Lately, I haven’t been spending much time sleeping in my bed. You see, I have a newborn. So sleep is a fading memory.
As my mental and physical state declines during this transition to new parenthood, there is one act that connects me to my healthy ideal self: making my bed.
I discovered how important this simple act was to my emotional health following a dramatic break up several years ago. Following the break, I didn’t sleep, and I didn’t eat. I felt like I was completely out of control.
One morning, to catapult myself out of my grief and emotional stagnation, I promised myself I would complete one act that would connect to me to my former normal self. If I achieved nothing else that day, I would make my bed. At least I would retire to an orderly reward.
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Psychiatrists also agree that this simple act of making one’s bed can have a positive effect on emotional health and productivity. Some say, “evidence suggests that making your bed may increase productivity and happiness.”
According to the article, Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, believes that making your bed in the morning is an easy way to ensure that you start your day on a positive note.
However, scientists also caution that making one’s bed can be bad for your allergies. Good for your psyche; bad for your health?
While making your bed each day may not be important to you, what daily act connects you to your healthy emotions. How do you stay emotionally healthy, especially during a trying time?
Elizabeth McBride believes that even small steps can have big benefits. She is the editor of Café and director for intergenerational programs. May is Mental Health Month. What can you do to improve your mental health?