Is Restocking Our Fridges A New Form Of Self-Care?

All the reasons why #restocking may not be as calming as it seems

- ANJALI PATEL

In one corner of the internet, fridges have transformed into something closer to a Pinterest board than your everyday appliance. Perfectly aligned soda cans, fruit sorted by their colours, and snacks - so many unnecessary snacks - displayed like museum exhibits behind a glass. This isn't as people say "just for the gram", but for many, the ritual of restocking has become oddly therapeutic and a way for them to find peace in a chaotic world.

For some, restocking offers a brief moment of control, a way to organise their external world in a way that their internal chaos can't always be managed.

People claim that carefully placing items in their designated spots makes them feel less anxious, giving their minds something simple and tangible to focus on. Add to that the ASMR appeal of watching quiet restocking videos, and it's easy to see why this trend has exploded on all social media platforms. The soft sounds of items being unwrapped, the subtle clicks of containers snapping shut, and the gentle rustling of packaging provide a sensory experience that many find calming. These videos offer a repetitive, almost meditative quality, creating a space where people can feel in control, even if it's just for a few seconds.