How ‘Monk Mode’ Can Transform Your Life, Even in Your Middle Age

So, you’ve probably heard about this thing called ‘Monk Mode’ that’s been trending on TikTok. It’s all about adopting a set of ‘monkish’ habits to improve your productivity and health. And let me tell you, it’s not just for the young and buff 20-somethings. Middle-aged mothers like me are finding it particularly appealing.

I stumbled upon the #monkmode hashtag while scrolling through TikTok, and it’s been gaining a lot of traction lately. In fact, it has amassed almost 79 million views on TikTok since it first emerged in 2022. People are committing to periods of 30 days, 90 days, or even longer to incorporate these monkish habits into their daily lives.

So, what are these ‘hacks’ that people are raving about? Well, they include things like turning off your phone or limiting social media use, practicing meditation, and giving up alcohol. It’s all about setting specific goals and focusing on improving your health, concentration, or productivity.

Now, I must admit, I’m not usually one to follow TikTok trends. But after attending a metabolic health retreat last month, I started adopting some monkish habits without even realizing it. I learned about the importance of eating unprocessed food, following the 16:8 diet (fasting for 16 hours, eating for eight), and incorporating more movement into my day. I even took on the challenge of Sober October.

Let me tell you, it hasn’t been easy. Resisting the temptation to snack on crisps or cheese while binge-watching Netflix has been a real test of willpower. But giving up alcohol hasn’t been as painful as I thought it would be. I’ve discovered some delicious booze-free alternatives that have made the transition easier. And my local farm shop has been benefiting from my commitment to eating more real food.

But why has Monk Mode become so popular now? Well, some experts believe it’s a response to our ‘always on’ culture. We’re constantly bombarded with addictive apps and media channels that make it hard for us to set boundaries and stick to them. Monk Mode offers a way to break free from this digital addiction.

Georgina Sturmer, a counsellor who specializes in online addiction, explains that Monk Mode is a direct response to living our lives online. It may seem like a new and trendy concept, but the principles of mindfulness and meditation have been around for thousands of years.

Dr. Louise Goddard-Crawley, a psychologist, adds that Monk Mode is rooted in the pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement. Many enthusiasts use it as a framework for rigorous workout regimens, strict dietary habits, and other health-related goals. And let’s not forget the visual transformation that often accompanies Monk Mode, from weight loss to sculpting a six-pack. It’s no wonder it captures attention on social media.

But here’s the big question: Can these micro changes really have long-term lifestyle benefits? According to Dr. Goddard-Crawley, it all comes down to self-discipline. Monk Mode helps individuals establish positive habits that support their goals. It’s about delaying gratification, resisting distractions, and staying committed to tasks and routines.

And there’s more to Monk Mode than just productivity and health. It also incorporates mindfulness practices, meditation, and stress reduction techniques. These elements can have lasting benefits for mental health and overall well-being.

So, even though I may not be a testosterone-fuelled, protein-shake-swigging 20-something with a six-pack, I’ve decided to embrace Monk Mode a little longer. And you know what? I think it’s worth it.

In fact, declaring our commitment to Monk Mode on social media can help us stay accountable. When we tell the world that we’re switching off, it’s harder to go back on our word. It’s a way of showing confidence in ourselves and our ability to make choices without constantly being glued to our phones.

So, consider this my official declaration: Monk Mode is now switched on. And who knows, maybe I can even convince my junk-food-loving, phone-obsessed teenager to join me on this journey.