What is TikTok’s ‘burnt toast theory’, and why you must embrace it?

Called the ‘burnt toast theory’, it encourages us to embrace the bad things that happen because there’s usually a good reason for it. “It’s basically the theory that if you burn your toast in the morning (or something challenging happens), the time you spend making another toast may have saved you from a car accident, or maybe it makes you late to a meeting,” the viral theory states.

It adds, “But as you are walking in, you meet someone that will be so special in your life and you wouldn’t have met otherwise. It’s kind of like the universe always has your back. Love this for dealing with failure too. Didn’t get the job? Everything happens for a reason. Something better is on the way.”

 

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A post shared by Tabitha Nicholls ✨Hypnotist + NLP practitioner (@the.pocket.hypnotist) 

In a TikTok post that has been liked by almost 100k users, content creator Ingrid shared the meaning behind this theory. She shared that the ‘burnt toast theory’ is helping her accept things that are out of her control.

“I’ve often struggled with accepting things that are out of my control and I’ve struggled with being an anxious person at times. But adopting this and really thinking about it when I might be upset about something that is out of my control has really grounded me and allowed me to just have a little bit more peace in my life,” she added.

We reached out to Dr Sonal Anand, psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, who shared how this theory can be helpful in several ways.

Promoting Resilience: It helps individuals develop resilience by accepting that setbacks and challenges are a natural part of life. When you realize that even “burnt toast” situations can lead to positive outcomes, you become better equipped to bounce back from adversity.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Embracing this theory can reduce stress and anxiety because it encourages a more optimistic and less catastrophic view of negative events. Instead of dwelling on the negative, you focus on finding the silver lining.

Learning and Growth: It fosters a growth mindset, where you view difficulties as opportunities for learning and personal growth. By examining what went wrong and why, you can often discover valuable lessons that can help you in the future.

Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills: It encourages problem-solving skills and adaptability. When you’re open to the idea that there’s a good reason behind setbacks, you’re more likely to look for creative solutions and adapt to changing circumstances.

Improved Mental Health: Embracing the burnt toast theory can contribute to improved mental health. It can reduce rumination and negative thought patterns, leading to a more positive and hopeful outlook on life.

Dr Anand highlighted that embracing the “bad” things doesn’t mean denying your feelings or pretending everything is fine when it’s not. “It means acknowledging the challenges, learning from them, and finding a way to move forward with resilience and a positive outlook,” said.

To embrace the bad things, Pallavi Joshi, Consultant psychologist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, suggested acknowledging our feelings and reactions to difficult situations. “Then, try to find potential lessons or silver linings in those experiences. Cultivating a growth mindset, seeking support from friends and family, and practising mindfulness can also help in accepting and learning from adversity.”

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