January goal – Daily Storey

Welcome to Monday! I’m working on the corporate paperwork and training an AI but the cleaning Goal for you and for myself today is:

| Clearing the space around the bed – Decluttering – Getting rid of visual stress |

Did you drink your coffee today? For detoxification, it is important to have coffee in the morning with some dairy. You can have dairy in your coffee or have a piece of cheese. Health Storey Coaches can explain to you the importance of coffee with dairy milk.

Clear Space, Clear Mind: The Importance of Minimal Visual Clutter in the Bedroom (Especially Around the Bed)

If your bedroom feels like a staging room for everything you own, your sleep routine might be paying the price. Visual clutter can drain energy, disrupt relaxation, and even make mornings feel chaotic. The good news? A simple, deliberate approach to keeping the space around your bed free of clutter can transform how you rest, recharge, and wake up. Here’s why it matters and how to make it work in real life.

Why visual clutter around the bed matters

Sleep quality and stress: A calm, orderly environment signals to your brain that it’s time to unwind. When surfaces are crowded with books, devices, and laundry, your brain has more stimuli to process at a time when it should be winding down. A cleaner visual field can help reduce cognitive load and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Safety and ease: The bed is the room’s center of comfort, but it’s also a potential trip hazard if cords, shoes, or laundry spill into the floor or nightstands. Keeping the space around the bed clear reduces the risk of stumbles at night and makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
Routine and mental clarity: A tidy bedside area supports a smoother evening routine. When you know exactly where the essentials live (lamp, water bottle, a notebook, a charger), you waste less time searching and more time relaxing or drifting off.
Ambiance and mood: Clutter clashes with a tranquil mood. A minimal, uncluttered vibe—soft textures, warm lighting, and a cohesive color palette—creates a sanctuary-like feel that’s inviting to rest.

What “clutter around the bed” typically looks like

Nightstands overloaded with gadgets, cables, and random papers
Cables and chargers sprawling across surfaces or the floor
Stacks of books, magazines, or laundry piles near the bed
Decorative items that aren’t used for sleep, right at eye level
Under-bed storage that’s overflowing or difficult to access

Content Below is for Subscribers to Daily Storey

You must be logged in to view this content.

Clean Kitchens, Clear Minds: Why Clean Surfaces, Rinsed Produce, and Hand Hygiene Station

Between planning your year and juggling a million little details, a tidy, hygienic kitchen can feel like a stress-reliever, not a chore. A clean environment isn’t just about appearances—it helps reduce cross-contamination, supports safer food prep, and leaves you with one less thing to worry about on a busy day. Here’s a practical guide to keeping your kitchen surfaces clean, understanding the germs that linger, and mastering the basics of rinsing food and washing hands.

A clean environment begins with clean surfaces

Start with daily cleaning: Everyday cleaning removes dirt and many germs. Use hot, soapy water to wipe down counters, cutting boards, and utensils after you finish preparing each food item. This is a foundation step before any sanitizing. (cdc.gov)
When to disinfect: Cleaning is often enough, but you may choose to disinfect high-touch surfaces with a specific cleaning spray. Trefuly uses a pink grapefruit smelling all purpose cleaner and a scratch free powder cleanser to clean the countertops.

Establish a Convenient Hand Washing Station Beside Your Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink is a hub of activity, not just for dishwashing but often for food preparation and general cleanup. Creating a dedicated hand washing station right next to it can significantly enhance hygiene, convenience, and efficiency in your kitchen routine. No more reaching for the bathroom or contaminating food prep areas – everything you need for clean hands is precisely where you need it.

Why a Dedicated Hand Washing Station?

Immediate Access: Wash hands instantly before, during, and after handling food, or after touching raw ingredients.
Enhanced Hygiene: Reduces the risk of cross-contamination by keeping hand washing separate from dishwashing within the same zone.
Streamlined Workflow: Saves time and effort, making hand hygiene a seamless part of your kitchen tasks.
Encourages Frequent Washing: Its prominent placement serves as a constant reminder to wash hands regularly.

What You’ll Need to Set Up Your Station:

Quality Hand Soap:
- Choice: Opt for a gentle, moisturizing liquid hand soap that cleans effectively without drying out your skin. Foaming soaps can also be a good choice for quick rinsing.
- Dispenser: A refillable pump dispenser is ideal. Consider one that matches your kitchen aesthetic – ceramic, glass, or stainless steel options are popular. Touchless dispensers offer an extra layer of hygiene.
Convenient Drying Method:
- Small Hand Towel: Dedicate a small, absorbent hand towel specifically for drying hands. Choose a color or pattern distinct from your dish towels to avoid confusion.
- Placement: Use a small towel ring, hook (adhesive or screw-in), or a countertop stand placed within easy reach of the sink.
- Frequency: Ensure you have multiple towels on rotation, changing them daily or as needed to prevent bacteria buildup.
Optional Enhancements for an Elevated Station:
- Hand Lotion: Keep a small bottle of your favorite hand lotion nearby to moisturize after washing, especially if you wash your hands frequently.
- Small Tray or Caddy: A waterproof tray or caddy can stylishly organize your soap dispenser, lotion, and perhaps a small scrubbing brush or nail brush, keeping the area tidy and protecting your countertop from drips.
- Nail Brush: For thorough cleaning under fingernails, a small, dedicated nail brush can be a valuable addition.

Tips for Placement and Maintenance:

Strategic Location: Place your soap dispenser and drying method on the most accessible side of the sink – typically the side closest to your primary food prep area.
Keep it Clean: Regularly wipe down the area around your hand washing station to prevent soap scum and water stains. Wash or replace hand towels frequently.
Refill Promptly: Don’t let your soap dispenser run empty! Keeping it stocked ensures consistent hygiene.

By investing a little thought into creating a dedicated hand washing station, you’ll not only elevate the cleanliness of your kitchen but also promote healthier habits for everyone who uses it.

Please look for the Health Storey Newsletter for this week’s goals.

Tag: January goal

Cleaning Goal | Cleaning Around the Bed | Health Storey January |

Day Seven | On-Ramping | Clean Kitchen Countertops | Create a Hand Washing Station