I am a firm believer in taking the time to make your bed. Whether you try to live your life intentionally or feel you have little control, our lives are so busy. At nightfall, many of us ask ourselves, “Where did the day go?” Before your daily obligations, tasks, surprises, and/or challenges begin, give yourself an easy win and make your bed.
To Make Your Bed or Not – The Hot Debate
Throughout my years as a professional organizer, whether to make or not make your bed has continued to be a hot debate. I am always intrigued by the naysayers who believe making your bed is arduous and silly. People often state, “I can’t be bothered with such a simple task. My time is needed elsewhere.” However, the place where you rest, rejuvenate, and reenergize should be welcoming. Ask yourself, “Is my bed inviting for a relaxing, tranquil night of sleep?” If not, I challenge you to take the time and respect yourself.
If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. 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.
U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McCraven 5/6/2014
Create a Habit
Firstly, making your bed needs to become a habit. And to create a habit, you must do the activity routinely. James Clear, the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, states that it takes approximately 66 days to develop or change a behavior. Most humans do not practice enough to create new habits. Give yourself the time to learn the behavior before you say it is unsuccessful.
How Do I Start?
Wake up earlier. Instead of waiting until the children wake up or hitting the snooze button three (or more) times, get out of bed! Allow yourself to wake up and acclimate.
Stretch. Take five minutes and allow your mind and body to awaken before the obligations begin. Try some light stretching to get your blood flowing.
Drink a glass of water. Before you go to bed at night, place a glass of water next to your bed. Drink the water in the morning right after your light stretching. Hydrate your body after your night’s sleep.
Let in the fresh air. Depending on where you live and the time of year, open your window and allow fresh air to clear the room and your mind.
Make your bed. There is no right or wrong way to make a bed. As Nike so eloquently states, “Just do it!” Tuck the sheets in or let them hang, do whatever will offer YOU tranquillity, rest, and peace.
Remember, you must change your habits and routines to live a simpler, refreshed, and renewed lifestyle. Start small, accomplish this easy win, and make your bed.
The way you begin your day sets the stage for the rest of your day.
Emily Ley
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