The “Soft Life” Trend and Avoidance: Striking the Right Balance

Shawne Poplar
Aug 1
3 min read

By: Shawne Poplar, MA LPC-S Licensed Professional Counselor

In recent years, the “soft life” trend has gained popularity, particularly on social media. It emphasizes living a life of ease, comfort, and minimal stress, often portrayed through images of leisurely mornings, luxury spa days, and a carefree approach to responsibilities.

While the idea of prioritizing peace and well-being is undeniably appealing, it’s worth examining how this trend intersects with mental health. Could the pursuit of a soft life sometimes cross into avoidance coping, where challenges and responsibilities are sidestepped rather than faced? Let’s unpack this complex dynamic.

What Is the “Soft Life”?

The “soft life” concept originated as a counter to the “hustle culture” mindset that glorifies overworking and constant productivity. It encourages individuals to slow down, prioritize self-care, and embrace a life of ease.

For many, this shift is a necessary antidote to burnout, offering a reminder that rest is not only important but essential. However, when taken to an extreme, the pursuit of constant comfort can morph into a pattern of avoidance, sidestepping difficult emotions, responsibilities, or personal growth opportunities.

What Is Avoidance Coping?

Avoidance coping is a behavioral pattern in which individuals evade stressful or challenging situations rather than confronting them. This might involve procrastinating, avoiding difficult conversations, or distracting oneself with pleasurable activities.

While avoidance may provide short-term relief, it often leads to longer-term consequences, such as increased stress, unaddressed problems, and diminished resilience.

When the “Soft Life” Becomes Avoidance

The line between healthy self-care and avoidance coping can sometimes blur. Here are a few signs that the “soft life” might be veering into avoidance:

Neglecting Responsibilities: If the pursuit of ease involves consistently postponing or ignoring obligations, it may lead to compounding stress down the line.
Avoiding Emotional Challenges: Choosing comfort over introspection can prevent emotional healing or personal growth, especially if difficult emotions or traumas remain unaddressed.
Resisting Growth Opportunities: Challenges often provide valuable lessons and opportunities for resilience. Avoiding them entirely might limit personal development.

Finding Balance Between Ease and Growth

The goal isn’t to abandon the pursuit of a soft life but to integrate it with practices that build resilience and address life’s inevitable challenges. Here’s how:

Reframe Rest as a ResourceRest is essential, but it’s most effective when it’s intentional and balanced. View rest as a way to recharge, so you can face challenges with renewed energy rather than avoid them altogether.
Recognize the Difference Between Rest and AvoidanceAsk yourself: Am I resting to restore myself, or am I avoiding something difficult? Honest reflection can help clarify your intentions.
Embrace Discomfort as GrowthDiscomfort doesn’t have to be the enemy. Often, the most rewarding personal growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zones. Start small—take on one challenge at a time and celebrate progress.
Set Boundaries Without Abdicating ResponsibilityBoundaries are crucial for mental health, but they shouldn’t be a way to escape responsibilities. Instead of saying “no” to everything, consider how you can delegate or manage your energy to stay engaged.
Develop Healthy Coping MechanismsWhen stress arises, lean into healthy coping strategies like mindfulness, journaling, or seeking support. These tools allow you to process emotions without avoiding them.

When the “Soft Life” Trend Is Truly Beneficial

It’s important to note that for some, especially those recovering from burnout, trauma, or chronic stress, adopting a “soft life” approach can be a deeply healing act. Prioritizing rest, ease, and well-being may be exactly what’s needed to restore balance.

The key is to regularly check in with yourself:

Are you avoiding discomfort that could lead to growth or healing?
Or are you genuinely prioritizing what you need in the moment to recover and thrive?

The “soft life” trend offers a valuable reminder to slow down and prioritize well-being in a fast-paced world. However, it’s equally important to recognize when this pursuit of ease might slip into avoidance coping.

By striking a balance between rest and responsibility, comfort and challenge, we can create a life that is both peaceful and fulfilling—one that nurtures our mental health while fostering growth and resilience. After all, a truly “soft” life isn’t about avoiding discomfort; it’s about approaching it with courage, compassion, and care.