What it means to make your bed as soon as you wake up, according to psychology

That small, almost automatic gesture at sunrise—making your bed—might seem like a trivial task. However, psychologists suggest that this simple action plays a significant role in shaping the rest of your day. It not only reflects how a person organizes their life but also offers insights into their personality. The act of making your bed can be a powerful way to establish a sense of control over your environment, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.

Why Making Your Bed First Thing Matters

For some, starting the day with a household chore might feel odd. They roll out of bed, leaving the duvet in disarray, heading straight for a coffee. Others, however, cannot leave their bedroom without neatly arranged pillows and a smooth cover. According to clinical psychologists, this simple habit reflects deeper personality traits. Those who make their bed immediately after waking tend to be more structured, organized, and emotionally stable. It signals to the brain that you are in charge of your day, even before external demands arise.

The Psychology Behind This Two-Minute Habit

Starting your day with a consistent routine, such as making your bed, clears mental clutter. Psychologists call this “decision fatigue”—the more choices you make, the more mental energy you drain. Making your bed right away is a small decision that reduces cognitive load, leaving more energy for other important tasks. People who follow this morning ritual often feel more calm and in control, as their environment appears ordered, reflecting that order in their schedule and mindset.

The Dopamine Effect: Why Small Tasks Feel Rewarding

From a neuroscience perspective, completing a small, clear task like making the bed triggers the release of dopamine, the “reward” chemical in the brain. This boost in dopamine supports motivation, memory, and focus, making it easier to tackle subsequent tasks. Over time, your brain associates mornings with small victories, which encourages you to take action rather than getting lost in distractions like checking your phone. This simple act can create a chain of productivity and accomplishment, leading to a more efficient and fulfilling day.

Building Momentum: The Power of One Small Task

Admiral William H. McRaven, former U.S. Navy SEAL commander, famously argued that making your bed could change the course of your day. By completing a small task right away, you build momentum for the rest of your activities. Once you’ve finished making your bed, you’re more likely to dress, eat breakfast, and tackle tasks at work. Each small achievement leads to another, creating a series of successes throughout the day. This principle is often used in therapy, encouraging patients to start with a simple task like making their bed to break the cycle of overwhelm.

Personality Traits Linked to Morning Bed-Makers

Research suggests that people who make their bed early in the morning tend to share certain personality traits. Although making the bed does not directly cause these traits, there is a clear association. Individuals who make their bed daily are typically more organized, disciplined, and future-oriented. They enjoy predictable routines and exhibit lower stress levels. They also tend to have higher life satisfaction, as a tidy environment can promote a better mood and more productive work performance.

The Hygiene Warning: Why Timing Matters

Not everyone advocates for making the bed immediately upon waking. Hygiene experts caution that trapping warmth and moisture under the duvet can encourage dust mites, which thrive in humid conditions. To avoid this, experts recommend leaving the bed open for 25 to 30 minutes to allow the sheets to air out. After that time, you can return to make the bed, preserving both the psychological benefits of tidiness and a cleaner sleeping environment.

Turning Bed-Making Into a Mental Health Tool

For individuals with hectic mornings, adding another task might seem impractical. However, the key is to make the bed-making process light and automatic. Simply pull back the duvet to air out the mattress, open the curtains for natural light, and then return to straighten the bed after 20–30 minutes. This ritual requires no more than two minutes and helps set a positive tone for the day. It’s not about perfection but about the satisfaction of completing a task, which can improve overall mental health and productivity.

When a Messy Bed Sends a Different Message

Not everyone who leaves their bed unmade is unmotivated. For some, it’s a conscious choice, preferring fresh air circulating through the sheets. Creative individuals, such as artists or writers, may thrive in environments that seem chaotic to others. In these cases, the clutter does not indicate inner turmoil, but rather a different approach to work and life. The true question is not whether the bed is made, but whether your morning routine supports the kind of day you want to have.

Small Habits, Big Ripple Effects

Making your bed is a simple form of “behavioral activation,” a strategy often used in treating low mood. This technique encourages taking action first, letting motivation follow. By committing to this one small, non-negotiable task each morning, you can gradually notice a shift in your mindset and productivity. Although this habit alone won’t solve larger problems, it serves as a reminder that small, repeatable actions are within your control, anchoring you in a sense of order and achievement during an otherwise uncertain day.