The Wednesday Waffle Trend: What It Is, Why It's Trending, and How It’s Improving Mental Wellness for Millennials and GenZ
Introduction
Ever had one of those weeks where you feel like the only meaningful conversation you’ve had is with your pet?
Same.
Well, TikTok has done it again. Giving us a charmingly simple trend that’s all about reconnecting with the people you love most.
It’s called Wednesday Waffles.
No big production, no pressure—just weekly video updates where you can “waffle” (chat aimlessly) about your life.
What started as a lighthearted idea has evolved into something deeper—a weekly check-in that’s helping people strengthen friendships and boost their mental wellness in an era where staying connected feels harder than ever.
Let’s unpack what makes Wednesday Waffles so special, why they’re trending, and how this easy ritual can add a little more joy to your week.
What Are Wednesday Waffles?
At its core, Wednesday Waffles is about connection. The trend began with Australian Instagram user Zachary Perez in 2020, who used weekly video updates to stay in touch with his friends. It wasn’t long before the idea jumped to TikTok, where users embraced it with their own creative spins.
The term “waffle” itself is a nod to Australian slang, meaning to talk at length about trivial matters. It’s fitting for a ritual that invites you to share your week—the good, the bad, and the random—with no judgment and no expectations.
What sets Wednesday Waffles apart from other trends is its low-key charm.
There’s no need for filters, polished editing, or perfectly curated moments. The focus is on showing up, being authentic, and creating space for connection in a way that feels manageable even in the busiest weeks.
Why Wednesday Waffles Are Trending
The success of Wednesday Waffles can be traced to a mix of timing and relatability. The pandemic had people seeking new ways to stay connected, especially as traditional methods like meeting in person became harder to maintain.
TikTok, a platform built for creativity and connection, gave the trend a home where it could flourish.
But beyond its pandemic-era roots, Wednesday Waffles resonates because it taps into something universal: the need for meaningful relationships.
As Gen Z and Millennials increasingly prioritize mental wellness and emotional support, trends like this offer a way to make connection part of your routine—not just something you squeeze in when you have the energy.
Add to that a sprinkle of TikTok magic, with users sharing their funniest, most heartfelt updates, and you’ve got a recipe for a trend that feels personal, fun, and refreshingly easy to join.
The Mental Wellness Benefits of Weekly Check-Ins
It might just seem like a chat, but Wednesday Waffles comes with real mental wellness perks. Here’s why:
1. Strengthening Friendships
Regular check-ins deepen bonds, whether you’re catching up with college roommates, long-distance besties, or work friends. Knowing someone cares enough to share their week—and listen to yours—can make all the difference.
2. Combatting Loneliness
In a world where social media often feels superficial, this trend offers a way to create genuine connection. Scheduled conversations help combat the isolation that can come from living far apart or getting caught up in the daily grind.
3. Providing Emotional Support
When you share the highs and lows of your week, you’re creating space for vulnerability and support. Even small moments of encouragement or validation can have a big impact on your emotional well-being.
4. Encouraging Reflection
Summing up your week forces you to pause and reflect—something we don’t always do naturally. This practice can help you notice patterns, celebrate wins, and process challenges, which are all great for mental clarity.
How to Start Your Own Wednesday Waffle
If you’re ready to bring Wednesday Waffles into your life, the good news is that it’s incredibly easy to start. Here’s how to get going:
1. Pick Your Platform
Decide where you want to share your updates. TikTok is a natural fit if you enjoy creating videos, but you can also use Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, or even a simple group text. The platform doesn’t matter as much as the commitment to showing up.
2. Set a Reminder
Consistency is key, so make Wednesday Waffles part of your routine. Set a calendar alert or an alarm on your phone to remind yourself each week.
3. Keep It Casual
You don’t need a script or a highlight reel. Share whatever’s on your mind—whether it’s a funny story, a random thought, or something more serious. The goal is connection, not perfection.
