Why making your bed in the morning can boost your productivity throughout the day

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How do you start your mornings? With a steaming cup of coffee, perhaps, or a brisk walk around the block? There's something undeniably satisfying about these morning rituals, isn't it? But today, we'd like to talk about one simple, often overlooked routine that has a surprising impact on your day. Yes, we’re talking about making your bed.

Now, you might be rolling your eyes at me already. "Come on," you're saying. "I've got a jam-packed day ahead of me. I've got emails to send, meetings to attend, kids to drop off at school. Who cares if my bed is a mess?" 

We hear you, we do. But stick with us for a moment here, because we think we can convince you that spending just a few minutes each morning to tidy up your bed can set you up for a more productive day.

This isn't just some old wives' tale, by the way. There's actually a good amount of research backing this up. So pull up a chair, grab your coffee (or tea, if that's your thing), and let's dig into why making your bed in the morning can give you a productivity boost that lasts all day. 

And who knows? By the time we're done here, you might just be convinced to fluff those pillows first thing tomorrow morning!

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The importance of starting your day right

So, let's start with something we all can relate to. You know that feeling when you wake up on the "right side" of the bed? It's like you're a superhero ready to tackle anything the day throws at you. 

And how about the opposite? Waking up groggy, disoriented, and already feeling like you're playing catch-up? Not so super, right? That's what we're trying to tackle here - setting your day off to a good start. And it begins with making your bed.

Now, we’re not saying making your bed will turn you into a morning person overnight, but it's a step in the right direction. When you start your day accomplishing a task - even a small one - it sends a positive message to your brain. It's like you're telling yourself, "Hey, I've got this. I'm in control." It sets a tone of achievement and order right from the get-go.

And let's be honest, who doesn't want to feel a little bit more in control? We live in a fast-paced, unpredictable world. Some mornings you wake up to emails that make your head spin, kids who won't get out of bed for school, or a phone that just won't stop ringing. 

And amidst all that chaos, your neatly made bed stands as a small island of order and calm. It's a subtle reminder that you started your day accomplishing something - and that's a mood booster, my friend!

It might seem silly at first, but this simple task could be the switch that turns on your productivity mode. You're starting your day right - creating order, achieving something, and setting the tone for the rest of the day. 

It's like setting the stage for a play where you're the star performer. So why not give it a shot? What have you got to lose, apart from a few unruly blankets and pillows?

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The connection between cleanliness and mental clarity

Now, if we were to ask you where you feel most at ease, would it be a cluttered, chaotic room or a tidy, organised one? We’re guessing you're more likely to lean towards the latter, right? There's something about a neat and tidy space that just invites calmness and clarity.

See, our physical environment plays a huge role in how we feel and think. Have you ever tried concentrating on a task in a messy room? Not easy, is it? It's as though the chaos around us seeps into our minds, muddling our thoughts and slowing us down. And that's not me just talking; there's real science behind it!

Research shows that a clean environment can lead to clearer thinking and increased focus. It's like decluttering your surroundings and decluttering your mind, too. Who knew making your bed could help you think straight, huh?

But it's not just about focus. A messy room can also make you feel stressed and overwhelmed, hindering your ability to be productive. Ever walked into a messy room and felt an immediate urge to turn around and walk back out? Yeah, it's that feeling we're talking about.

On the other hand, a neat and tidy room – starting with a made bed – can make you feel more relaxed and in control. It's a visual reminder of organisation and order, like a mini oasis of calm in a desert of deadlines and duties. 

So, by making your bed, you're not just tidying your room; you're also paving the way for mental clarity and focus. And guess what? That's a great starting point for a super productive day!

So, my friend, fluff those pillows, straighten that duvet, and embrace the clarity that comes with a freshly made bed. It might be a small step, but hey, even the longest journeys start with a single step, don't they?

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The power of routine and habit formation

You've probably heard the saying, "We are what we repeatedly do." It's all about habits, my friend. These little patterns of behaviour have a huge impact on our lives, shaping who we are and what we achieve. And the cool part is, a simple routine like making your bed can help us build more productive habits.

