Across the world we are going through something of a self-love phase with people looking for ways in which they can live better, do better and be better people. This has always been the case to an extent but since the dawn of the internet we are seeing it more and more. Across the web you’ll find all manner of life hacks and self-help videos, motivational speeches and other media which seeks to help us be the best version of ourselves. I was chatting about this to my friend Javier Burillo last month and he began talking to me about the importance of making your bed when you get up. I had zero idea what he was talking about but after he’d explained this theory to me it did make quite a lot of sense. I have since started doing this and what a difference it has made, here is the theory and what I have experienced so far.
The Theory
The theory behind making your bed comes from the military, where of course making your bed and keeping your quarters in good shape is something which is heavily enforced. The onion behind the importance of making your bed is that this is the first act of the day, your first achievement, something which you had to do and something which you have already ticked off the list, thus inspiring you to be more productive throughout the day. There is also the added sense of pride, pride in where you sleep and live, that you will keep it looking good and therefore you’ll feel good.
My Experience
I am usually a throw the quilt over the bed in whichever way it falls kind of guy, but I took Javier at his word and decided that maybe he was on to something. The first day I made my bed like nobody has ever made a bed before, every corner was impeccable and there wasn’t a crease to be found, I actually spent almost 15 minutes doing it. I thought nothing of it and went downstairs for a cup of Joe.
Following my breakfast and coffee I shot back up the stairs for a shower and to get ready and bang, as soon as I entered the room there was this immediate sense of comfort and yeah, a little bit of pride. Walking into a room with the bed made just feels like you are doing life right, no matter how simple a gesture it was. After a couple of days I almost found myself excited to make my bed in the morning, it was almost a way of fully closing the chapter on my night of sleep, rather than having the possibility of going back to bed dangling in front of me.
Of all the life hacks that are out there this is one which surprised me the most, and one which I am religiously doing each day.