Making Your Bed Matters — Because Your Mental Health Depends On It
Making peace and sense of your world — neatly and lovingly one sheet at a time
You strive for a work-life balance. And yet, you spend roughly a third of this objective in a state of unconsciousness. With a sizeable chunk of your life regulated by an unproductive activity, you might consider making the bed rather unproductive.
And your dog apparently thinks so, too.
The act of fixing the duvet, the sheets, and the pillows — all to once again be shuffled overnight — is subject to the usual cost-benefit analysis: Is the chore really worth my precious morning time?
You’re already a busy bee, after all. And you're guaranteed little to no time—or anyone to even look at the ensemble.
Besides, by now, the bedroom task is positively exempt from parental guidance.
So, what's the point of a beautifully put-together bed if it's only for your eyes and your pleasure?
It’s all about you.
The Tidy Bird Catches the Worm
Aesthetics aside, your sleeping spot is an extension of you, your personality, and your lifestyle. And while managing the seemingly trivial and mundane may appear insignificant, maintaining the bed is a lifelong investment that pays dividends. Immediately. Daily. Annually.
Making your bed will be one of many decisions you make throughout the day, but it will always be the first — granted, after emptying the bladder. But it’s simply the best: It’s your ticket to securing the control, reassurance, and elegance needed to carry yourself throughout the day—to start the day off on the right foot.
And, at the end of the day, it’s very much in doing so to be greeted by the very same — if not other wonderful — set of positive feelings, actions, and achievements after a long, hard workday.
Whether you had a stressful afternoon or a series of unfortunate events, retiring to a fully-made bed can be the difference in changing your whole mood and outlook. It’s one surefire way to finish the day on a good note, acknowledging that at least one small thing came together nicely.
You can be at ease and proud not only every day but also every time you brush up against your bed to unplug your phone from the nightstand, walk by it to go to the bathroom, or look for your pet below or above it. You’ll feel safe and satisfied. And your well-made bed will look back at you just the same.
Even beyond great habits, caring for your bed can further represent positive affirmations without words — no clichés necessary. Actions, like words, speak loud and clear—and making your bed is no exception.
From One Good Thing to the Next
With one faithful swoop of the cover, your mattress is sealed — and so is your fate. In an instant, you're not only removing the temptation to crawl back into bed, but you're also committing to a productive day full of new experiences.
Metaphorically, making the bed represents turning a new sheet — for some, a transformative experience or a symbolic gesture. Once secured, you’re setting the tone for better behaviours and endeavours to come. Indeed, the rest of the room and house will surely follow suit.
You know that your room is your sacred safe space. And by starting with the elephant in the room — the bed — as the largest fixture, sets the record straight for a comprehensive sweep and order. With the monolith taken care of, you’ll quickly notice everything around it in need of your help.
Through your tender loving care, you can achieve so much more than a handsome bed.
Boost Productivity and Morale
Working from home? Whether you have a dedicated office space or rather one shared with your colleague — Mr. Bed — consider keeping him happy and orderly as part of the job description. Because not only is a well-made bed a prerequisite for any virtual appearance, but it’s also an administration for mindfulness, productivity, and partnership.
Just as with treating others with respect and working together with direction, neglecting your bed can be likened to that of not caring for a team member—it brings the whole morale down, and with it productivity. And that’s not acceptable or nice.
The state of your environment dictates your overall mood, productivity, and stress levels — so caring for it by making your bed will keep you in check and steadfast for whatever the day throws at you. Remember: If you can make your bed as the first item on the agenda, you’ll feel empowered to carry on with the rest. Proud productivity.
From productivity to structure: On the one hand, you’re perhaps aware of those who seek to establish structure through a morning run or meditation, but on the other, you also recognize those who do so by way of a daily bed making, signalling the official start to the day.
You’re only human, however. And there will always be times when just getting up can feel like the biggest mountain to have to climb.
Whether it’s a sleepless night or a dentist appointment that’s keeping you bedbound — or something with more permanence and weight, such as depression — rest assured that making your bed will set you free through a strong sense of discipline, dignity, and inner peace.
Related: Better Sleep: Four Simple Tips to Take Care of Your Mattress
