How Being Clean Can Best Serve You

As a child, were you ever told something along the lines of “wash your hands, spread the word and stop germs”? I am pretty sure you know why. Being clean is an important part of living. Not to mention, being clean is good for your mental health.

The older I get, the more I realize that certain hygiene habits are not commonplace for most adults. Don’t even get me started on those that leave the bathroom without washing their hands, yuck!

Let’s talk about how to can stay clean, and in turn, stay healthy:

• 1. Wash your body
• 2. Wash your hands
• 3. Brush your teeth
• 4. Cover your mouth
• 5. Deodorize or Invest in Perfume/Cologne
• 6. Wash your clothes and bedsheets

Let’s learn what you can do to stay clean.

Wash Your Body

At least take a shower once every other day. Personally, I believe everyone should bathe at nighttime. Especially if you have been outside all day. It doesn’t make sense to shower in the morning time, conquer the day, and then go to sleep with the day’s residue still on you. Not to mention, it’ll decrease the amount of time you need to wash your bed sheets.

When you wash your body, don’t think that you are washing your legs when the soap is running down your body. No, that’s gross. Wash your legs. With intention. Wash every inch of your body if you are able to. Wash inside your bellybutton and behind your ears as well.

Do not forget to wash your face as well. Speak with a dermatologist about what skincare you should use, or test some out on your own. Find what works for you and be consistent.

Wash Your Hands

We were told this since we could walk. It’s important to wash your hands so you don’t spread germs. I fear that some of us have forgotten the significance of washing our hands.

When you should wash your hands:

• When you come home
• Before you eat
• Before you touch your face
• Before you brush your teeth
• After you use the rest room
• After you touch pets
• After you clean

These are just some of the times when you should wash your hands. Of course, there are other times you should wash them, but this is the most important, in my opinion.

Brush Your Teeth

Teeth care is non-negotiable. You should brush your teeth at least once a day. I choose to brush my teeth after I eat, as I hate buildup from foods and feel physically off when there is food stuck in my teeth.

To brush your teeth, you need a good toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Pretty standard things. I brush my teeth by rinsing my mouth out with mouthwash, brush my teeth for 2 minutes, floss and then use mouthwash again.

Cover Your Mouth

When you sneeze and cough, do it in your sleeve, in your shirt or in a tissue. Unfortunately, for the both of us, there are still grown adults that cough and sneeze in their hands and, even worse, without covering their mouth at all.

Spreading your germs around by not covering your mouth is immoral. Cover your mouth and nose and when you sneeze and cough.

Deodorize or Invest in Perfume/Cologne

I understand that there are people who are quite sensitive to scents and can get debilitating migraines because of them. There have been numerous companies that have created non scented deodorant.

If you are not one of those people, invest in some perfume or cologne, and definitely invest in some deodorant. We all sweat, and sweat can cause us to stink, antiperspirant can help with this. Perfume and cologne can make you feel really great and sensual, so try it out.

Wash Your Clothes & Bedsheets

Every month, wash your bed sheets and every other week, wash your clothes. Wearing clean clothes is a part of having good hygiene.

There are clothes that you can wear more than once without washing, like jeans, but if you sweat profusely or get a stain on your clothes, place them in your basket and wash them.

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with being clean. I know that there are times when we just are unable to get out of bed and clean ourselves. It’s okay, do so when you are ready. Being clean can have a positive effect on your mood, but do not force yourself to do something you are not ready to.

Take your time and enjoy yourself.

Written by Doreen Chirwa · My Growing Pains