benefits in their own personal space without much equipment needed.

The claims: The gym can be a daunting place that deters the more timid among us. Having something that feels manageable and less “out there” to do in public (especially the dreaded weight room) can help shyer ladies get over the hump.

The actual possibilities: Working out is obviously a critical, life-extending thing, and strength training specifically is a MUST as we get older. It’s a huge part of what preserves our muscle, bone strength, and metabolism. And if crossing the line into the weight room feels intimidating, these workouts can be a welcome way to acclimate.

How to do it: Tik Tok is filled with some very easy-to-follow, effective routines that cater to those who like the idea of getting into shape all alone in a corner without a lot of fuss. There are vids that target arms, legs, and abs, but here is a full body one we like:

3. Cozymaxxing

The concept: Like a burrowing creature, preparing for winter, cozymaxxing is a ritual of creating a stress-free environment where you can engage in habits that promote a state of peace and calm in you. In other words, it’s an excuse to whip up your own cozy corner - whatever that means to you.

The claims: When you build a little pod, nest, or whatever else you like to call it, complete with a couch, a cloud blanket, a hot mug of Harney & Sons Vanilla Comoro tea, and a soft French café music playlist (oops, are we projecting here?), you facilitate a state of inner calm through outer elements.

The actual possibilities: There’s something about the term “self-care” that we struggle with and, weirdly, it isn’t the word’s meaning. It’s more how it gets used, tossed around to sell us on expensive candles and lavish bubble baths our tub just never feels clean enough to enjoy. But cozymaxxing sounds doable and nice, and mental health experts seem to support it. Instead of being big and overwhelming, all it means is creating a place for ourselves that opens up possibilities. Time to read? Lovely. A literal nap? Yes, please.

How to do it:

Think of 3-4 sensory things that you notice help you settle in and feel safe and integrate them into the space, e.g. a few pillows on a picnic blanket in your back yard, your best pair of socks and your favorite armchair, a fresh bouquet of roses and cucumber (or okra) in your H20. A few suggestions:

Keep tech to a minimum or out of the space altogether.
Set aside a certain amount of time so it doesn’t bleed into a vegetative/ downer kind of down time.
Integrate movement (stretch, kick it off with a walk, add a little “shy girl” weight routine before you plop). This will get the endorphins going and help calm your nervous system

THE BAD

1. Bed Rotting

It’s a hideous term, but bed rotting is exactly what it sounds like, vegetating in bed all day long - sometimes longer. It’s been called an act as “self-care,” which is fine when you consider that resting and recharging can be an excellent idea when life becomes chaotic and you feel burnt out. And allowing yourself time to “do nothing” without guilt is something to be celebrated.

So why is this on our “bad” list? Well, unlike something pleasant and restful like cozymaxxing, bed rotting often involves extreme lethargy, the piling up of trash and dishes, and even some of the warning signs of depression. Mental health experts warn those who try it to be mindful of how long they do it and whether the outcome is energizing or depleting. And if you’re feeling overextended or drained to the point that you’re “freezing” in bed for extended periods of time, it could be a sign you need more help and support for your mental health that exists outside your bedroom.

2. Sleep Deprivation Challenges

Do we even need to talk about this? Challenges to resist sleep are one of Tik Tok’s more WTF trends. We don’t feel like giving it much airspace, so we’ll just quickly run through some of the health risks of sleep deprivation: heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression - to name a few.

The VERY, VERY UGLY

3. Bone smashing

This is so terrifying we scarcely want to mention it, but bone smashing refers to people intentionally trying to break or injure parts of their face in hopes it will improve their appearance once healed. This is obviously extremely dangerous not to mention completely ineffective.

We really only bring it up so we can all be horrified together before reminding ourselves that Tik Tok is a mad house of hodgepodge suggestions that requires the same precise level of filtering as our okra water.

Now off to get cozy.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used in place of professional advice, medical treatment, or professional care in any way. This article is not intended to be and should not be a substitute for professional care, advice or treatment. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider before changing any health regimen. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease of any kind. Read our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

3 New Tik Tok Trends We’re Trying Immediately And 3 We’ll Never Try Because They’re Ludicrous