Cleaning Your Mattress & 6 More Things to Do at the Start of the Year

The start of a new year is a fresh slate – a chance to set intentions, build habits and create a roadmap for the months ahead. Whether you're looking to tackle long-term goals or simply bring more balance to your daily life, there are countless ways to kick off the year on the right foot. Here are some thoughtful and actionable ways to begin your year with intention and positivity.

Before diving into the new year, new projects or new habits, take a moment to pause and reflect on the past year. Through all of the highs and lows, you made it through and deserve to take a moment to look back on the year. 

• Celebrate Your Wins: What did you accomplish last year? Whether it’s something big or small, you should recognize and celebrate your achievements. Scroll through your photos, read old journal entries or reminisce with loved ones over the highlights.
• Learn from the Past: What didn’t you enjoy and what do you want to change? Don’t dwell on regrets. Instead, focus on growth opportunities.
• Shift Your Mindset: Instead of setting rigid resolutions that will likely fail, try adopting flexible intentions. Focus on small, sustainable changes to routines and habits that can promote long-term well-being. 

It’s a wonder what a clutter-free environment can do for your mental clarity and sense of peace. Start the year fresh with these steps: 

• Clean Out Your Closet: Remove items you no longer wear or need. Consider donating, reselling or upcycling to embrace a closed-loop shopping cycle and reduce waste.
• Tidy Up Your Pantry: Discard expired items and organize your shelves to make healthier choices more accessible.
• Organize Holiday Décor: Because you’re already taking down holiday decorations, now’s the perfect time to sort and store them neatly. You’ll thank yourself in a year when the holidays roll around again! 

Make your home a safer haven by minimizing your exposure to toxins and microplastics. Here are some steps to get started on a low-tox lifestyle this year:

• Evaluate Household Products: Check labels on cleaning supplies, personal care items and other household products for certifications like EWG VERIFIED® or MADE SAFE®.
• Opt for Organic: Embrace organic living by incorporating certified organic options into your lifestyle. From fresh, organic produce and textiles to personal care products, making the switch helps reduce chemical exposure while promoting sustainability.
• Switch to Safer Cleaning Products: Replace conventional cleaners with safer, more eco-friendly alternatives for a healthier living environment.
• Choose Organic Food Storage Options: Avoid plastics with harmful chemicals by using glass or stainless steel for food storage.

A healthier home starts with the choices you make in everyday products, creating a positive impact for both your family and the planet.

Don’t wait until the end of the year when schedules are packed and you’re scrambling to meet your deductible. Instead:

• Plan Early: Schedule your check-ups and specialist visits at the start of the year to secure convenient appointment times and avoid last-minute stress.
• Maximize Your Benefits: Take advantage of your health insurance by meeting your deductible early, ensuring you get the most out of your coverage for the year.

Sleep is critical to overall health and there’s no better time to start making it a priority than the beginning of the new year. Here are a few steps to help you get started with better sleep hygiene:

• Stick to a Sleep Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (no oversleeping, sorry!) to regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Be Mindful of Evening Habits: Avoid caffeine and heavy meals at least three hours before bedtime to allow your body to wind down naturally.
• Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Reduce exposure to blue light from phones, tablets and computers at least an hour before sleeping.
• Create a Restful Environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet, and invest in blackout curtains to reduce light or a white noise machine to block out sounds.
• Establish a Relaxing Nightly Routine: Develop calming habits like reading, meditating or light yoga to unwind and prepare your mind for sleep.

Start the year by focusing on the foundation of your sleep environment. A clean and supportive sleep surface can make a big difference:

• Evaluate Your Mattress: If your mattress is nearing the end of its lifespan, consider replacing it with a customizable organic mattress that supports healthier sleep.
• Replace Worn Pillows: Pillows lose their shape and support over time. Learn when to replace your pillow for optimal comfort and alignment.
• Deep Clean Your Mattress & Bedding: Begin the year with a fresh start by deep cleaning your mattress (this helps it last longer too!). Don’t forget to wash all bedding, including mattress protectors and toppers, to eliminate allergens and dust mites.

Finally, remember to approach the new year with kindness and patience. Avoid fixating on what you didn’t do, internalizing any perceived failures or comparing yourself to others. Acknowledge that growth takes time and progress isn’t always linear. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s progress. Celebrate your efforts, no matter how small, and take things one step at a time. 

By starting the year with these impactful steps, you can set yourself up for success without the pressure of rigid resolutions. Here’s to your healthiest, happiest and most rested year yet! And to that last point ... here are nine New Year’s resolutions for restorative sleep.