Ever felt the urge to open the fridge, grab a cold fizzy drink, crack it open, and sip it like a stress break? Gen Z calls this ritual a “fridge cigarette.” And no, it has nothing to do with smoking.

Coined on TikTok, a fridge cigarette is a smoke-free stress ritual where people replace cigarettes with cold carbonated drinks for instant mental relief. The act mimics the pause, satisfaction, and reset that smokers once associated with cigarette breaks - minus the smoke.

Psychologists say this trend reflects how young people cope with burnout, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. That cold sip offers a brief sense of control and comfort in an overstimulated world. But there’s a catch. Regularly relying on fizzy drinks can create emotional dependence and lead to health issues like sugar spikes and digestive problems.

Experts suggest healthier swaps like fruit-infused water, herbal teas, or sugar-free mints to break the habit.

The fridge cigarette may look harmless - but it shows how stress quietly sneaks into daily routines.