This One Small Habit Will Change Your Life

Good news, it’s not journaling or waking up at 5 am and doing an extensive skin care routine.

Where are all my stressed-out adults at? You know, the ones who start each morning dodging a metaphorical frying pan of problems, combating the chaos with an unholy amount of caffeine and doom-scrolling until you summon the dark energy just to face the day. Raise your hand! Oh, that’s everyone? Fantastic—this one’s for you. (And yes, we really need to change that narrative, but let's save that for another day.)

Welcome to 2024, where the hurdles to maintaining our health—mental, physical, spiritual—are higher than ever. Surging prices, pervasive toxicity in what we consume, societal pressures, and the dreaded 9-5 grind... it's a lot, especially if you're relatively new to this whole 'adulting' thing. Remember how we couldn't wait to grow up? Well, here we are, and it's tough. Really tough. How are we expected to nurture our minds and bodies and chase our dreams while shackled by bills and jobs? It's no wonder many of us barely have the bandwidth to read through an article like this. But stick with me for a bit—I promise it's worth it.

I’m just your average Joe who’s had more than my fair share of rough patches, including bouts of situational depression that left me so unmotivated, even basic self-care felt like climbing Everest.

During a particularly low point, I decided I’d had enough. I made a simple change to my non-existent routine that surprisingly turned my life around. Here it is: I started making my bed every morning. Yes, that's it. Roll your eyes if you must, but this tiny step is a game-changer.

You might have heard this advice before, or think it sounds trivial. However, if there's one small, manageable change you can bring to your chaotic life, it's worth trying.

Why is this helpful? Consistency is key (annoying but true). I started by making my bed the moment I got up, which was tough initially but got easier. Dedicating just two minutes each day to this task gave my brain a little dopamine boost, helping build a positive association with this once-dreaded chore. Before long, making my bed became a moment of self-care rather than a nuisance.

I wasn’t always tidy. But as I continued making my bed daily, I found solace in the control it brought to my otherwise chaotic life. A clean space contributed significantly to my mental health, encouraging me to maintain a clutter-free environment. And at the end of a long day, there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling back a neatly made bed.

For those living with others, try involving your household to enhance the mental health benefits for everyone. If that’s not feasible, focus on keeping your personal space tidy. Start small—the journey to greater cleanliness and mental clarity begins with one made bed.

Already a bed-making pro? Seek control in other small areas of your life—perhaps your bathroom, laundry habits, or even dental hygiene. Small, manageable goals can help you regain a sense of command over your life without feeling overwhelmed.

I’m no doctor or mental health expert; I'm just someone who's navigated through the darkest times with these small but mighty habits. And if they helped me, maybe they can help you too. We’re all in this adulting battle together—remember to be kind to yourself and others. Now, go make your bed!