I’ve been making my bed every morning since I was a child – one of the many results of a strict Russian upbringing. Not only that I’ve been doing it on autopilot without giving it a second thought, I never even knew that not making your bed was an option until my later teens when I started visiting my friends’ houses…
But only the past couple of year as I read more and more inspirational books and self-improvement content, I’ve noticed that “making your bed” in the morning is a returning pattern with all the great positivity masterminds.
Although I’m definitely a morning person, It could still be hard kicking off the day sometimes. I feel like my morning routine is what keeps me sane on those days. Nearly every productivity expert recommends a morning routine. In order to start your day right, it’s important to establish healthy morning rituals, as it sets the tone for the rest of the day.
It isn’t so much about what is in your morning routine, just that you have one. Of course, to each his own – but meditating, practicing gratitude, stretching or even exercising, having breakfast or journaling is some of the most common ones on top masterminds lists.
But before all that- when you wake up – make your bed.
You know all the excuses for why not to and probably telling them to yourself daily: “It’s just going to get unmade again tonight”, “I don’t have time for that in the morning”, ” who’s going to see it anyway?” and so on.
“If you want to make a difference in the world, start by making your bed.”
This quote is from the commencement speech delivered by Admiral William H. McRaven at the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This speech since went viral with over 10 million views that led McRaven to write a (bestselling) book name “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … and Maybe the World”. McRaven says that “You need an anchor point for your day, and sometimes that anchor is as a simple as making your bed”.
It might be small but it will give you a sense of pride. Starting the day with at least one ‘chore’ already done will set the tone for the entire day. According to Charles Duhigg, the author of “The Power of Habit”, daily bed making becomes a “keystone habit”, something that kickstarts a chain of other good decisions throughout the day, and gives you a sense of “taking charge”. The feeling of accomplishment first thing in the morning will encourage you to do another task and another.
I think it’s important to find the little things in everyday life that make you happy | Paula Cole
As mentioned in the Business Insider, Tim Ferriss, a bestselling author, over the past 10 years, asked hundreds of high performers about their morning routines. And then implemented it to his own mornings. Making your bed in the morning was at the top. Tim says it teaches you that it’s the little things in life that matter.
As the bed is the focal point of the bedroom, where you spend roughly a third of your life, when it’s made, the whole room looks tidier. A made bed has an effect on your mood. It gives you a sense of tranquility and calmness.
Just think about that feeling of climbing into a smoothly made bed at the end of the day. No matter who’s waiting for you there…
A survey conducted by the Sleep Foundation found those who make their beds every day or almost every day are more likely to get a good night’s sleep than those who don’t make their beds.
Worth a try isn’t it? it’s such an easy task to do, that takes just a few minutes and can immensely impact your day. Don’t worry- all the perks are included even if your bed isn’t military-style-made or Pinterest-ready. Just a quick fluff of the pillows and tug of the blanket and you’re good to go.
I just love it that ever since I read about the meaning and benefits of making my bed, I started thinking about it when I do it. I started noticing it and apricating it. Mindfulness is such a powerful thing. Now after I make my bed – I look at it proudly and smile. Hope it makes you smile too.
What’s your morning ritual? The one that makes your morning start off right? I would love it if you share with me in the comments below.
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Thank you for your blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.