Cleanliness is next to godliness. This saying has become widely accepted over the years because it is true in many respects. Proper personal hygiene entails taking care of your body, keeping it clean, and looking your best. Good personal hygiene has major benefits for you psychologically, socially, and health-wise; let's examine these briefly.  

Psychological Benefits  

Your appearance and the state of your body clean or otherwise is primarily an outward reflection of the state of your mind; being well-presented, clean, and tidy, shows that you're organised. Good hygiene boosts self-esteem and helps you feel more confident. This is vital as a positive mental attitude is guaranteed to attract positive results; people will also react more positively to you. Social Benefits By ensuring that your body is well presented, you're more assured of projecting a positive image that reflects your personality as capable and self-confident. This will also affect your relationships and social interactions, as well as your job or school performance.  

Health Benefits  

The health benefits of good personal hygiene cannot be overemphasized. Poor hygiene can and usually does, lead to poor health. Proper grooming and healthy personal habits are essential for effective prevention of diseases and infections. Making simple sanitary actions a routine will go a long way in reducing the risks of ill health.  

Tips for Good Personal Hygiene  

Wash your hands. As simple as it is, this action can prevent a myriad of diseases and disorders from developing. Washing your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after handling garbage, goes a long way in preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses. Keep a hygiene product, like an alcohol-based sanitizing gel, handy for when soap and water aren't available.  

Bathe regularly. Wash your body and your hair often. When you don't wash regularly, not only can you harbour and spread these bacteria and viruses, but you're also more likely to contract the illnesses they cause. Skin irritation or wounds have a high probability of leading to infection if not properly sanitised. Your skin is a barrier from disease and good hygiene helps your skin provide that protection more effectively.  

Brush and floss your teeth. A beautiful smile can make a person's day, but with grimy teeth or smelly breath, a smile would have an entirely different effect. Ideally, you should brush your teeth after every meal. At the very least, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Brushing minimizes the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing, too, helps maintain strong, healthy gums. Unhealthy gums can also cause your teeth to loosen, which makes it difficult to chew and eat properly. To maintain a healthy smile, visit the dentist at six-month intervals for checkups and cleanings.  

Sleep well. Get plenty of rest so that you are refreshed and ready to take on the activities of the day every morning.