For some of us, we have a morning routine. For others, every day brings a new set of activities. But for all of us, HOW we start our day can certainly determine how the rest of our day goes. Well I’m here to tell you there is one thing that will help get you off on the right foot every time!
There are so many things you need to get done in the morning. You get yourself put together, you feed the kids, you clean up from breakfast, you collect all the homework pages and notes and backpacks for school, you pack lunches…and there’s so much more! And I don’t know about you, but it seems that no matter how early I get up, there’s never enough time.
Clearly we all have lots to do in the morning. And while everyone’s list might look slightly different from another’s, they pretty much hit the same types of things. And when you’re rushing around and leaving messes behind, it starts your day off on the wrong foot. You start your day feeling guilty and unaccomplished and frazzled.
That’s no way to start your day.
But there is one thing you can do everyday that will help set you in the right direction…and it’s so simple.
Make your bed.
There…that’s it! It only takes minutes…seconds even if you’ve got it down to a science! We’re not talking perfection here. No taking time to tuck in the blanket. No perfect hospital corners. Just pull up the sheet and blanket, pull up the comforter, throw on a couple pillows…DONE! Half the time I actually make my bed while i’m brushing my teeth.
But why make your bed? You’re only going to get back in at night and mess it up again, right?
Ok, let’s look at the reasons why you should make your bed, everyday…
- You have accomplished something. No matter what else happens that morning, you have visible proof that you’ve done something productive. Every time you walk into your bedroom, you’ll be reminded that you started off on the right foot. And that, my friend, will change your attitude.
- Your room will look less cluttered. Regardless of what else is in your room…a pile of clothes, a stack of papers, a messy nightstand…your whole room will simply look better. Clutter adds to your stress level, and who wants more stress? A little less stress in your day will help you with everything else you come across. That may sound simple, but really, every time you rid your life of any amount of stress, you’re going to see positive results.
- One good thing will lead to another, and another, and another. Making your bed, and feeling good about that, will make you more likely to take care of something else. Maybe you’ll take a few extra minutes to put something away rather than leave it for later. Maybe you’ll put your clothes away instead of leaving them on the floor. But once you’ve made that bed, and like how that looks and makes you feel, you’ll want to do just a little more. It’s amazing what a chain reaction that can be.
- You’re going to feel better when you go to bed at night. That’s right. You will actually enjoy getting into a bed where there aren’t sheets and blankets all a mess. You won’t have to fix anything, or straighten out any blankets, before you go to bed.
So what do you think? Are you ready to make one small change that could absolutely lead to less stress and feeling a bit better about yourself?
If you’re ready to jump in, here’s all you need to do. First of all, don’t feel like you need to get your bedroom looking good before you start this. Fresh starts can start any time. So how about right now? Secondly, remember your bed does not need to be perfect. The idea here is to simply get that bed put together.
Whenever you start a new habit, you need some help. Just a small post-it note to yourself can do the trick. And when you’re trying to form a new habit, if you attach that new habit to a routine activity it will help you remember so much better. Pick one thing you do each morning, and add making your bed to it…get dressed and make your bed, brush your teeth and make your bed…you get the idea.
Here’s to better mornings and less stress!
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