Let's dive into the science of it a bit. Every habit we form follows a cycle: a cue, a routine, and a reward. In this case, waking up is your cue, making your bed is your routine, and the sense of accomplishment and order you feel is your reward. Simple, isn't it?

And here's where the magic happens. Once you've established this routine, your brain starts associating the feeling of achievement with making your bed. You begin to crave that positive reinforcement, and voila, a new habit is formed! But the beauty of this whole process is that it doesn't stop there.

Developing one positive habit can act as a stepping stone to forming other productive habits. It's like a domino effect. By beginning your day with a simple, achievable task, you're reinforcing the belief that you can accomplish what you set out to do. And that belief, dear reader, can spur you on to tackle bigger tasks and establish more complex routines.

Think of it like a snowball rolling down a hill. It starts small but, as it keeps rolling, it gathers more snow and gets bigger and bigger. That's what this habit of making your bed can do for you. It starts as a small boost to your morning routine but can set off a chain reaction of productivity throughout your day.

So, remember, the power of habit formation isn't just about achieving one task. It's about the impact this one task can have on your overall behaviour, mindset, and yes, productivity. And to think it all begins with tucking in a sheet and fluffing a few pillows! Who would've thought?

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Physical Act, Psychological Impact

Alright, let's take a minute to appreciate the power of our minds. You see, our brains are fascinating organs that react to everything we do, including the simple act of making our beds. Sounds a little out there, right? But stick with us, it's going to make a whole lot of sense.

You've probably felt that little buzz of satisfaction after completing a task, big or small. Maybe it was ticking off an item on your to-do list or even finishing a tough workout. That's your brain doing a little happy dance. It's releasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives you feelings of accomplishment and happiness. It's your brain's way of saying, "Hey, good job! Let's do that again."

This is where making your bed comes in. Even though it's a small task, it's still an accomplishment and it still gets that dopamine flowing. It's your first win of the day, and your brain loves it! This positive reinforcement motivates you to seek out more wins throughout the day, pushing you to be more productive.

Plus, there's more to this physical act than just a dopamine hit. It's also about the psychological impact of taking charge. By making your bed, you're taking control of your environment, and that spills over into a feeling of control over your tasks and your day. It's a small act, but it sends a powerful message to your brain: "I've got this."

You're not just straightening sheets and arranging pillows; you're shaping your mindset for the day ahead. You're priming your brain for achievement and productivity, all before you've even had your morning coffee.

So, while it might seem like just a mundane task, making your bed is actually a powerful tool in your productivity arsenal. You're setting off a cascade of positive mental reactions that can carry you through the day.

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Discipline and self-efficacy

You know, discipline sometimes gets a bad rap. It often comes off as rigid, strict, and well, downright boring. But here's the thing: discipline is like the secret sauce of productivity. And the best part is, it doesn't have to be about a hardcore, military-like regimen. It can start with something as simple as making your bed every morning.

Here's what happens. When you make your bed every day, you're exercising discipline. You're choosing to engage in a positive action, even if it's easier to leave your bed in a mess. Day by day, as you stick to this routine, you're training yourself to follow through on your commitments, no matter how small. It's like a daily exercise in willpower, and the more you flex this muscle, the stronger it becomes.

Now let's add another layer to this: self-efficacy, or belief in your ability to get things done. By sticking to your commitment of making your bed every day, you're not only building discipline but also boosting your self-efficacy. You're showing yourself that you can stick to a task and see it through, and that's a powerful boost to your self-belief.

Every morning that you smooth out your sheets, you're telling yourself: "I am someone who gets things done." And as this belief takes root, it influences how you tackle other tasks throughout your day. You approach them with a 'can-do' attitude because, well, you've already proven to yourself that you can do what you set out to do.

So you see, the act of making your bed does more than just tidy up your room. It fosters discipline and boosts self-efficacy, equipping you with the mindset and attitude you need to be more productive. 

It's like a daily dose of self-belief and determination, all wrapped up in your cosy comforter. So, the next time you make your bed, remember, you're doing more than just a chore. You're building a foundation for a more productive, confident, and disciplined you!

