The Magic of Making Your Bed Every Morning:
A Mindful Practice to Improve Health and Wellness
Introduction
It is often said that the secret to a fulfilled life is embedded in the small daily habits that occupy minimal time but wield profound influence over our well-being. One such habit is the act of making your bed every morning. This seemingly simple chore can set the tone for your entire day, instilling in you a sense of a structured routine, order, discipline, and even happiness. This article delves deep into the benefits of making your bed, the importance of maintaining a clean environment, and how doing so can be more than just a chore; it can be a mindful practice, deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy.
Why Make Your Bed?
Sets the Tone for the Day
Completing the first task of the day by making your bed gives you a small but crucial sense of achievement. As Admiral William H. McRaven famously stated in his commencement speech at the University of Texas, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another” (McRaven, 2014).
Fosters Mental Well-Being
The act of making your bed can have significant psychological benefits. It serves as a microcosm of order in your life, subtly reminding you that you have control over your environment and, by extension, your emotional state. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may be undergoing stress or anxiety. A study published in “Mindfulness and Compassion” suggests that an organized environment can have a positive impact on mental health (Brown & Ryan, 2003).
Embodies Self-Respect
Making your bed is not just about the state of your bedroom; it’s also about self-respect. It is an affirmation that you matter and that your well-being is worth that extra couple of minutes each morning.
Completing Housework Promptly
Taking care of household chores as soon as possible further extends the principle of orderliness into your daily routine. Procrastinating chores usually leads to a cluttered environment, which can, in turn, create mental clutter. Just as with making your bed, tending to your living space immediately instills a sense of accomplishment and peace.
The Importance of Orderliness and Cleanliness
Enhances Productivity
Research shows that a clean and organized environment enhances productivity. According to a study in the “Journal of Neuroscience,” clutter competes for your attention and can affect your ability to focus on tasks (Koole & Jostmann, 2004).
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
Orderliness also extends to nutritional benefits. A study in “Psychological Science” found that working in a neat space encourages people to choose healthier snack options compared to a cluttered environment (Vohs et al., 2013).
A Catalyst for Positive Behavior
Consistency in maintaining an orderly environment can act as a catalyst for adopting other positive behaviors. It forms a chain reaction, reinforcing the benefits you reap from each action.
Early Development and Challenges
The habit of maintaining cleanliness is often instilled during early development. However, it can be a challenge for those who were not taught these habits early in life. Cognitive-behavioral techniques can be useful in understanding the psychological barriers to maintaining cleanliness and working through them (Beck, 2011).
The Buddhist Philosophy of Mindful Chores
In Buddhist philosophy, the act of completing a task like making your bed takes on a deeper, more spiritual meaning. The task becomes an exercise in mindfulness. When you make your bed, you’re not just straightening out your sheets; you’re straightening out your thoughts, cultivating a moment-to-moment awareness of your actions. The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh discusses this in his teachings, he states “do the dishes to do the dishes,” emphasizing how each action can be a form of meditation if performed mindfully (Hanh, 1975).
Conclusion
Making your bed every morning might appear trivial, but it has many benefits, from setting a productive tone for the day to serving as a cornerstone for mental health. In addition, the discipline involved in regular housework and the lessons it teaches us about orderliness can’t be overstated. With a little mindfulness, this simple act can even serve as a spiritual practice. So the next time you’re tempted to leave your bed unmade, remember that you’re not just tidying up your room—you’re also tidying up your life.
References
- McRaven, William H. (2014). University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address.
- Brown, K.W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). “Mindfulness and Compassion.” The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being.
- Koole, S. L., & Jostmann, N. B. (2004). Journal of Neuroscience. Getting a grip on your feelings: effects of action orientation and external demands on intuitive affect regulation.
- Vohs, K. D., Redden, J. P., & Rahinel, R. (2013). Psychological Science. Physical Order Produces Healthy Choices, Generosity, and Conventionality, Whereas Disorder Produces Creativity.
- Beck, Judith S. (2011). Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Second Edition: Basics and Beyond.
- Hanh, Thich Nhat (1975). The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation.
Thank you for allowing me the space to share these insights. I hope this article brings value to your life and your wellness journey.