Most of us have at least one chore that we really hate doing. Maybe you despise yard work or can't stand doing laundry.
But while each of these to-dos takes quite a bit of time and work, there's one that takes only minutes to complete — with minimal effort — and can have a huge impact on your day. Yet, nearly 60 percent of us neglect it. That chore is making the bed.
Keep reading to learn when the trend first started, why you should do it every day and why you may just be doing it all wrong.
Who Started the Trend of Making the Bed?
Most of us have grumbled at having to make the bed countless times in our lives, but we likely don't think to question who first started the trend, or why. It's impossible to say exactly when in history it started. While beds themselves date back more than a thousand years, they weren't exactly discovered with neatly tucked and piled sheets, blankets and throw pillows.
Instead, let's take a look at the history of beds themselves. The earliest remnants date back to ancient Egyptian times. With a frame constructed of wood, these delicate, narrow beds sat low to the ground so as to preserve materials like wood, which was a precious commodity in the desert. The frame was then woven with cords to support a mattress.
Similar beds have also been found in Europe dating back to the Middle Ages. But while those simple Egyptian beds were reserved for royalty, the same design was used in the Middle Ages and Roman times for lower classes. The upper classes then began using more elaborate designs that are closer to what we recognize today.
Thanks to artwork from the Middle Ages, we know people were already making their beds. While they may not have had quite the number of cute throw pillows as your mom or wife, they did feature elaborate bedspreads and thick curtains that wrapped around the bed and provided some privacy. Of course, those early nobles also had a team of servants to make their bed for them, a privilege most of us don't enjoy today.
How Do You Make Your Bed the Right Way?
Perhaps the reason you're putting off making your bed is that you aren't doing it correctly. We don't mean not tugging the sheets up all the way or tucking the blankets just right; instead, you might not have the materials quite right.
From your mattress to your comforter and everything in between, the items that make up your bed make a difference.
If you have an old, worn-out mattress that leaves you waking up with a sore back every morning, the last thing you want to do is make your bed. But replacing your mattress with a high quality, comfortable new model will mean a better night's sleep, less pain and soreness and the chance to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day — as soon as you make your bed, of course!
Your sheets, blankets, comforters and pillows make a difference, too. If you're using old, mismatched linens, you might not see any point in making it at all. But a matching set that fits your personal style will motivate you to put in a few minutes each morning to make it all look great.
Why Should You Really Make Your Bed?
Making your bed is about more than just making your bedroom look nice; after all, it's likely the only person who will see it all day is you. Instead, it's about spending just a few moments each morning on a small task that will leave you feeling accomplished.
Admiral William McRaven, who wrote the book "Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...and Maybe the World," said it best when he said:
"The idea of making the bed is it's the same sense of discipline. It's the same sense that you're going to get up and do something, but it's an easy task to undertake...that is really what I think sets the tone for the rest of the day."
In the End, Making Your Bed Shouldn't be a Chore
It's not a task as complicated as going for a run or even cooking a healthy breakfast. Making your bed is fast and simple, yet can also help to kickstart your day and inspire you to complete other tasks, one at a time.
With the right materials, including a fresh mattress and matching linens, you can accomplish what humans have been doing since at least the Middle Ages, and reap the benefits of simply making your bed all day long!
