Hand Washing Tips and Other Basic Hygiene

This is something we do each day—several times each day. We are taught to do it from a young age, but are you doing it correctly? According to the CDC, there are five simple steps to properly wash your hands: wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry them.

What’s most important is to make sure you scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. You can count 20 “Mississippi’s” or sing (or hum) the Happy Birthday song through twice to keep track of the time. Make sure to also scrub your fingertips and underneath your nails!

This is also something you’ve probably (hopefully!) done since you were young. But do you know why exactly it’s so important to keep up with their length? The CDC says longer fingernails can house more dirt and bacteria than shorter ones, contributing to the spreading of germs and even infection.

We know, we know—almost every article anywhere recommends sleeping well. But it’s especially important for your immune system. According to the Mayo Clinic, those lacking sleep are more susceptible to sickness when exposed to a virus. Eric J Olson, M.D., from the Mayo Clinic says that’s because infection-fighting antibodies and cells decrease when you don’t get enough quality sleep.

If you have a hard time dozing off, make sure you aren’t around bright lights before bed, including your phone and television set. Meditation also helps many relax into a quality sleep. However you do it, make sure you are getting seven to eight hours, but not more than nine to 10.