8 Reasons to Make Your Bed in the Morning
Right now, my bed is totally unmade. It’s also supporting the weight of several books, a journal, two sweaters, my phone (I think that’s where it is at least), my cat, probably a couple pairs of rogue socks, and me.
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to start making my bed (every single day, not just on weekends when friends come over) and to stop working in bed. I even decorated the guest bedroom/office in order to lure me out of my fortress, but the comfort of my sheets and pillows is far too great. As a result, my bedroom looks horribly unorganized, and it takes me forever to fall asleep at night. Not good.
I’ve learned (but haven’t followed through, obviously) that making your bed is one of the easiest ways to make your life better. That’s right. Do as I say, not as I do. Making your bed is one of life’s greatest illusions; it’s much like putting on a pair of glitter flats, tinted lip balm, and pretending you’re not devastatingly hung-over. Here are eight more reasons why making the bed every morning is vital:
1. It makes your bed way more inviting for later on.
I think this is one the reasons why I’m having issues falling asleep at night (that and the looming future, and really addicting shows on Netflix that I insist on watching at 11pm – I’m neurotic and really smart, you guys). My bed just doesn’t look very comforting when it’s such a hot mess and there’s so much crap on top of it. I want my bed to be waiting for me with open arms and tucked-in sheets. Also, if you don’t make your bed, you can never find the fitted sheet right away, and end up settling on sleeping under the comforter, which is not quite right. Never settle.
2. “The state of your bed is the state of your head”
Don’t you love it when sayings rhyme? It makes them so much more legitimate. Anyway, this saying is true. When you make your bed in the morning, you are setting yourself up for a much more productive day because you ALREADY feel productive even before having breakfast. You will also feel less stressed when you come home from work or school and see a much more put together room all ready for you when you decide to hit the hay.
3. Your bedroom will look so much better.
Forget vacuuming and dusting (for now, at least). Making your bed is the simplest way to make your room look good without exerting too much energy.
4. If you make your bed, you’re more likely to be productive AND spend less money.
According to Charles Duhigg, author of The Power of Habit, you are more likely to get sh*t done throughout the day. You also don’t spend money as frivolously. Which may explain why I just bought a dress from Modcloth. Should have made my bed. Oops.
5. You get to show off your bedding.
What’s the point of buying cute sheets if they’re thrown about? This is the time to accentuate your bedspread, your chic quilt, and adorable matching pillows (if you’re into that kind of thing).
6. It’s meditative.
Cleaning, even if you only spend five minutes doing it, is a nice way to stop time for a bit, and focus on “the now.” I took a Buddhism class in college, and it basically taught me that we need to take more time to appreciate the moment we’re in. We are constantly fretting about the future, and we don’t spend enough time just chilling in the present. I’m in no way a meditative calm and collected person, but being able to just pause for a couple minutes per day seems like it would be good for my psyche. We should all try to do this more often.
7. Take control.
I’m not sure if I believe in fate, but I do think there’s a limit to how much you are able to control in your life. However, you can take the reigns in many aspects, including how you want to present yourself to the world. Make your bed for yourself.
8. Someday, your bedroom will be Tumblr-worthy
Because all the bedrooms on Tumblr look like comfy kingdoms of perfection. And yes, I sprinkled in Tumblr bedrooms throughout this post as motivation for you (and me…maybe mostly just for me).
