What Does the Goblin Mode Entail? Understanding a Relaxed Lifestyle

Many individuals prefer to spend their weekends in a calm and relaxed manner, while working remotely during the weekdays if possible.

“Goblin mode” refers to waking up closer to noon, having cold pizza for breakfast, and spending the entire day in bed with a laptop. Generally, spending time like this is harmless, and occasionally it can even be beneficial to be in “goblin mode” for a while. However, the reluctance to leave the house and take care of oneself may also indicate depression. Our new mental health guide delves into the concept of goblin mode.

What is goblin mode?

Goblin mode refers to a particular type of behavior where an individual gives in to their desires, indulges in laziness, prioritizes their personal comfort, and disregards societal expectations. This behavior can manifest in various ways, such as opting for remote work instead of going to the office, working on a laptop while in bed, wearing comfortable clothes around the house, sleeping in late, consuming unhealthy food, binge-watching TV shows, and scrolling through social media for hours.

Some believe that this behavior is common among people who have experienced the benefits of lockdown life, such as the freedom to work from home, comfort, and lack of social judgment, and are not eager to return to their previous circumstances.

The Goblin mode is seen as a reaction to the negative culture of achievement and the unrealistic standards that social media creates. Unlike the people who wake up early, consume gluten-free avocado toast, meditate regularly, and never skip a workout, Goblins do not strive to become the best version of themselves or maintain a façade of perfection for their followers.

Twitter users first used the term “goblin mode” in 2009, but it only gained popularity 13 years later in early 2022, with the lifting of coronavirus restrictions. The Oxford Dictionary website conducted a survey, with over 340,000 people participating, and 93% of online voters chose “goblin mode” as the word of the year for 2022.

Despite its newfound popularity, folklore researchers argue that the term “goblin mode” is a misnomer. In mythology, goblins are known for making noise, playing pranks, and sometimes helping people in need. However, spending all day in a stretched t-shirt watching TV shows is unlikely to be an activity that a goblin would engage in – it is just too mundane for such active creatures. Nonetheless, the term has caught on and continues to be used widely.

If you find yourself having thoughts like these, chances are you have entered the goblin mode:

• “Why bother making the bed in the morning if you’ll just have to undo it in the evening?”
• “I don’t understand why some people go out of their way to prove something to others. I am already doing well.”
• “I don’t want to give up remote work after lockdown. I will try to negotiate to keep working from home.”
• “Comfort is the most important thing when it comes to clothing. Appearance is secondary.”
• “If I eat scrambled eggs straight from the pan, I’ll have to wash fewer dishes.”
• “The best days are those when you can stay at home, walk around in your pajamas, and watch TV series.”

Why does goblin mode arise?

Due to the long lockdown

The two-year long coronavirus pandemic was a significant factor in the increased popularity of the goblin mode lifestyle. During this time, people became accustomed to not waking up to an alarm clock, not going to the office, and not having to wear formal attire. They recognized the benefits of a more relaxed lifestyle and even found it to be charming and aesthetically pleasing. For instance, on TikTok, users proudly display their messy homes and dance in casual clothing under the hashtag #goblinmode.

Because of social media

One of the reasons why the goblin mode is gaining popularity is due to the fatigue caused by the perfect stories and images displayed on social media. Studies suggest that these posts can lead to envy, dissatisfaction with one’s appearance, and eating disorders, particularly when faced with images of people who seem more attractive. The pressure to achieve and demonstrate success can also negatively affect one’s self-esteem.

In contrast, the goblin mode allows people to disconnect from the race for a perfect life. The President of the Oxford University division responsible for creating the Oxford Dictionary, Kasper Grathwohl, explained that the popularity of the phrase “goblin mode” in the popular vote was due to the relief felt by many in acknowledging that “we are not always the idealized and organized personalities from social networks.”

Due to evolutionary survival strategies

It is possible that there are much more ancient reasons for the desire to spend days in bed and not wash dishes than the influence of social media and lockdown. According to Daniel Lieberman, an evolutionary expert on human physical activity, the tendency to conserve energy in humans emerged during natural selection thousands of years ago. Ancient patterns ingrained in humans make them conserve energy and only expend it on what is necessary for survival. Activities such as daily jogging, maintaining a perfectly tidy home, and preparing photogenic breakfasts do not fall under the category of essential survival activities. Lieberman discusses these concepts in his book, “The Exercise Paradox: The Scientific View on Physical Activity, Rest, and Health.”

What is the danger of goblin mode?

The goblin mode, contrary to popular belief, is not something to be feared. Rather, it can be a positive reflection of a healthy self-esteem, respect for personal boundaries, and an understanding of one’s own needs. Psychotherapist Jennifer Alumbo suggests that by normalizing a more relaxed lifestyle, individuals with disabilities, mental disorders, or other characteristics that may make it challenging to fit into societal norms can experience improved well-being. For instance, since remote work has become prevalent, people may feel less stressed, dress comfortably, and work from the comfort of their bed.

However, the goblin mode can also have detrimental effects. If one continues to live in this manner for a prolonged period, it can lead to a lack of motivation and an increase in negative thoughts and emotions. Surveys in the US have indicated that many remote employees have reported feeling disconnected from society and experiencing loneliness.

Furthermore, the untidiness that is characteristic of goblins, a lack of interest in physical activities, and reluctance to venture out alone may be indicative of depression.

What to do with goblin mode?

Follow the daily routine

Regardless of whether you identify as a goblin or not, it is still beneficial to establish a daily routine and schedule – even if it includes a few hours of leisurely work from the couch, binge-watching a few episodes of a TV show, and ordering pizza. By following a daily routine, you can feel more in control of your life and focus, leading to positive effects on your motivation, productivity, and mental health. During difficult times, having established routines and habits can be particularly helpful in managing anxiety and stress.

When it comes to creating a schedule, it’s important to find a format that works best for you. Some prefer a strict timeline, while others may prefer a to-do list. Regardless, it’s essential to include fixed anchor points, such as waking up and going to bed at the same time, as well as set meal times for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Do not refuse physical activity

As one enters the goblin mode, their physical movement may decrease significantly due to the lack of commuting to work and easy access to entertainment on their digital devices. While spending time at home can be enjoyable, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of physical activity, even if it’s just a leisurely walk. The World Health Organization advises engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. It’s important to remember that the goblin mode is all about self-care, and regular exercise is a significant aspect of that.

Keep track of the time spent on social networks

Reading news and browsing social media posts are typical activities for those who identify with the goblin lifestyle. However, these activities can be time-consuming and cause stress, particularly when mindlessly scrolling through an endless stream of negative news stories. Emotional induction can also cause individuals to feel anxious and upset due to the constant exposure to negative information.

It’s not necessary to completely eliminate scrolling, but it’s beneficial to limit the time spent reading news and social media posts to around an hour per day. Choose a specific time for this activity, but avoid doing so right before bedtime. It’s also helpful to categorize your feed into different groups based on themes, such as friends and family, sports news, educational content, and humor. This approach can make scrolling more meaningful and reduce its negative impact.