4. Invite Your Friends
Reach out to your close circle and explain the concept. Encourage them to join in, even if it’s just with a quick voice memo or text. Starting small with one or two friends can help build momentum.
5. Make it a ritual
Be consistent. Rituals matter and play a critical role in helping to strengthen relationship.
Michael Norton, a professor at Harvard Business School gave his “Why Rituals Matter” PopTalk where he dives into the importance of rituals in our daily lives.
Even if some weeks feel busier than others, prioritize the practice. Over time, it will become something you look forward to, not another item on your to-do list.
What to Share in a Wednesday Waffle
Not sure what to talk about? Here are some ideas to keep your updates fresh and engaging:
Weekly Highs and Lows: What was the best (and worst) part of your week?
Funny or Random Moments: Share that bizarre dream you had or the thing your pet did that made you laugh.
New Discoveries: A great recipe, a new TV show, or a song you can’t stop listening to.
Life Updates: Big or small, share what’s going on in your world—new hobbies, milestones, or even just how you’re feeling.
Personal Wins: Celebrate yourself! Whether it’s finishing a project or just getting through a tough week, share your victories.
Beyond Friendships: Expanding the Waffle Practice
Sometimes the people who could really use a weekly check-in aren’t just your friends.
The beauty of Wednesday Waffles is how easily it can be adapted to different relationships in your life, making every connection feel a little stronger and more intentional.
Waffles with the Fam
We love our families, but keeping in touch consistently? That’s another story.
Life gets hectic, and before you know it, weeks have passed without a real conversation. Enter Wednesday Waffles—a casual, no-pressure way to share what’s new without the endless back-and-forth of scheduling a family Zoom call.
Your grandma might not be on TikTok (or hey, maybe she is—shoutout to cool grandmas everywhere), but a quick video update or a group text can be just as effective. It’s a chance to send love, share little updates, and remind them they’re still top-tier in your life.
Pro Tip: Start a family WhatsApp or iMessage group and kick things off with a “What’s your Wednesday Waffle this week?” message. Keep it light, keep it fun.
Work Waffles: Because Coworkers Need Connection, Too
We spend so much time with our coworkers, yet workplace conversations tend to stick to deadlines, deliverables, and the occasional “Happy Friday!” gif. Why not shake things up with a midweek waffle?
This isn’t about oversharing or turning your Slack thread into a therapy session (boundaries matter, friends). It’s about creating a moment for lighthearted connection. Whether it’s swapping funny stories from the week or shouting out small wins, a quick Team Waffle can make the workweek feel a little less transactional and a lot more human.
Pro Tip: Pitch the idea during your next team meeting and frame it as a fun way to boost morale. Keep it optional and low-pressure—just like the trend itself.
Waffles for Your Community Groups
Got a book club, peer group, a running crew, or a Discord group that you love but don’t see enough of? Wednesday Waffles are an easy way to keep the vibe alive between meetups.
Share your progress on that book you’re reading, your latest 5K time, or even just a meme that screams “us.”
Community groups thrive on connection, and regular check-ins like this can make everyone feel more involved—even when you’re apart.
Pro Tip: Suggest a themed Waffle for your group, like “what made you laugh the hardest this week” or “one thing you’re proud of.” It’s a simple way to keep the focus fresh and engaging.
Wednesday Waffles might have started as a way to stay close to friends, but its potential goes way beyond that. Whether you’re reconnecting with family, building bonds at work, or keeping up with your crew, this trend is all about showing up for the people in your life in a way that feels simple, fun, and totally doable.
Conclusion
Wednesday Waffles might seem like just another TikTok trend, but at its heart, it’s a simple and powerful way to connect with others, reflect on your week, and prioritize your mental wellness. By taking just a few minutes each Wednesday to share your thoughts, you’re not only nurturing your relationships—you’re also creating space to celebrate life’s little moments.
So, this Wednesday, grab your phone, hit record, and start waffling. It might just become your favorite part of the week.