Feeling overwhelmed? The simple concept of ‘floortime’ will help you feel zen

When you get home from work, the plan is simple: take your shoes (and bra) off, pjs on, chuck the empty Tupperware from lunch in the sink, work out what you’re having for dinner, and collapse on the sofa.

And yet at some point – and you’re not quite sure how or when it happens – you end up lying on the floor.

In theory, lying on a hard floor that you haven’t hoovered in ages shouldn’t be a pleasant experience – and yet, somehow, it’s oh-so-soothing.

And the phenomenon has now been given a name, thanks to social media influencer, Ellie Schnitt.

Taking to Twitter, Ellie, who lives in New York said: ‘something very sacred in my life is Floortime. it is the time of day where I just lay on the floor for a bit and contemplate. if you’re feeling down and haven’t tried Floortime you’re sincerely missing out [sic].’

Her tweet resonated with other users, as the comments came flooding in. ‘It’s literally how I ground myself when I’m stressed,’ wrote one person. ‘The floor knows me well,’ wrote another.

Whether you end up on the floor by accident – or you consciously take time to have a little lie down – floortime is actually a really useful tool when it comes to giving yourself some mental TLC.

Dr Becky Spelman, counselling psychologist and founder of Private Therapy Clinic tells Metro.co.uk that it can be ‘an effective way to alleviate stress and improve mental health.’

‘Taking ‘floortime’ can help you relax, release muscle tension, and improve blood circulation, which in turn can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression,’ says Dr Becky.

You might not realise it, but it’s also a type of meditation. Dr Becky said: ‘Lying on the floor can be a form of mindfulness meditation, which can help you become more aware of the present moment and develop a greater sense of inner peace and calm.

‘This, in turn, can help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.’

And if you really want to make the most of your floortime, there are things you can do to make it even more effective.

Dr Becky says: ‘To optimize your floor time, it’s best to find a quiet and comfortable space where you can lie down without any distractions.

‘You can also try incorporating some deep breathing or meditation techniques to enhance the relaxation benefits of lying on the floor.

‘Overall, taking some time to lie on the floor each day can be a simple yet effective way to improve your mental health and well-being.’

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