As the vicious Covid-19 spreads rapidly throughout the nation, it is more important than ever to take care of one’s self and keep all parts of the body clean and healthy. If one apathetically settles for poor personal hygiene, severe conditions can arise. Infectious diseases, like Covid-19, can naturally spread, but there are many other potential afflictions. Diarrhea, worm-related conditions such as threadworms, scabies, trachoma (which can lead to blindness), and tooth decay are just some of the many results of neglecting to maintain good hygiene.

One can keep fresh and healthy through simple, easy, and quick practices. However, many overlook these obvious forms of care because they have not become habits. According to healthline.com, it takes an average of 66 days for a new behavior to become automatic. By staying consistent and practicing good hygiene habits daily, one can make sure to always smell fresh and appear clean. Incorporating these practices into an already established routine can aid one in remembering to complete each important task.

Many of us know of individuals who neglect to take care of themselves – and it shows. Our noses wrinkle as the stench of bad breath and the lack of deodorant emanating from them, and oily hair and unwashed clothes make matters worse. To avoid becoming this unpresentable individual, or to improve one’s condition if this state has unfortunately already been reached, there are vital habits one must practice to take care of themselves.

Dental: To begin with, dental hygiene is vastly crucial. Bad breath is a swift deterrent, and is humiliating if not prevented. However, brushing and flossing one’s teeth does not simply halt unpleasant breath odor, but also hinders tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. Individuals must make it a habit to take care of their teeth.

Body: According to an article titled, “Why is Personal Hygiene Important” from the newsletter, Medical News Today, “Several million sweat glands cover the human body. When bacteria break down sweat, the process creates a smell or body odor.” To avoid this natural yet troublesome stench, one must make sure to shower on a regular basis and use deodorant. This will prevent skin irritation, and washing the hair removes oil, allowing one to appear presentable and fresh.

Hand Washing: While many wash their hands daily, the CDC or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests washing one’s hands many times during the day. These times include before, during, and after preparing a meal, before eating food, before and after treating a wound or helping a sick individual, after touching unclean surfaces and going to the bathroom, and after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing. This small precaution will allow one to better avoid becoming sick along with slowing the spread of disease to others.

Nails: Keeping one’s nails trimmed is crucial to appearing presentable and professional, and avoid the collection of dirt underneath them. Doctors suggest using sanitized tools to trim one’s nails and scrubbing the underside of the nails with a nail brush. 

Clothing and Product Use: It is essential to change sanitary products regularly to prevent an odor and dirt buildup. Washing one’s laundry on a regular basis is also crucial to present one’s freshest self and dress one’s best. 

An article titled, “Understanding Hygiene, Why it’s Important, and Risks of Not Having It”, points out that, “Good hygiene can boost your confidence and self-esteem and make you seem more positive and attractive to others.[5] Good hygiene can indirectly boost your success at work, in the gym, and in scenarios that require you to be at your very best.” Clearly, staying hygienic has a multitude of benefits.

In essence, maintaining good hygiene is easy, and the measures one should put into practice do not take long. Making these behaviors daily habits is essential to smelling and appearing clean and fresh at all times. Prioritizing one’s health and the health of others is another crucial benefit to taking care of one’s self. When an individual practices good hygiene, confidence is easier to obtain, and one can present their best self each day.