“Your bed’s condition reflects your mental state,” goes the saying, suggesting that making your bed can boost happiness and productivity. Well, my mind may be a bit disheveled, but I’m totally fine with that.
I don’t require my kids to make their beds, either, even though it’s a simple task for them. We all use duvets, which means no tucking sheets or meticulously folding blankets. Still, I believe in choosing my battles, and this one has never made the cut.
Here’s a rundown of the typical arguments for making your bed, along with my responses:
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It’s a Simple Task.
They argue: Making your bed is quick and can help you plan your day.
I counter: Honestly, I need a more compelling reason than that. I prefer to use my shower time to mentally prepare for the day. My kids, on the other hand, are not exactly future planners—they rarely think beyond the next five minutes! -
It Gives You a Sense of Accomplishment.
They claim: As Admiral McRaven said, making your bed each morning sets a positive tone and gives you a sense of pride.
I reply: I’ve already achieved quite a bit before breakfast—showered, dressed, emptied the dishwasher, made coffee, and fed the cat! My kids? Their biggest success is making it downstairs after the third call for breakfast. -
It Reduces Clutter and Stress.
They state: A tidy room promotes peace of mind, and clutter can heighten stress.
I argue: The spaces I care about are the kitchen, living room, and my office. That’s where my decluttering efforts go. My kids only see the value of a tidy space once I clean up the living room, but that lesson is far more gratifying. -
It Boosts Happiness and Productivity.
They insist: Surveys show that bed-makers tend to be happier and more productive.
I think: I must be part of the 38 percent who enjoy their jobs without making their beds! My kids are equally happy, and I’m sure they’d be less so if I added another chore to their busy mornings. -
It Prepares You for Unpleasant Tasks.
They suggest: Making your bed is good practice for tackling other chores you might dislike.
I say: Enough with the practice! My kids already resist brushing their teeth and putting away dishes. Why add more to their plate? Just like I don’t practice painful things, I see no need for this kind of preparation. -
It Leads to Other Positive Habits.
They mention: Making your bed is a keystone habit that can inspire other good behaviors.
I respond: No one in my family enjoys making the bed, so let’s not pretend it will magically create other habits.
Interestingly, they conclude by noting that not making the bed can also have benefits, like reducing dust mites in the bedding. Yes! That’s our family mission—keeping those pesky dust mites at bay!
In reality, there are countless areas we could improve upon to enhance our home environment and well-being. If letting something minor like bed-making slide brings a bit more harmony to our lives, then I’m all for it. And if you’re looking for more tips on making your family life smoother, check out our other post at Home Insemination Kit. For authoritative information on at-home insemination, visit Make A Mom and IVF Babble.
Summary
In this article, I explore why I choose not to enforce bed-making in our household. While many argue that making beds leads to happiness and productivity, I believe that our mornings are already filled with accomplishments and that we can prioritize other areas of our home life without adding unnecessary tasks. After all, a little chaos can sometimes lead to harmony.