If you plan on interacting with people at school, work or socially, there's a level of hygiene and personal care your peers will expect of you. Neglecting your personal hygiene can make you appear unprofessional or give the impression that you don't have high self-esteem or self-worth. Offending body odor can cause people to avoid you and make those who must be near you uncomfortable. Create a routine that consists of good hygiene activities to make you and the people around you feel better.
General Cleanliness
Hygiene encompasses a wide variety of self-care behaviors. To keep your body clean and odor free, bathe on a regular basis with mild soap and water. Bathe after intense exercise or any activity that causes you to get dirty or sweaty. Wash your hair at least a few times per week with shampoo. Brush your teeth two to three times per day to prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Clean underneath your fingernails and toenails as they become soiled. Some people regard a neat, orderly hairstyle; makeup; and clean, wrinkle-free clothing as a part of good personal hygiene.
Odor Control
Offending odor doesn't necessarily mean you have bad hygiene, but people associate the two. Sweat itself has no odor, but when body sweat mixes with natural bacteria on your skin, odor occurs, even if you've recently bathed. Deodorants and antiperspirants help stop the body odor caused by body sweat. Regular bathing will help prevent body odor associated with body secretions and dirt. Some people wear perfumes and body sprays to change their natural scent. If you choose to use fragrances, remember they don't stop odor and aren't a substitute for regular good hygiene. Body odor resides in clothes as well, so wear clean clothes and launder your soiled clothes often.
Safety
Hygiene is important to you and your family's safety because it helps prevent the spread of diseases. Wash your hands on a regular basis to eliminate disease- and illness-causing bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after handling your pets, or after performing dirty jobs in or around the home. Clean your kitchen counters, floors and bathrooms regularly to minimize infection risk. Take care to wash your hands, countertops and utensils after working with raw meat to avoid cross-contamination. Also, clean up after your pets, both indoors and outside.
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to healthy sleep habits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Wear loose-fitting, clean clothes to bed each night. Wash your sheets on a weekly basis to remove body soil buildup and prevent dust mites. Adjust your bedroom's temperature to a cool setting. UMMC points out that it's easier to sleep in a cool room. If you wear makeup, wash your face thoroughly before bed. Tie your hair back or use a sleep cap to prevent hair products from getting on your pillow and face, which can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
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