National Make Your Bed Day, observed annually on September 11th, is a unique occasion that encourages individuals to start their day with a simple yet impactful task — making their bed. The day is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of this modest habit, one that may seem insignificant, but for many, it sets the tone for the entire day. By making your bed each morning, you can boost your productivity, provide a sense of accomplishment, and bring a semblance of order to your personal space.
As we engage in this simple yet symbolic act, we collectively embrace orderliness and purpose, creating a ripple effect from the corners of our bedrooms to the broader aspects of our lives. National Make Your Bed Day is a gentle nudge to uphold personal responsibility and to find dignity in the daily routines that lay the groundwork for success and inner peace.
History of National Make Your Bed Day
The origins of National Make Your Bed Day, recognized on September 11th each year, aren’t grounded in extensive historical records like many traditional holidays. It’s a day that has simply gained traction as a way to highlight the small yet meaningful task of bed-making each morning, which is thought to contribute positively to one’s daily routine.
Although the selection of September 11th for this day could seem poignant due to the tragic events that occurred in the United States on that date in 2001, there is no direct connection between the two. The emphasis on making one’s bed is rather a nod towards starting the day with a constructive act, particularly on a date where people are reflecting on chaos and sorrow from the past.
One catalyst for the growing recognition of Make Your Bed Day was a speech by a former Navy SEAL, Admiral William H. McRaven, delivered at a university graduation in 2014. His message was clear: beginning the day by making your bed could lead to increased productivity and a sense of pride. His words captured the attention of many, pushing the practice into the spotlight.
This day has come to be acknowledged, at least in part, by people and businesses who see the value in its simple message. It’s gained some visibility through social media, where individuals share their support by posting pictures and thoughts with related hashtags. The visible online participation helps the day maintain its relevance year after year.
National Make Your Bed Day Timeline
Rise of Lifestyle and Wellness Trends
Increased focus on personal well-being and daily routines sparks interest in small, life-improving habits like making the bed every morning.
Admiral McRaven’s Speech
U.S. Navy Admiral William H. McRaven highlights the importance of small tasks, like making one's bed, to change the world.
Creation of National Make Your Bed Day
Inspired by the growing trend towards productivity and self-improvement, a group of lifestyle bloggers and influencers establish National Make Your Bed Day to encourage the practice.
National Make Your Bed Day Gains Popularity
The event becomes more widely recognized, with schools, organizations, and individuals across the U.S. participating and sharing their made beds on social media.
Ideas to Celebrate National Make Your Bed Day
Bedroom Beautification Challenge
Rally your family or roommates for a bed-making contest. Set a timer and see who can make their bed the neatest within a set time limit. Snap before and after photos and share on social media using a hashtag like #MakeYourBedDay to encourage others to join in on the fun.
Makeover and Breakfast in Bed
Start the day by making your bed with freshly laundered sheets and a new bedspread or throw pillows for an instant makeover. Surprise a loved one with breakfast in bed on your newly made creation, adding a touch of luxury to the day's celebration.
Masterclass in Bed-making
Host a virtual or in-person workshop on the art of bed making. Include tips for military-style corners, the importance of thread counts, and how to layer pillows and throws for an inviting look. Invite a local interior designer or a housekeeping professional to share expert advice.
Sleep Sanctuary Social Media Share
Encourage friends and followers on social media to reinvent their sleep space in celebration of the day. Have them share pictures or videos of their newly made beds or bedroom transformations, and offer a prize for the most creative or cozy setup.
Pajama Party with a Purpose
Organize a pajama party where attendees come in their favorite sleepwear and bring along their bedding. During the event, offer a group bed-making tutorial, followed by a movie night or sleepover to put those well-made beds to use.
7 Interesting Facts About Making Your Bed
A Daily Success Ritual
Admiral William H. McRaven, a former Navy SEAL, famously stated in a commencement speech that making your bed every morning can set the tone for a day of accomplishment. It is seen as a keystone habit that can trigger a chain reaction of other positive tasks and behaviors throughout the day.
Potential Allergy Reduction
Regularly making your bed can actually help reduce the presence of dust mites and allergens in your sleeping environment. When you straighten and cover your sheets, you can decrease the exposure to these irritants, potentially improving your sleep quality and health.
Psychological Benefits
Making your bed can provide a sense of order and may elevate your mood. It is a simple task that contributes to a clean and organized space, which is linked to reduced stress levels and improved mental clarity.
Historical Discipline
In many military and naval academies around the world, bed-making is considered an essential part of basic training. It teaches recruits the importance of attention to detail, discipline, and the pride associated with the completion of tasks to standardized expectations.
Chance of Finding Lost Items
When making your bed, you may stumble upon lost items such as missing socks, books, and even small electronics that have slipped between the sheets or under the bed. It's like a mini treasure hunt that can occur daily.
Cultural Variations
Bed-making customs vary across the world. In Japan, for example, the traditional futon is often aired out in the sun and then folded and stored away, rather than 'made' in the Western sense, preserving both space and cleanliness.
Children’s Storybook Lesson
The importance of making one's bed is even highlighted in children’s literature. 'The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room' is a popular story teaching kids the importance of cleaning up and organizing their personal spaces, starting with making the bed.
National Make Your Bed Day FAQs
Next National Make Your Bed Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 11th | Monday |
| 2024 | September 11th | Wednesday |
| 2025 | September 11th | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 11th | Friday |
| 2027 | September 11th | Saturday |
| What is the pattern? | Every September 11th | |
National Make Your Bed Day Word Search
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