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Case studies/Real-life examples

Now, you may be wondering, "Do people really get more done just by making their bed?" You'd be surprised! I've got a couple of real-life examples that might just convince you.

Let's start with the famous example of the U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven. In his viral commencement speech at the University of Texas, he urged the graduates to make their beds every morning. According to him, it was the first task completed in a day, a proud moment that offered encouragement to continue with other tasks. It provided a small sense of pride and, in a reverse scenario, a comforting sight after a tough day.

Or take Marie Kondo, the tidying-up guru who's inspired millions with her philosophy. She believes that a tidy room leads to a tidy mind, promoting clarity, joy, and productivity. Making your bed is a fundamental part of her method, proving the importance of this task in creating an environment that fosters productivity.

These stories underline the same truth: the act of making your bed each morning can be a powerful tool for boosting productivity. It's not about the act itself but about the chain of positive behaviours and mindsets it triggers. 

So next time you see your rumpled bed in the morning, remember Admiral McRaven, and Marie Kondo. A few minutes spent on tidying your bed could set the stage for a day of achievement and productivity.

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5 practical tips on how to incorporate this habit

Alright, by now, you're probably wondering how to get into the swing of making your bed every day. Don't worry, we've got you covered with some handy tips to help you incorporate this habit into your routine.

1. Start small: Don't worry about hospital corners and perfect pillow placement right off the bat. Just start by pulling up your sheets and straightening your comforter. Remember, the goal here isn't to make your bed like a five-star hotel housekeeper; it's to establish a routine that sets the tone for a productive day.

2. Pair it up: Try pairing the task of making your bed with another habit you have. Maybe you make a beeline for the coffee machine as soon as you get out of bed. Use the time while your coffee is brewing to make your bed. Or maybe you could make your bed before brushing your teeth. By coupling it with an existing habit, you're more likely to stick to the new one.

3. Reward yourself: Give yourself a little pat on the back each time you make your bed. Maybe that's taking a moment to appreciate the neatness of your room, savouring your morning cup of coffee, or even a little happy dance. Celebrating small wins can reinforce your new habit and make it more enjoyable.

4. Keep it consistent: Try to make your bed at the same time every day to create a sense of routine. Consistency is key in habit formation, and before you know it, making your bed will become second nature.

5. Be patient: Remember, it takes time to establish a new habit. So, be patient with yourself. If you forget a day, don't sweat it. Just get back on track the next day. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are productive habits!

So there you have it, some simple steps to get you started on your bed-making journey. Remember, the goal isn't perfection; it's progress.

Conclusion

The humble act of making your bed in the morning, once a chore to dread or ignore, has now emerged as a secret weapon in your productivity arsenal. Who knew something so simple could have such a profound impact on your day?

The beauty of it lies in its simplicity. Making your bed isn't a colossal task that requires an extensive skill set or deep intellectual prowess. It's a small, achievable action that serves as the perfect springboard to a day filled with productivity and achievement.

But let's remember, it's not just about the act of making your bed itself. It's about everything it represents: discipline, control, self-efficacy, mental clarity, and the power of routine. It's about beginning your day with a positive step and riding that wave of accomplishment throughout the day. It's a daily reminder that you can do what you set out to do.

So, tomorrow morning, as the sun peeps through your window and you greet the new day, give this a shot. Take a few minutes to smooth those sheets, fluff those pillows, and straighten that comforter. It might feel small, but it could just be the jumpstart your day needs.

In the grand scheme of things, will making your bed solve all your productivity woes? Probably not. But could it be a simple step in the right direction? Absolutely. After all, as Admiral McRaven put it, "If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed."

As we've seen, the small things really do matter. So, let's not underestimate the power of small wins and the ripple effect they can have on our lives. Start small, start with your bed, and who knows? You might just end up surprising yourself with how much you can accomplish in a day. Now, that's a pretty good reason to make your bed, isn't it?

Good luck!

Friska 🐨

Read next: Revenge bedtime procrastination: What is it and how can you avoid it?

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