Mindfulness in the Morning: The Power of Making the Bed

By Leila Briggs

You know the routine: wake up, stretch, yawn, and, more often than not, roll out of bed with the intention of getting the day started (sometimes reluctantly). But what if that first task - the one that seems almost too simple or mundane to matter - could be an important gateway to mindfulness and intentional living?

While it may seem trivial, the act of making your bed can have a deep significance, especially when approached with mindfulness. It’s small but it can help set the tone for your day, cultivate self-care, and even offer a moment of introspection; especially if you are navigating trauma or depression.

As I was making my bed the other day, I had this thought... my bed has always been a reflection of my emotions, what I'm going through, and sometimes even a reflection of a relationship.

First, let’s talk about those challenging times. In my spiritual practice, both with myself and with my clients, I have always strived to be blunt about my experiences with trauma. If you know me well, you know I have had some rough moments. In those rough moments, as I have been healing, my environment is important. My bed is important.

When we are depressed or dealing with the heavy weight of trauma, the idea of tidying up your personal space may seem exhausting or unnecessary. The truth is our bedrooms often become places of retreat, and often, those retreat spaces can become a reflection of our mental state. A messy bed can sometimes mirror the inner chaos or lack of motivation we feel. On the other hand, a made bed, though it may seem small, can bring a sense of order and peace.

If you are in a moment of struggle, completing tasks is difficult. I recommend simplifying. Focus on one thing, one task... and if I could help you choose your one task, I would say, "make your bed."

Even if you climb right back in ten minutes later. Make your bed. This act of care for your environment is an act of care for yourself. It signals to your mind that you are worth the effort, that you deserve a sense of calm, and that even in moments of struggle, you are capable of nurturing yourself. More importantly, when you make your bed, you’re not just tidying up; you’re giving yourself a small victory - though on the surface this daily task seems insignificant.

Now let's look at this from a subtle energy standpoint to understand how even in times of grace and happy living, your bed making can become a sacred and powerful tool!

From a subtle energy standpoint, when you make that bed, you are changing or resetting the energy. The imprint energy of your dreams, sleep, and/or the energy of your meditations can stay in that bed, despite you getting up and moving around to start your day. (If you are an intuit or a heavy dreamer, changing your sheets is a perfect way to signal to your brain "okay we are refreshing and resetting." The same can be said for a shower after a public gathering or an intense spiritual exchange.)

When you add that knowledge with intentional mindfulness to your morning routine of making your bed; you have created a moment of fulfillment and purpose.

As you smooth out your sheets, fluff your pillows, and arrange your blankets or stuffed animals, take a moment to check in with yourself. Or take a moment to set your intentions for the day or say some of your favorite affirmations and prayers. Or... just savor a moment of silence and peace.

By doing this, you can use this moment as an opportunity for reflection and introspection. And rather then just checking a box, a step in your morning routine has become a powerful self care and subtle energy reset. You will be surprised how this little mindful moment with yourself can change your outlook for the day.

So, I invite you to consider the next time you wake up: instead of rushing through the motions, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to approach the act of making your bed with presence. Whether it's a small affirmation, a moment of introspection, or simply a sign of self-respect, making your bed can become more than just a chore. It can be a celebration of your strength, your self-care, and your journey!

Remember, the path to healing and spiritual growth isn’t always about grand gestures. It’s often found in the small, everyday moments where we show up mindfully, intentionally, and with authenticity.

Love, Leila