Benefits of Making Your Bed

It Starts Your Day Off Right

Making your bed in the morning may seem like a simple and mundane task, but it has the potential to transform your entire day. This idea was famously expressed by Admiral William McRaven, the commander of U.S. Special Operations, in his 2014 commencement speech at the University of Texas at Austin. Admiral McRaven explained that making your bed every morning can give you a small but significant sense of pride and accomplishment. It can encourage you to take on other tasks throughout the day, building momentum and increasing your overall productivity. As he noted, "By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed." But the benefits of making your bed go beyond productivity. This small act can also have a profound impact on your mindset and overall well-being. It reinforces the idea that the little things in life matter, and that taking care of the small details can lead to greater success and happiness. In addition, making your bed each morning can help you create a sense of order and control in your life. It's a simple but meaningful way to start your day with a small act of self-discipline and responsibility. By taking care of this task first thing in the morning, you set the tone for the rest of your day and create a foundation for a productive and successful day.

It Encourages You to Keep the Rest of Your Room Tidy

Even the most organized, beautiful bedroom looks less tidy with an unmade bed, and the opposite is also true. When the bed is made, it helps the rest of the room look styled, even if it's not perfect. Better still, once you are in the habit of making your bed, you’ll likely feel inspired to improve your bedroom’s appearance in other ways, even if very small. From tiny beginnings, great things grow. Maybe next, you'll tackle the closet.

It Leads to Better Productivity

Have you ever wondered how a small task like making your bed can boost your productivity? It may seem insignificant, but according to Charles Duhigg's book "The Power of Habit," it can be a keystone habit that kickstarts a chain of positive decisions throughout the day and gives you a sense of control. By making your bed every day, you establish a routine that can lead to a greater sense of well-being and improved skills in sticking to a budget, according to Duhigg. These small keystone habits can accumulate and have a significant impact on your overall productivity and success. So, the next time you're tempted to skip making your bed, remember that it could be the first step towards a more productive and fulfilling day. Give it a try and see how it affects your mindset and decision-making skills.

It Lowers Your Stress and Improves Your Mood

Your bedroom is a place where you spend a significant amount of time, and the state of your room can have a direct impact on your mood. When you're surrounded by clutter and chaos, it can be challenging to feel calm, relaxed, and grounded. On the other hand, a tidy and well-organized space can help you feel more competent and tranquil. Making your bed is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this sense of order. It doesn't have to be perfect; just straightening the sheets and fluffing the pillows can go a long way in creating a cohesive and pulled-together look. When you take the time to make your bed each morning, you're sending a message to yourself that you care about your surroundings and your own well-being. This feeling of being cared for can help to lift your mood and reduce emotional burdens, according to Gretchen Rubin, author of "The Happiness Project." In fact, learning to make your bed each day is one of the most common simple changes that can lead to greater happiness, according to Rubin's research. It's a small but powerful act that requires little effort and time, yet can have a significant impact on your overall well-being.

it Just Looks and Feels Better

Picture walking into a hotel room. What's the first thing that captures your attention? It's probably the perfectly made bed that entices you to snuggle up between the soft sheets. Now, imagine that same hotel room, but with an unmade, wrinkled bed. It's not a pleasant sight, is it? You'd likely request housekeeping to take care of it. Would you still want to crawl into those sheets? Probably not. There's something about a well-made bed that feels so satisfying at the end of a long day. It not only makes the bed appear cleaner (even if the sheets haven't been changed in weeks), but it also makes it feel more comfortable. There are few things that compare to the pure joy of slipping into a nicely made bed with a softly fluffed pillow after a busy day. So, take a few minutes every morning to make your bed. It may seem like a small thing, but it has the potential to improve your entire day and, ultimately, your life.