Do you make your bed every morning, or are you one of the many people who don’t?
The results of a recent survey show that only 27% of people make their bed.
However, did you know, that tucking in your well-fitted sheets and spending more time smoothening your Mela silk duvet cover makes you happier and more productive?
If you’re still not convinced that making your bed can help you conquer the world, here are six more reasons you shouldn’t leave your bedding in a ball in the morning.
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1. You’ll Start Your Day on the Right Foot
Making your bed helps you accomplish one of the most important tasks in your day.
According to former University of Texas System chancellor Naval Admiral William McRaven, making your bed each morning gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment.
McRaven, who has also written a book called Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe the World further notes that making your bed sets you up for success.
The simple act of tidying up your bed allows you to begin the day with a small accomplishment. And starting your day on such a positive note motivates you to complete your other routine tasks during the rest of the day.
2. Your Day Will Be More Productive
As explained by Charles Duhigg in his book The Power of Habit, making your bed daily results in increased productivity and a greater sense of wellbeing.
Once you accomplish the task of tidying up your bed in the morning, you’ll find yourself motivated to accomplish other tasks in your schedule. This key habit can also lead to a domino effect where you make smart choices throughout the day.
3. Reduces Your Stress Levels
The appearance of your bed definitely affects your mood. There is nothing as tranquil as a well-made bed.
A made bed makes your bedroom look tidy and clutter-free. Besides, there is a sense of joy one feels when they know their well-made bed is waiting for them after a long stressful day at work.
A tidied-up bed also makes you happier. Several studies have shown that people who make their beds are happier, while those with mental disorders are less stressed when their bedrooms are tidied up.
Moreover, if your bed is made, you’ll find it difficult to stay in bed and wallow over things that may be stressing you.
4. A Made Bed Makes Your Bedroom Tidy
Even if your bedroom may not be messy, a rumpled bed will make your room look untidy. On the other hand, a well-made bed makes your space look inviting and beautiful.
Besides, a made bed also encourages you to tidy up other areas of your bedroom. You’ll get the inspiration to clean up that dirt closet or vacuum your room. You’ll also certainly be mindful not to leave dirty clothes on the floor.
Further, covering your mattress with clean sheets and a beautiful duvet cover minimizes the surface area where dirt and dust can collect. Not to mention that tucked-in sheets are less likely to get wrinkled, while well-arranged pillows will remain fluffy.
Additionally, once you make it a habit to make your bed, you might find it easier to engage in other healthy morning habits, such as brushing your teeth.
5. Builds Self-Discipline
If you’re like most people, you may often feel that making your bed is the last thing you want to do in the morning. But overcoming the physical resistance not to make your bed every day cultivates self-discipline.
When you teach your body and mind to do the right thing even if you don’t feel like it, you end up being disciplined. And we all know that self-discipline, even in other areas of your life, has great payoffs.
6. Gives You a Peaceful Night
It’s such a great joy to climb into a well-made bed.
Unfortunately, getting in an unmade bed isn’t the best way to prepare for a restful night. This fact was highlighted in a study done by the National Sleep Foundation. The research findings were that people who make their beds every morning are more likely to get a good night’s sleep than those who don’t.
These findings also support past research that suggests that your bedroom environment, including light, cleanliness, and a well-made bed, affects your sleep quality.
So, do you make your bed every day? If you don’t, then you need to start from today.
From the tips above, it’s obvious that the habit of making your bed helps you to start your day on a positive note. It also increases your productivity, reduces your stress levels, builds self-discipline, helps you get a good night’s sleep, and keeps your bedroom clean and tidy.
What other habits give you a good start for the day?
Making your bed is one of the healthy habits to have for starting your day in a good mood. Try the following tips to have a great start each and every day.
1. Wake up early
Waking early in the morning has many benefits, such as:
- You will be able to go with your morning routine without hurrying up
- The morning hours are quiet and let you enjoy your early day activities
- You have time to introspect and think about your day
- You have time to do daily exercise and everything else
2. Brush your teeth
Many people brush their teeth after having breakfast, but it’s healthier to do it right after you wake up. Bacteria builds in your mouth while you sleep, so you should brush the plaque up as soon as you wake up. Washing your teeth will also add a protective fluoride layer against the acids and sugars you put in your mouth at breakfast.
Some people also scrape their tongues – it’s beneficial on many levels. Here’s why you should also begin scraping your tongue:
- You will remove mucus from your tongue. The mucus can block the taste buds, so you will taste your food better after scraping the tongue.
- Bacteria at the back of the tongue is the leading cause of bad breath in the morning. Scraping the tongue will eliminate the bad smell.
- Scraping the tongue improves the health of teeth and gum.
- You will stop toxins from being reabsorbed into your body and boost your immunity by scraping your tongue.
- Remember to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash after eating breakfast.
