If you think making your bed is a pointless chore because you’re only going to mess it up again later, or because nobody but you is going to see it, then think again. This National Make Your Bed Day on 11 September, here are five good reasons why you should consider making this “futile chore” a daily habit.
- Because it starts off your day with a success
By achieving this first task of the day, you’ll be encouraged to continue your day that way, achieving task after task. This is according to retired Navy SEAL Naval Adm. William H. McRaven. In a much-viewed video of his commencement speech at The University of Texas at Austin he explains why you should always make your bed. And are you going to argue with a Navy SEAL?
- Because it can help you be more productive
In his book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg calls making your bed a “keystone habit”. Basically, if you can have success with a simple habit like making the bed, you’ll be more confident to build other good habits and achieve other goals. Duhigg also says this habit goes hand-in-hand with better productivity and a greater sense of wellbeing throughout the day.
- Because you’ll sleep better
The US-based National Sleep Foundation commissioned a poll amongst American adults aged 25-55 about their sleep environments. One of the questions was about making the bed; seven out of ten people said they made their bed every day or almost every day. These bed-makers were also more likely to say they’d had a good night’s sleep than those who don’t make their beds.
- Because your room will look better
Even if you haven’t yet got the hang of picking up dirty clothes off the floor, having a made bed will make your room look and feel neater and calmer. It will also encourage you to keep the rest of the room tidy (and pick up those socks).
- Because you’ll thank yourself after a tough day
A made bed is so much more inviting at the end of a long day. Smooth sheets … neatly arranged pillows … No matter how bad your day was, at least you’ll have that small pleasure to look forward to.
So this National Make Your Bed Day, take a few minutes to shake out that duvet, straighten your sheets and plump those pillows … at the very least, you’ll make your mom happy!
