Summary

The author stopped making their bed every morning after realizing it prioritizes orderliness over personal comfort and joy, influenced by a conversation with a carefree neighbor.

Abstract

The article describes the author's shift from being a meticulous bed-maker, influenced by home-organizing shows, to abandoning the practice after a revelatory conversation with a neighbor, Lisa. The author's previous belief in making the bed as a way to gain a sense of control and productivity was challenged by Lisa's relaxed approach to morning routines. This change led to a more peaceful and fulfilling start to the day, focusing on activities that bring joy and calm rather than adhering to societal standards of tidiness. The author now embraces a slower morning routine, finding greater satisfaction in the simple pleasures of life.

Opinions

The author initially believed that making the bed was a crucial life hack for a productive day, as influenced by home-organizing shows.
After the interaction with Lisa, the author felt that societal standards for morning tidiness were unnecessary and even silly.
Lisa's perspective on an unmade bed as a sign of a cozy night, rather than disarray, resonated with the author.
The author now values a morning routine that includes activities like meditating, journaling, or setting intentions, which align with personal well-being over the perceived necessity of a made bed.
The author recommends embracing a more relaxed approach to mornings, emphasizing the importance of simple joys and passions for a calm and meaningful start to the day.

Why I Stopped Making My Bed Every Morning

Letting go of the little things.

Photo by Ksenia Chernaya: https://www.pexels.com/photo/comfy-bed-in-stylish-room-decorated-with-green-plants-in-daylight-4740589/

I confess — I used to be that person who meticulously made their bed first thing after dragging myself out from my cozy cocoon of blankets.

Hospital corners, throw pillows perfectly fluffed and placed just so, sheets pulled smooth and tight enough to play a round of quarters. I took pride in having a neatly made bed, thinking it made me seem put together before even gulping down my first cup of coffee.

I bought into the hype hard.

Blame it on bingeing home-organizing shows back in my teens. One host was a drill sergeant about making your bed, touting it as the most critical task to conquer before tackling anything else in your day.

She insisted it gave you an instant sense of control and productivity to propel the rest of your hours. Eager impressionable me ate up her militant bed-making gospel as the ultimate life hack.

For years, I couldn't imagine starting my mornings without first wrestling my sheets and duvet into obedience.

That changed thanks to an eye-opening conversation with my free-spirited neighbor, Lisa.

On a sleepy Saturday morning, I shuffled out in a pink fluffy robe and slippers to grab the newspaper from my front porch. As I bent down to snag my weekend reading, I spotted Lisa across the way waving enthusiastically with her morning Joe.

After exchanging friendly hellos, she noticed through my still-open front door that my bedroom was in total disarray, visible down the hall. I still needed to tackle making the bed.

"Rough night?" Lisa asked with a smirk, gesturing at my messy bed linens askew on the mattress.

Flushing red with embarrassment, I felt an instinctive urge to explain why my bedroom wasn't perfectly tidy at 8 AM.

But then something stopped me short.

Why did I feel ashamed about my unmade bed?

Lisa wasn't judging me. She had likely spotted the empty Ben and Jerry's pint and DVDs piled on my nightstand, indicating I had an indulgent movie night last night.

As my momentary panic subsided, I considered Lisa's visible bedroom from where I stood.

Her bed was unmade, and she had cute dogs napping all over the quilts and sheets in happy disarray. She didn't seem bothered whatsoever about the state of her bed or room, for that matter.

"You know," I chuckled, "I realized I don't have a good reason for needing to make my bed right this second. I guess morning tidiness standards are kinda silly when you think about it!"

Lisa grinned back. "Totally silly! That mess just means you enjoyed a cozy night in your safe little nest. I say leave it and have a slower start today doing something you really love!"

With that, she raised her coffee mug in a bit of toast and headed inside, calling over her shoulder, "Make today count for you!"

As I waved goodbye, feelings of inspiration and liberation washed over me.

Lisa was right — my favorite way to wake up is in a dim room, sunshine peeking around blackout curtains, snuggled under mounds of comforting blankets.

My cozy nest represents rest and refuge. Why disturb that blissful vibe first thing in the name of orderliness?!

I left the bed messy that day…and every day since! Each morning, instead of rushing to smooth sheets, I linger longer, wrapped in their warmth, maybe meditate, write in my journal, or set an intention of ease for my hours ahead.

Without the pressure to accomplish some prescribed task before adequately waking up, I start my days grounded, grateful, and flowing gracefully into what matters most — simple joys and passions that cultivate calm rather than chaos.

Who knew a crumpled blanket nest held such profound life lessons?

So here's to more relaxed mornings with sleepy snuggles!

Thanks to my neighbor Lisa's gentle wisdom, I'll happily leave those hospital corners tucked away.

My new ritual guarantees a much smoother ride for the rest of the day!

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