A Good Hygiene

I could write a whole book explaining why it is so important to maintain a good hygiene. But here’s the thing, some people just don’t care, even if you wish you could make them. It’s one of those areas in life where you can’t force people to change. It either they value cleanliness or they don’t.

Where I grew up, hygiene was kind of enforced. In my home country, every last Saturday of every month is Sanitation Day. On this day, no one is allowed to move about until 09:00am. The idea behind this is simple, everyone is expected to stay back home and do a proper clean up before they go about their daily activities. You would be fined if you’re caught outside before 9:00am.

Part of the goal behind this was to keep the country clean. To be fair, it works, little by little but not very efficiently. At least it’s now permanently registered in the hearts of the people that their environment matters.

When it comes to be being hygienic and clean, you can’t force anyone. I think a big part of it is shaped by how you were brought up. I’ve met people who can’t stand dirt but are to lazy to clean up. They’ll complain, nag about how untidy things are but won’t lift a finger to clean.
On the other hand, I’ve met people who can not tolerate dirt and will clean up at every chance they get.

So yes, as much as your upbringing plays a part, but being neat is a choice. You decide if you want to live in a clean environment or not.

And let’s be honest, hygiene goes beyond appearances. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about health. It’s true that some diseases probably won’t be existing if everyone understands and practiced the importance of good hygiene.

Ever heard of Typhoid Mary?

Maybe it’s because of the course I studied in school, But I can’t stand dirtiness. I notice it immediately and it makes me uncomfortable. I would stop whatever I’m doing to clean up just so I can focus better.

I love to take advantage of Sanitation Day. Since it’s usually early in the morning before the sun comes up. I use the time to weed my environment, sweep around and make sure everything looks excellent. It’s absolutely refreshing starting out your day in a clean environment.

But beyond Sanitation Day, I also believe in the habit of clean as you go.

I don’t wait for the mess to pile up before cleaning. I wash my plates immediately after eating. Whenever I spill something, I clean it up immediately. I don’t leave my clothes lying around, I fold them and keep them for laundry day.

This little habits of mine makes life easier. I apply this principle in every thing I do.

I believe that if your living space is disorganized, then your mind is also disorganized. And if you’re a disorganized person, it shows in everything you do. Imagine living with someone who doesn’t care about where or how he / she lives.

Even if the idea of Sanitation Day doesn’t solve everything, it forces people to think beyond themselves and that would just have to work for now.
Also, sanitation should not be done monthly only, you should clean up whenever you have the time to. Laziness is a state of the mind, if you convince yourself that you can do it, they you will.

There’s a scripture that says,

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

Image source

Posted Using INLEO