We are all living in circumstances that we have never seen before. The single most important thing for everyone around the world, is to keep safe and healthy by listening to advice from governments and medical experts. From their advice, the best way to combat this virus is to avoid unnecessary social contact, isolate yourself if you have symptoms and to frequently wash your hands. But washing your hands is not something new to us and in this post we’ll explore some of the benefits of washing your hands for your health.
1.Protect yourself against viruses
Well this one seems fairly obvious but it’s definitely the most important to remember during this difficult time. Washing your hands can clear your hands from any viruses that you may have picked up whilst touching any surfaces throughout the day. It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly because for those of you that don’t know, soap and hand sanitiser do not kill germs, they only remove them. Washing with warm water is most effective as this mixes in better with the soap to create the bubbles which carry away the germs when you rinse with water. Keep safe and protect yourselves from germs.
2.Prevent bacterial infections
Similarly to viruses, there are different forms of bacterial infections that you wouldn’t necessarily attribute to not washing your hands. Things like diarrhoea, ear infections, eye infections may all be as a result of not washing your hands. For instance, this could be through not washing your hands before consuming foods or through touching your face and rubbing your eyes. While there are good and bad forms of bacteria, we believe it’s best to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face where possible.
3.Boost your confidence
Personal hygiene has also been linked with many psychological benefits. Do you ever get that fresh feeling when you get out of the shower and you’re all nice and clean? And you feel like you’re ready for work or you’re ready to be productive at home. It turns, washing your hands can have the same effect. Studies have found that washing your hands is linked to greater confidence, boosts in self-esteem as well as making you feel more optimistic. So if washing your hands is something that makes you feel good, we always recommend it.
4.Lead by example
We tend to do what others do. If you’re seen washing your hands with soap or hand sanitiser, there’s a good chance others will follow. If you lead by example, others can get into the habit of washing their hands and getting all the different benefits that we’ve discussed.
Remember to keep safe, wash your hands and stay home!