The Transformative Power of Making Your Bed: A Keystone Habit for Productivity and Order

The Keystone Habit of Making Your Bed

Starting your day by making your bed may seem like a trivial task, but it holds significant psychological benefits. This simple act can act as a keystone habit, initiating a chain reaction of good habits throughout the day. When you make your bed, you begin the day with a sense of accomplishment, which primes you for productivity and order.

Admiral William H. McRaven, a retired Navy SEAL, emphasizes the importance of making your bed as part of discipline and order. In his famous commencement speech, he mentioned that making your bed every morning means you have completed the first task of the day, giving you a small sense of pride and encouraging you to complete another task and another.

The Comfort and Sanctuary of a Made Bed

A made bed serves as a comforting sanctuary for sleep, ready for you to sink in and drift off at the end of the day. The ritual of making the bed signifies the proper end to the previous day, allowing you to start fresh. Historically, making the bed minimized the chance of bedbugs and helped identify them, ensuring a cleaner and more hygienic sleeping environment.

In the past, beds were made with straw-filled sacks, and covering them with muslin sheets reduced access for bugs. Although the practical necessity of making the bed has diminished, the habit persisted as good housekeeping, symbolizing control over one's environment.

Personal Preferences and Psychological Benefits

Not everyone finds making the bed beneficial; some people do not feel better or care about how it looks. Personal preferences play a significant role in whether making the bed is seen as beneficial or not. For some, the act of making the bed can be seen as taming the chaos of sheets and pillows, symbolizing control over one's environment and subconsciously priming individuals for a more organized and productive day.

A veteran's perspective highlights that some people may have specific ways they want the bed made, which can lead to disagreements. Over time, the veteran in the anecdote stopped insisting on making the bed and became more relaxed about other things. This flexibility shows that the significance of making the bed varies from person to person, and its value is subjective based on individual experiences and perspectives.

Experimenting with the Habit

Trying to make the bed for a couple of days can help determine if there is any positive benefit for you. If making the bed doesn't provide any benefit, there is no need to continue doing it, especially if you are the only person in the room. However, some people find that making the bed provides a sense of accomplishment and order early in the day.

The teacher's advice in high school about making the bed as an accomplishment on unproductive days reflects the psychological benefit of this habit. Even on days when you feel unproductive, having a made bed can serve as a small victory, boosting your morale and encouraging you to tackle other tasks.

The Historical Roots of Bed-Making

The idea of making the bed has historical roots tied to cleanliness and pest control. In the past, making the bed was essential for minimizing the chance of bedbugs and maintaining a hygienic sleeping environment. Although the practical necessity has diminished, the habit has persisted as a symbol of good housekeeping and personal discipline.

The significance of making the bed varies from person to person. For some, it is a keystone habit that sets the tone for a productive and organized day. For others, it is a comforting ritual that signifies the end of one day and the beginning of another. Regardless of the reason, making your bed can have a transformative impact on your daily life, providing a sense of accomplishment and order that can carry you through the rest of the day.