Personal hygiene is a touchy subject, because different cultures and religions have their own definitions of acceptable practices. Americans, in particular, tend to be finicky about personal hygiene, and perhaps rightfully so. Proper personal hygiene allows you to avoid smelling unpleasant and avoid spreading germs and disease. When you don't have good personal hygiene, your social life and professional life are affected negatively.
Step 1
Brush your teeth after each meal. Dentists realize that this can be cumbersome, due to busy schedules, so the minimal standard is once in the morning and once at night. Brushing your teeth correctly is important as well. Gently brush your teeth on all sides with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use small circular motions and take the time to brush your gum line. Be sure to lightly brush your tongue in order to keep your mouth fresh. Clean around your teeth with dental floss to take off plaque and leftover food that a toothbrush leaves behind.
Step 2
Bathe every day and wash your hair as needed. Skin carries bacteria and pathogens, so it is important that you wash regularly with soap and stop these illness-causing agents from taking over your body. Bathing every day also controls the odor that Westerners have come to find unpleasant.
Step 3
Use deodorant every day or more often, if needed. No matter how often you bathe, you will find you're a bit smelly under the arms if you don't use deodorant. Cultures have different beliefs about using deodorant, but applying it once or more per day is the norm in America.
Step 4
Clean and trim your nails when they have been exposed to dirt or pathogens. Fingernails carry bacteria and viruses, so you want to keep them clean in order to avoid the spread of illness. People will be less likely to touch you or anything you have touched if you have nails that are dirty.
Step 5
Your hands are the greatest source of potential disease. Bacteria and viruses that cause disease are transported from your hands to your food, your eyes and your mouth. Wash your hands frequently and, when you are unable to do so, use hand sanitizer that you should have on you at all times. Always wash your hands after you have used the toilet, changed a diaper, been around someone who is ill, blown your nose, touched money or surfaces that others have touched and touched animals or children. Also wash your hands before and after preparing food.
Member Comments