Why Is Bathroom Camping Relaxing? Psychotherapist Explains

The bathroom is not often a place where I am alone. When I need to go, I get in and out. . . mainly because I don't want to get hemorrhoids or new germs. But lately, people have been saying the exact opposite: they're staying a while, getting comfortable, and turning toilet time into a relaxing sanctuary.

This phenomenon is also known as “bathtub camping.” This is what happens when people stay in the bathroom to escape reality. Sometimes, This is a parent running away from their children for five minutes.. In other cases it is employee takes a mental break at work.

Although I'm the one who enjoying time alone in the carI can understand the appeal of a bathroom break. A closed door and a few extra minutes to relax can create the perfect environment for existing without Slack notifications or a husband asking for the fifth time where his car keys are.

“The bathroom has built-in boundaries,” says psychotherapist Jessica Hunt. “You can close the door, lock it, and no one will question your need for privacy. This sense of separation, both physical and symbolic, provides an opportunity to pause.” Below, Hunt explains more about why so many people find comfort in the toilet seat.

Experts featured in this article

Jessica HuntLCSW, California-based psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, relationships, identity, and life transitions.

What is bathtub camping and why do so many people do it?

As the name suggests, bathroom camping is what happens when someone hangs out in the bathroom for reasons other than having to go. “Bathroom camping is when someone goes to the bathroom (and stays there longer than necessary) to enjoy some quiet time away from everything else,” Hunt adds.

While there are many reasons why someone might do this, Hunt says the main one is a desire to relax and escape a demanding job, small children or draining social interactions. “It’s a socially acceptable way to step out of the noise for a moment, browse, breathe, or just exist without demands,” she adds.

For some people, sitting on the toilet also has something therapeutic. “It gives the nervous system a break—a few minutes of silence and solitude that helps bring the person out of the stress response,” Hunt says. “There is something unique about a space where you are physically vulnerable and unprotected, but the space is completely yours and privacy is the norm.”

Whatever your reason for wanting to go to the bathroom, know that it's not necessarily a bad thing. (Just don't ask your doctor about your risk of hemorrhoids unless you want to stop.) When you're stressed or anxious, finding a relaxing place where you can step back, take a few breaths, and center yourself can help.

However, Hunt encourages you to look at the bigger picture: “If the bathroom is the only place you feel like you can breathe, maybe it's time to create that same sense of calm and solitude elsewhere in your life.” In other words, camping in the bathroom isn't exactly a problem—it's a signal that you need to prioritize more space and relaxation. If hiding in the closet gives you time to reset, that's true, but ideally your peace shouldn't depend on a locked door and a porcelain seat.

Taylor Andrews is a senior editor at Popsugar magazine, specializing in topics including sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, travel and more. With eight years of editorial experience, Taylor has extensive experience in content creation and storytelling. Before joining PS in 2021, she worked at Cosmopolitan.