National Make Your Bed Day: Boost Your Productivity With 12 Simple Habits

National Make Your Bed Day is a reminder of the powerful connection between small habits and overall productivity. The simple act of making your bed each morning can set the tone for a day filled with focus and accomplishment.

This article explores how this seemingly minor task, along with other straightforward habits, can significantly enhance daily productivity. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can start each day with a clear mind and a sense of purpose.

1. Start Your Day With a Morning Routine

A well-structured morning routine helps create a sense of stability and order, which can lead to greater focus and efficiency throughout the day. A task as simple as drinking a glass of water, taking a few minutes to stretch, or writing down the day’s top priorities can make a significant difference in how the day unfolds.

Saad Alam, CEO and Co-Founder of Hone Health, a company that helps people buy testosterone online, emphasizes, “A consistent morning routine is like a mental warm-up, preparing your mind and body for a day of productivity. When you start your day with intention, you’re more likely to carry that focus and determination through the rest of your tasks.”

Incorporating even a few minutes of intentional activity into the morning can create a ripple effect, leading to improved time management and task completion. Starting each day in a similar manner helps establish a rhythm that makes it easier to tackle the day’s challenges.

2. Make Your Bed First

Making the bed may seem like a trivial task, but it carries significant psychological benefits. Completing this small chore first thing in the morning sets a productive tone, giving a sense of accomplishment before the day has even begun.

“The act of making the bed is a powerful trigger for productivity,” notes Anthony Tivnan, President and Co-Founder of Magellan Jets, a company known for their jet charter flights. “It’s a small, easy win that can lead to more wins throughout the day. It also signals to the brain that it’s time to transition from rest to action.”

By making your bed before any other task, you create a tidy and organized environment that encourages a similar mindset for the rest of the day. This habit reinforces the importance of order and discipline, which are key components of sustained productivity.

3. Prioritize Your To-Do List

Organizing tasks by priority is an essential strategy for staying on track and making sure that the most important tasks get done. A to-do list provides a clear roadmap for the day, making it easier to manage time and stay focused on what truly matters.

“Start using a to-do list. Prioritize it by most important to least important, and don’t worry about completing it 100% each and every day,” says Andrew Schrage co-founder and CEO of Money Crashers. “If you have a few minor items left on the list at the end of the day, just transfer it over to the following day’s list.”

Having a clear set of priorities reduces the temptation to get sidetracked by less important tasks, increasing the likelihood of achieving meaningful progress each day.

4. Practice Mindfulness Meditation

Taking a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness can help clear the mind, reduce stress, and improve overall concentration. By fostering a sense of calm and awareness, mindfulness meditation creates a sense of deliberation and thoughtfulness.

“Mindfulness meditation is like a reset button for your brain,” says Bob Craycraft, CEO of Cadence. “It helps clear away distractions and mental clutter, allowing you to approach your work with greater clarity and purpose.”

Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine can improve your decision-making. Even just a few minutes of mindfulness each morning can make a noticeable difference in how the day unfolds.

5. Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day

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Staying properly hydrated is vital for maintaining energy levels and cognitive function throughout the day. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and a decrease in overall productivity.

Shaunak Amin, CEO and Co-Founder of Stadium points out, “Hydration is a key factor in sustaining productivity. When the body is well-hydrated, the brain functions more efficiently, leading to better focus and mental clarity.”

To maintain hydration, consider keeping a water bottle at your desk and setting reminders to drink water at regular intervals. This simple habit can have a significant impact on your ability to stay engaged in your tasks.

6. Take Regular Breaks

Short breaks allow the mind to rest and recharge, which can improve focus and creativity when returning to work. By scheduling breaks into your day, you can avoid the negative effects of prolonged periods of concentration.

“’Regular breaks are crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being,” advises Jack Savage, Chief Executive Officer of Everyday Dose, a company that specializes in mushroom coffee. “A brief pause can help refresh your mind, reduce stress, and improve overall productivity.”

Incorporating breaks into your routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple activities like a short walk, stretching, or even just stepping away from your workspace for a few minutes can make a big difference in how productive you feel throughout the day.

7. Limit Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest barriers to productivity. From phone notifications to background noise to the temptation to check social media, distractions can significantly disrupt your focus and workflow.

“Limiting distractions is key to sustaining focus and productivity,” says Justin Soleimani, Co-Founder of Tumble, a company that specializes in washable rugs. “By creating a workspace that minimizes interruptions, it’s easier to stay on track and complete tasks efficiently.”

To limit distractions, consider turning off unnecessary notifications, using noise-canceling headphones, or designating specific times for checking emails and social media. These simple adjustments can help create a more conducive environment for focused work.

8. Set Clear Goals

Setting clear and specific goals is fundamental to achieving productivity. From a daily to-do list to a list of long-term objectives, having well-defined goals helps keep productivity on track.

“Clear goals act as a roadmap for success,” notes Leah Francis, Head of Growth at Postable, a company known for its holiday cards. “They help break down tasks into manageable steps, making it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the day.'”

By taking the time to set clear goals at the start of each day, it becomes easier to prioritize tasks and maintain momentum. This boosts productivity and increases the sense of accomplishment when goals are achieved.

9. Declutter Your Workspace

A cluttered workspace can be a significant obstacle to productivity. It leads to distractions and makes it harder to focus on the task at hand. Keeping your office area free of unnecessary items creates a more conducive environment for efficient work.

Cade Kelly, Growth Marketing Lead of The Pets Table, emphasizes, “An organized workspace is crucial for maintaining productivity. A clutter-free environment helps reduce distractions, allowing for a more focused and efficient workday.”

To declutter your workspace, start by removing items that are not essential to your current tasks. Regularly tidying up and organizing your desk can help maintain a productive atmosphere.

10. Incorporate Physical Activity

Physical activity is an often-overlooked component of productivity. Regular exercise boosts energy levels, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function, all of which contribute to a more productive day.

“Instead of viewing exercise as something [you] do for [yourself] — a personal indulgence that takes [you] away from [your] work — it’s time [you] started considering physical activity as part of the work itself,” says Ron Friedman, founder of ignite80. “The alternative, which involves processing information more slowly, forgetting more often, and getting easily frustrated, makes [you] less effective at [your job.]”

Finding ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider taking a short walk during breaks, doing some light stretching exercises, or even using a standing desk to encourage more movement during the day.

11. Practice Gratitude

Practicing gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to boost productivity. Taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can lead to a more optimistic outlook and increased productivity.

Brian Chhor, CEO and Co-Founder of Hero Journey Club states, “Gratitude is a powerful tool for maintaining a positive mindset. By focusing on what has been achieved, it’s easier to stay motivated and productive.”

Incorporating gratitude into your daily routine can be as simple as jotting down a few things you’re thankful for each morning. This practice can really promote a productive and positive start to the day.

12. Review and Reflect on Your Day

Reviewing and reflecting on your day is a valuable habit for continuous improvement. Taking a few moments at the end of the day to assess what was accomplished, what could be improved, and how to approach tasks differently can lead to greater productivity over time.

“Daily reflection is essential for ongoing productivity,” says Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv, a company that specializes in women’s vitamins. “It provides an opportunity to learn from the day’s experiences and make informed adjustments for future tasks.'”

Incorporating a brief reflection period into your evening routine can help solidify what was learned during the day and set the stage for a more productive tomorrow. This encourages mindfulness and a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.

Start Boosting Your Productivity Today

From starting your day with a clear routine to ending it with thoughtful reflection, each of these practices helps build a more focused, organized, and efficient approach to your tasks. Remember, even the smallest actions, like making your bed, can set the tone for a successful day.