3. Have some warm water with lemon
After you brush your teeth, you should have a large glass of lukewarm water with juice from half a lemon. It’s a great habit to have in the morning. Here’s why:
- Lemons are high in Vitamin C, which protects you against colds
- Lemon water is an effective cleanser and stimulator for the liver and kidneys
- Lemon water alkalizes the body. When your body lacks alkalizing substances and is highly acidic, it will take the substances from vital tissues and bones.
- Lemon water has antioxidant abilities so it reduces the free radical damage and helps your skin look younger and healthier.
- Remember to use a straw when drinking lemon water so that the acid in the lemon doesn’t damage the enamel on your teeth.
4. Have a stretching routine
It’s important to loosen your muscles after you wake up. A stretching routine is great for that and it can also increase blood flow to the muscles. You only need 10 minutes to do some yoga poses to connect your mind, body, and breath to have an excellent start to the day.
5. Meditate
Don’t rush into things in the morning, but start your day with some stillness and meditate. Meditating improves your concentration, emotional stability, reduces stress, and keeps you healthy. You only need to focus on your breath for three minutes at first; build your routine from there. Here’s what you can do:
- Pick a comfortable position to sit down
- Close your eyes and concentrate on your breath
- If your mind starts to wander, go back to focusing on your breath
- Inhale for four counts, hold it for four counts, and exhale for 8
- Repeat these actions for three minutes
6. Think positive and smile
Even if you don’t feel like it, try to begin your day by smiling. Scientists discovered that smiling has many positive effects on our minds and well-being. Here are some of these benefits:
- When we smile, we improve our mood as we release serotonin
- Smiling leads to the release of feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and endorphins. If you smile the moment you wake up, your day will be better already.
- Smiling strengthens our immune system. Do it throughout the day as often as possible so that you keep diseases at a distance.
- Force yourself if smiling doesn’t come naturally to you. A forced smile will help you get it more naturally in time.
Along with smiling, you should say positive things to yourself the moment you wake up (do it out loud or in your head).
“ I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious life, I am not going to waste it.” (Dalai Lama) is just one example to use.
7. Be grateful
Don’t go out of bed before smiling and having some positive affirmations for the day. Also, practice gratitude. Starting the day on a positive note is essential for a good living.
- Reflect upon what you’re grateful for. Studies revealed that practicing gratitude decreases stress hormone and boosts your mood.
- Take one minute in bed to reflect on one person and opportunity you are grateful for in your life.
- Ask yourself: “what are you grateful for the day? What are you looking forward to the day?”
We know that some days will be miserable, no matter how much you try. However, your bed will be nicely made when you get back home, which only helps you have hope for a better tomorrow.
8. Eat a healthy breakfast
Breakfast is and always will be the most important meal of the day. Make sure to include healthy fats, whole grains, and lean protein in your breakfast. Here’s why you should have a healthy breakfast:
- You will be able to focus and concentrate better
- You won’t feel that hungry during the day
- You will have more energy
- If you skip breakfast, the risk to become overweight increases
9. Have a to-do list
Spend a couple of minutes to write down a “to-do” list for the day. Make sure to have priorities and stick to 3 to 5 items. You want to complete the most pressing of them first. If you write down your “to-do” list, you will keep your mind clean of clutter. You also gain a sense of purpose for the day and feel good when crossing off your tasks.
10. Limit electronics and reduce morning stressors
Many are tempted to start their day by checking their phones and email, news, etc. Instead of using electronics, you should start your day with less passive activities, like journaling for 10 minutes or meditating.
Also, try to limit the number of decisions you make in the morning. Have your outfit ready when you go to bed and tidy up the place at night, so you wake up in a clutter-free space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does bed-making mean?
Bed making refers to arranging the bedsheets and bedding on a bed to prepare it for use. It’s a household chore and a task in establishments such as hospitals, hotels, educational and military residences. Many parents encourage their children to make their beds.
What’s the most important principle when making a bed?
When you make your bed, use efficient body mechanics and pay attention to details. You have to reduce dust and the spread of microorganisms, so you should handle linen in order. Don’t shake nor fan out the clean/soiled linen.
Is a good bed worth it?
Even if the mattress is the most expensive part of your bed, we recommend purchasing the best bed you can afford. You shouldn’t empty your pockets for the high-end bed. Instead, look for a high-quality product for your budget. Please pay attention when selecting the mattress and see it as an investment in the long run.
Is there a best month when to buy a mattress?
People buy mattresses all the time, but the period between June and September is the busiest. As a result, the prices for mattresses will be higher during that period. Therefore, you should stay calm and buy a mattress right after the peak months.
At what age should children make their beds?
Young children love to be involved and contribute around the house. You can ask your 4-year old to pull the bedsheets up and blankets and throw some pillows on the bed. Teach your child to make his own age the moment he shows interest. Be patient; at this age, it’s all about the habit and not so much about a perfectly made bed.
