First of...
Let me start this way: I like clean and tidy spaces, but I have found that it is hard to make and keep it that way. I mean, my wife would testify that “Ayo likes it clean and arranged”, but the work required? Not my favorite part of the day.
That’s just me though. Maybe you’re different, or maybe you’re just like me in this regard. Whatever the case may be, the reality is that personal hygiene is a key part of living a maximally vigorous life and being healthy. As such, it is the “H” in the AH-NEW-START acronym for the basic principles for healthy living. There’s simply no safe way to ignore this bit, so please stay with me!
In the most basic sense, to be clean is to be free from dirt and impurities. That’s it. As such, personal hygiene involves keeping the body clean, then the clothes on the body, then the spaces where that body moves and breathes. Easy, right? Not in the least, but the rewards are great!
Hygiene Principles
While I understand that circumstances differ from person to person – which is where health coaching kind of steps in - here are seven general hygiene practices to begin with:
1. Have a shower daily: This has far more benefits than simply being clear of 24 hours of grim, sweat and dust. There are other benefits as well (more on this in a future post).
2. Brush your teeth at least twice a day (the second time before bed)
3. Change your bed sheets every one - two weeks (or sooner, depending on use)
4. Avoid wearing your underwear for more than 24 hours before changing (yes, I hear you but give it a try).
5. Keep refuse and dirt out of your spaces – take out the trash often.
6. Wash the bathroom every two weeks (or sooner, depending on use)
7. Keep the area around your spaces free of refuse, stagnant water, and filth.
Are these things hard to do? Yes. Yes, they are. Some even for me, but they ought to be done. The great thing is that once you do these consistently for a few weeks, you develop them into habits, and then they get a whole lot easier. So please give them a try, your body and mind will thank you!
Of course, this is just the tip of the hygiene iceberg. Want more personalized health tips/guidance? Click here and we can fix some time to talk! What other hygienic practices do you think should be considered basic? Let me know in the comments!
Ayo.
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