Bed-Making as a Moving Meditation

Because we live such busy lives, we often do most routine household tasks distractedly. But a recent study showed that when college students were asked to wash dishes with mindful awareness, they reported feeling less nervous, less negative, and more inspired to complete the task. This means we can use a simple chore like making our bed as an actual meditation — to slow down our thoughts, become more mindful, and enjoy just being in the present moment. The fruits of this kind of mindful bed-making are numerous: a clearer head, a brighter heart, and the ability to be more resilient in the face of stressful challenges throughout the day. Not to mention an inviting, neatly made bed to come home to.

This Monday, once you finish your bed yoga routine, extend the benefit by making your bed mindfully:

• Rolling out of your last yoga position, keep your sense of mindful breathing going as you smooth the sheets and tuck in corners.
• Take the time to see your bed-making not as a chore but as a moving yoga pose — a way to further calm your mind and body.
• See how long you can keep this mindful, relaxed awareness flowing as you go about your day.

Enjoy this beautifully artistic video on using your bed-making as a form of meditation: