With summer winding down and a new academic year ahead, if you're heading back to school, college or university then your daily routine will inevitably start to change.
The Impact of Changing Routines
Spending more time with friends whilst managing coursework mixed with inevitable late nights and early starts might mean that your personal hygiene sometimes becomes less of a priority.
However, maintaining a consistent personal care routine is important, not just for physical health but also for your mental well-being and self-esteem.
Poor Personal Care
Lack of attention to basic hygiene can lead to a number of issues:
- Body Odour: Skipping showers and not using an anti perspirant / deodorant, especially during high-stress periods, can result in noticeable body odour which may effect your self-esteem and confidence in social situations.
- Greasy Hair: Neglecting to wash your hair regularly can result in dirty, smelly hair. The common misconception that 'hair cleans itself' constantly appears. If hair is not washed then it becomes coated in sebum, every day more pollution will stick to it including other people's dead skin cells, dirt and dust. TikTok is not always a source of reliable and accurate information, especially in the beauty space.
- Skin Issues: Forgetting to cleanse your face, particularly after sweating or wearing makeup, can lead to clogged pores and breakouts as well as possible skin irritation.
The consequences of poor hygiene aren’t just skin deep—they can affect your mood and confidence.
The Domino Effect of Bad Habits
It’s not just personal hygiene that can take a hit during busy school days. Other bad habits such as poor diet and reliance on energy drinks or sugary snacks to stay awake, can creep in as well.
Energy drinks may provide a temporary jolt of energy but they can cause energy crashes later in the day, leaving you feeling even more exhausted. This vicious cycle makes it harder to establish a routine and can start to effect your sleep pattern.
Additionally, poor nutrition from fast food or skipping meals can affect your skin, hair and overall well-being, making it harder to look and feel your best.
Taking Responsibility
One of the key transitions from the teenage years to young adulthood is learning to take responsibility for your personal hygiene.
It’s important to recognise that maintaining a good hygiene routine can help boost your confidence, improve your self-esteem and help you navigate the social and academic pressures of school, college or university life.
Here are some simple tips to help you stay on top of your personal care, even during the busiest times:
Set a Routine:
Establish a daily routine that includes showering, brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste and washing. Try to stick to it even on weekends, make it a habit.
Prioritise Sleep:
Late nights happen sometimes but aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep whenever possible. When you're well-rested, it’s easier to stay motivated and manage your self-care.
Hydrate:
Drinking water is key to keeping your skin clear and your energy levels up. Avoid relying solely on sugary drinks or caffeine to get through the day.
Pack the Essentials:
Keep basic hygiene items like deodorant, face wipes and, if it's a rush to get to school, a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste in your bag or locker so you can freshen up between classes.
Plan Your Meals:
Try to eat balanced meals that give your body the nutrients it needs. A well-balanced diet can improve your skin, hair and mood making it easier to maintain your routine.
Returning to school, college or university is an exciting time but the changes in routine can take a toll on personal hygiene if you're not careful.
Remember
Taking care of yourself isn't about how you look—it's about how you feel.
Prioritising personal hygiene and overall well-being will help you navigate the challenges of education with confidence, resilience and self-assurance.
