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In fact, personal hygiene and mental health share a connection that goes deeper than the superficial layer of skin and appearances. Our mental well-being is inherently tied to how we carry ourselves and the care we deliver to our bodies. Taking the time to maintain personal hygiene provides a vast array of benefits for our mind, mood, and ...
- Sebastian Evans
Oct 26, 2024 · Discover the profound connection between personal hygiene and mental well-being. Maintaining proper hygiene routines, from regular showers to dental care, can significantly boost self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and foster a positive self-image. Moreover, good hygiene practices, such as sleep hygiene, promote better sleep quality, which is crucial for regulating mood and cognitive function ...
- Overview
- What is it?
- Types of personal hygiene
- How to maintain good personal hygiene
- Teaching children hygiene
- Factors that can negatively impact hygiene
- Negative effects of poor personal hygiene
- Hygiene routine tips
- Summary
Practicing good personal hygiene is important for helping keep the body healthy and clean.
In this article, we outline the importance of personal hygiene. We also discuss different types of hygiene, self-care routines, and what may happen if hygiene practices lapse.
Good personal hygiene involves keeping all parts of the external body clean and healthy. It is important for maintaining both physical and mental health.
In people with poor personal hygiene, the body provides an ideal environment for germs to grow, leaving it vulnerable to infection.
Dental
Dental hygiene involves more than just having white teeth. A good dental hygiene routine can help prevent issues such as gum disease and cavities. It can also prevent bad breath.
Body
Several million sweat glands cover the human body. When bacteria break down sweat, the process creates a smell or body odor. Washing the body will help prevent skin irritation, as well as removing the bacteria that cause body odor. Washing the hair removes oil and keeps a person looking clean and fresh.
Hand washing
Regular hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid spreading communicable diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing the hands at certain times: •before, during, and after preparing food •before eating food •before and after looking after anyone who is vomiting or has diarrhea •before and after treating a cut or wound •after going to the bathroom •after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet •after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing •after touching garbage or dirty surfaces or objects •after handling pets or pet-related items, such as food
Dental hygiene
For a healthy mouth and smile, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend brushing the teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day — once before breakfast and once before bed. People should use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste and replace the toothbrush every 3–4 months. The ADA also advise people to floss daily. Learn more about good dental hygiene here.
Hand washing
The CDC outline five simple steps for effective hand washing: 1.Wet the hands with clean, running water, then turn off the tap and apply soap. 2.Lather the hands by rubbing them together with the soap, remembering to reach the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. 3.Scrub the hands for at least 20 seconds, which a person can time by humming the “Happy Birthday” song twice. 4.Rinse the hands well under clean, running water. 5.Dry the hands using a clean towel or air dry them. Learn more about proper hand washing here.
Body
It is advisable to shower or bathe daily, using soap and water to rinse away dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. People can pay special attention to areas that accumulate more sweat, such as the armpits, in between the toes, and the groin area. They should also wash their hair with shampoo at least once a week, or more if necessary. Applying deodorant when fully dry can help prevent body odors. Learn more about how often to shower here.
Parents and caregivers should teach children how to keep themselves clean from a young age.
For example, they can start using toothpaste to brush a child’s teeth when they reach the age of 12 months. When the gaps between a child’s teeth close, it is important to start flossing.
Poverty and lack of access to clean water can both have a detrimental effect on a person’s personal hygiene.
A person’s mental health can also affect how they take care of themselves. People who are living with certain conditions, such as a psychotic disorder, severe depression, or drug or alcohol use disorder, may find it very difficult to keep up a personal hygiene routine.
Poor hygiene is a sensitive topic, and talking to a person about it can be difficult. As a result, a person with poor personal hygiene could become isolated from other people.
Poor personal hygiene may also have an effect on the workplace. Companies may be more likely to offer jobs and promotions to individuals who appear to take care of their health and presentation. Poor personal hygiene can be particularly problematic in the food industry.
There are also many health implications of having poor personal hygiene, with the CDC listing the following as hygiene-related diseases:
•athlete’s foot
•body lice
•chronic diarrhea
Helpful tips for creating a hygiene routine include the following:
•Make it a habit: With daily practice, a new habit can become a regular part of life. Choose one area to focus on and practice until it becomes second nature.
•Set reminders: Using the notes app on a cell phone can be a great way to avoid forgetting any tasks.
•Use rewards: A sticker chart can be a brilliant incentive for children to maintain their personal hygiene.
Keeping the body clean has positive effects on a person’s social life and their physical and mental health.
Personal hygiene is simply looking after the body and keeping it clean and healthy.
May 11, 2022 · Spending even 15 minutes on mental health hygiene each day can bring a host of benefits, from improved mood and better relationships to even deeper concentration and enhanced creativity. "Mental health hygiene includes simple practices that improve our quality of life by preventing negative behaviors and providing emotional stability," said Hui ...
Here's What You Can Do. It's Not Just You. Sian Ferguson. Yes, Mental Illness Can Impact Your Hygiene. Here’s What You Can Do About It. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even sensory processing ...
Nov 8, 2024 · Maintaining a hygiene routine can help reduce anxiety and stress. The act of cleaning and grooming oneself can be therapeutic, offering a sense of control and routine, which can be especially beneficial during stressful times. Promotes Positive Self-Image. Good personal hygiene habits foster a positive self-image.
People also ask
Does good personal hygiene benefit both physical and mental health?
Can hygiene improve mental health?
What is mental health hygiene?
Are sudden changes in personal hygiene a sign of mental health issues?
Why is personal hygiene important?
May 10, 2023 · May 10, 2023. Sharing is Caring. Creating a routine of mental health hygiene, including daily mindfulness practices, can decrease stress levels and improve mood. For most people, the concept of hygiene conjures up images of brushing your teeth, applying deodorant or taking a shower: simple, daily practices to keep your body clean and healthy.
