Making your bed. It seems like such a small, almost insignificant task, doesn’t it? Something your mother used to nag you about, or a chore you quickly skipped to get on with “more important” things. But I’m here to tell you that making your bed every day is more than just a tidy habit; it’s a simple, powerful act that can kickstart your productivity and set the tone for a successful day. It’s a keystone habit, a domino that sets off a chain reaction of positive behavior.
The Power of a First Win
Imagine this: you wake up, maybe feeling a little groggy, maybe already thinking about the mountain of tasks ahead. You could roll out of bed, leaving the covers in a tangled heap, and dive straight into the chaos. Or, you could take just a minute or two to smooth out the sheets, plump the pillows, and make your bed. That simple act provides an immediate sense of accomplishment. You’ve already achieved something, no matter how small. That feeling of accomplishment can be incredibly motivating. It signals to your brain that you’re capable of tackling tasks and that you’re in control.
Studies have shown that making your bed is correlated with increased productivity and a greater sense of well-being. It’s a tiny victory that can have a significant impact on your mindset.
Building Momentum
Think of making your bed as the first domino in a line. Once it falls, it sets off a chain reaction. That initial feeling of accomplishment makes you more likely to tackle another small task, and then another. Maybe you decide to tidy up your desk, or prepare a healthy breakfast. Each small win builds momentum, making you feel more energized and focused. This snowball effect can carry you through the entire day, leading to greater productivity and a more positive outlook.
Beyond Productivity: Mental Benefits
The benefits of making your bed extend beyond just increased productivity. It can also have a significant impact on your mental well-being. In a world filled with uncertainty and chaos, making your bed provides a sense of order and control. It’s a small act of self-care that can create a more peaceful and calming environment.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
A cluttered and disorganized environment can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Walking into a messy bedroom can be overwhelming, reminding you of all the things you haven’t done. A made bed, on the other hand, creates a sense of calm and order. It’s a visual cue that signals to your brain that you’re in control of your environment, even if just a small corner of it.
Improving Sleep Quality
While this might seem counterintuitive, making your bed can also improve your sleep quality. A tidy bedroom is more conducive to relaxation and restful sleep. When you crawl into a neatly made bed at night, you’re creating a more comfortable and inviting sleep environment. This can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
Don’t underestimate the power of a clean and organized sleep environment. It can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. Making your bed is a small step towards creating that environment.
How to Make Bed-Making a Habit
So, how do you make making your bed a consistent habit? Here are a few tips:
Start Small
Don’t try to overhaul your entire morning routine at once. Focus solely on making your bed for a week. Once you’ve mastered that, you can add another small habit.
Make it Easy
Remove any obstacles that might prevent you from making your bed. Keep your bedding simple and easy to manage. If you have a lot of decorative pillows, consider removing some to streamline the process.
Tie it to an Existing Habit
Anchor the new habit to an existing one. For example, tell yourself, “After I brush my teeth, I will make my bed.” This helps to create a trigger that will remind you to perform the new habit.
Be Consistent
Consistency is key to forming any habit. Make your bed every day, even on weekends or when you’re traveling. The more consistently you perform the habit, the more ingrained it will become.
Reward Yourself
Give yourself a small reward for making your bed consistently. This could be as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee in your tidy bedroom or taking a few minutes to read a book.
Addressing Common Objections
I know what you might be thinking: “I don’t have time to make my bed every day!” Or, “It’s pointless, because I’m just going to mess it up again later.” Let’s address these common objections:
“I Don’t Have Time”
Making your bed takes less than two minutes. That’s a tiny investment of time that can yield significant returns in terms of productivity and mental well-being. Consider what you might be wasting time on instead – scrolling through social media, perhaps? Re-prioritize and make room for this small but powerful habit.
“It’s Pointless, I’ll Just Mess it Up Again”
The point isn’t about achieving perfect order; it’s about creating a sense of control and accomplishment. Even if your bed gets messy again later, you’ve still started your day with a win. Furthermore, a made bed often discourages you from simply throwing clothes on it, leading to a generally tidier room. You are more likely to keep a tidy space tidy.
“My Bed is Covered in Pillows!”
Simplify your bedding. Reduce the number of decorative pillows or find a system for quickly organizing them each morning. The goal is to make the process as easy and efficient as possible.
The Ripple Effect
Making your bed isn’t just about having a tidy bedroom. It’s about cultivating a habit of discipline, order, and self-care. It’s about starting your day with a win and setting the tone for a productive and fulfilling day. And it’s about recognizing the power of small actions to create significant change in your life.
Admiral William H. McRaven, in his book “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World,” argues that making your bed is a simple but profound act of discipline that can lead to greater success in all areas of life.
Beyond the Bedroom: Applying the Principle
The principle of starting with a small win can be applied to other areas of your life as well. Consider these examples:
Starting a New Exercise Routine
Don’t try to run a marathon on your first day. Start with a short walk or a simple stretching routine. Celebrate that small victory and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
Tackling a Big Project
Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. Focus on completing one task at a time and celebrate each accomplishment. This will help you stay motivated and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Improving Your Diet
Don’t try to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start by making one small change, such as drinking more water or eating one serving of vegetables each day. Gradually add more healthy habits and eliminate unhealthy ones.
The Takeaway
Making your bed every day is a simple yet powerful habit that can transform your life. It’s a small act of discipline that can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and a greater sense of well-being. It’s a keystone habit that sets off a chain reaction of positive behavior. So, tomorrow morning, take just a minute or two to make your bed. You might be surprised at the impact it has on your day.
A Final Thought
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, making your bed is a small act of self-control that you can do every single day. It’s a reminder that you have the power to create order and beauty in your own life, starting with something as simple as a neatly made bed.
