Image by THANH TUẤN NGUYỄN from Pixabay
We’ve all heard it before—”Making your bed sets the tone for the day.” But let’s be real: how many of us actually take this advice to heart? For me, making the bed isn’t just a habit; it’s a non-negotiable, deeply rooted in both tradition and necessity. Before we dive into why this simple act is hailed by countless experts for its emotional and mental health benefits, let me share a bit about my personal journey with this daily ritual.
A Tradition Passed Down
My grandma was a firm believer in the power of a made bed. Growing up, she’d remind me that a well-made bed was a reflection of a well-ordered life. She taught me from a young age that no matter what chaos the day might bring, my bed was a small, controllable corner of peace. This lesson stuck with me, and now, it’s something I can’t go without.
The OCD Effect
Having OCD means that leaving my bed unmade feels like leaving the house without my keys—it’s unthinkable. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a sense of calm and order before stepping out into the world. My day simply cannot start until that bed is neatly made, corners tucked, pillows fluffed.
Team Effort at 5 AM
Every morning at 5 AM, Santiago and I team up to make the bed. It’s a small act of partnership that sets the stage for the day ahead. There’s something satisfying about starting the day together, completing this simple task side by side.
Beyond Personal Rituals: Why Making Your Bed Matters
While my reasons are personal, the broader benefits of making your bed each morning are well-documented. Here’s why so many experts rave about this simple yet transformative habit:
1. Boosts Mental Clarity
Clutter has a way of overwhelming the mind. A made bed creates a visual sense of order, reducing mental noise and helping you feel more in control of your space—and by extension, your day.
2. Promotes Discipline and Routine
Starting the day with a small, productive act like making your bed can foster a sense of discipline. It’s a gateway habit that can lead to a more structured and productive day.
3. Enhances Mood
Walking into a bedroom with a neatly made bed is inherently satisfying. It provides a small but significant emotional lift, signaling that you’ve started the day on a positive note.
4. Improves Sleep Hygiene
Believe it or not, a made bed can actually contribute to better sleep. It makes your bedroom a more inviting space, encouraging you to wind down and sleep well at the end of the day.
5. Encourages a Mindset of Achievement
Making your bed is a quick win that kickstarts a chain reaction of accomplishments. It sets the tone for a “can-do” attitude, making you more likely to tackle other tasks.
Related: Why I’m Focusing on Progress, Not Perfection, in 2025
A Small Act with Big Impact
Making your bed might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but it’s a small action that can lead to a more organized, productive, and peaceful day. Whether you’re like me, driven by a mix of tradition and necessity, or someone looking to add a bit of order to your mornings, this simple habit is worth embracing.
So tomorrow, when the alarm goes off, give it a try. You might just find that a few minutes spent making your bed leads to a day filled with a little more calm and a lot more clarity. And hey, if you can’t get behind the habit for the health benefits, do it for the satisfaction of pulling back those perfectly tucked covers at night—there’s nothing quite like it!
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
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