It's hard to imagine that the simple habit of making our bed makes us more responsible, successful and happy. But it is!
For many of us, it is enough to see our bedroom tidy, not be afraid of sudden visits and lie down in the evening on attractively smooth sheets and fluffed pillows. But if you are one of those people who do not care about all this "aesthetic" paraphernalia, we will tell you about the reasons for making the bed, discovered not by cleaning experts, but by psychologists, sociologists and other scientists. So, making the bed every day…
According to a 2010 study by the American National Sleep Association (they have one too), people who make their bed daily get better sleep than those who don't make the time in the morning. The survey involved 1,500 people aged 25 to 55 years. 44% of made bed supporters said they slept well every or almost every night. Among those who prefer artistic bed mess, there are only 37% of such “lucky ones”. More tips for he althy sleep.
Gretchen Rubin, best-selling author of The Happiness Project, conducted a study among her readers and subscribers, asking them how they managed to become happier. Many responded that the habit of making their bed was one of the first habits they acquired on their journey to happiness. Rubin explains that “For most people, the little things on the outside contribute to inner comfort; the simpler the way to achieve happiness and tranquility, and the less time it takes, the more benefits it brings. According to a survey conducted by Hunch.com, among those who make their bed, 71% feel happy; among those who don't run it, only 62%. By the way, 68,000 people took part in the survey.
Another piece of advice from Gretchen Rubin: "If you feel overwhelmed with worries and tasks, even one small task completed will help you regain your self-confidence." You have overcome your own laziness in the morning and are ready to defeat any internal and external "enemies" of your success throughout the day. According to the same Hunch.com survey, made-bed aficionados are more likely to love their jobs, own a home, exercise regularly, and are generally successful-while bed slackers are more likely to hate their jobs, rent out their homes, and avoid strenuous exercise.
Psychologist Charles Duhigg, in his book The Power of Habit, writes that the ritual of making your bed in order every day is a key habit that paves the way for many others, including the habit of financial discipline and the habit of keeping yourself in good physical shape.. Sociologist Christine Carter adds that “when we focus on one small aspect of self-improvement-for example, forcing ourselves to maintain good posture, watch less TV, or meditate for 5 minutes every day-we are surprised to find ourselves exceeding our own expectations. Often, improvements are observed in many "neighboring" areas. There are no minor good habits.
Carolyn Forte, laboratory director at the Home Economics Research Institute (USA), recommends making the bed because this simple measure minimizes creases in the sheets and helps keep pillows fluffy, thereby prolonging the life of bedding.
When the room is in order, it is good not only because you are not ashamed in front of the guests, but also because you are not ashamed in front of yourself. A made bed is the first step towards a tidy bedroom, which in turn helps reduce stress and guilt. According to psychologist Andrew Mellen, physical disorder is often a reflection of emotional disorder. By making the bed, you put things in order “in the head.”
People who have tried to get into the habit of making their bed every day report that a made bed inspires them to keep her in “proper company,” namely picking up the things scattered around the apartment and keeping things tidy in general. A positive example is contagious - in relation to a husband or roommate, and convincing - for children.
Kelly Baron, an expert neurologist at Northwestern University (USA), explains: “In the process of treating people for insomnia, we encourage them to use the bed only for sleep and sex. Having made the bed, a person is less likely to lie on it later to watch TV or play on a tablet. A made bed rarely becomes a workspace (“I’ll check my mail!”) Or an entertainment center (“how are my classmates doing?”). Thus, you will ensure not only a pleasant and gadget-free evening, but also a restful sleep: science has long proven that a glowing screen is the easiest way to make the brain forget about sleep.
Various researchers claim that it takes between 21 and 66 days for a person to develop a he althy habit. If you have suffered for 66 days, fighting with an unmade bed, and the habit has not appeared, then quit this thankless task. Dr. Stephen Pretlove from Kingston University (USA) to the chorus of entomologists and zoologists of Cambridge claims that an unmade bed makes us he althier by preventing ticks (these pests provoke asthma, eczema and rhinitis). Ticks are not able to survive in the dry microclimate of an unmade bed. As usual, it's up to you.
- You'll sleep better
- You will feel happier
- You will become more successful
- You will become more disciplined
- You will save money
- You will reduce your stress levels
- You will inspire the people around you
- You will turn on your gadgets less often