Numerous things can contribute to you taking care of yourself. Women hopped on the the self care train a few years ago and so did some men. However, there are basic things that need to be reiterated from time to time and yes, to adults! The truth of the matter is some people are just lazy and some have not been taught. And yes, there are those that don’t have the means and others that may be dealing with illnesses or mental health issues. But we are not talking about the latter. Although, there are ways to help solve those problems.

It’s not a flex or cool to neglect personal hygiene, sleep hygiene, and the hygiene of your home. It’s not a man or woman thing. It’s a human being thing. I don’t say this to shame anyone but, you know if you have been negligent in these areas and this year is calling you do better. It’s calling you to routines. It’s calling you care!

Personally, I think if your skincare regimen takes up the medicine cabinet or an entire closet, it’s a waste of money and time. Also, men and women need to know that your skin may change as you age and during different seasons of the year. This is a prompt that your skincare routine and products may change as well. Washing your face and moisturizing it is the basics that shouldn’t be skipped. I’m not going to get into my personal regimen or what I think you should do but, I will say if you have skin problems talk to your primary care doctor and see if you can get a referral for a dermatologist. If you are of a certain ethnicity then please make CERTAIN the dermatologist treats understands that ALL SKIN is NOT THE SAME!!!! (WHEW! and a HEAVY EYE ROLL)

Sleep hygiene is a real thing. For one, changing your sheets and pillowcases is necessary to maintain healthy skin and to promote good sleep. If you don’t sweat in your sleep I can assure you dead skin is still in your sheets. Think of the build up after two weeks! Or a month! And who doesn’t love the smell of fresh sheets. Dirty pillowcases = skin problems. Sleep hygiene also includes what you do before you get into bed and how much sleep you get.

Home hygiene may not be your favorite thing but, it’s good for your health and the health of your family. Sleeping in a clean and clutter free bedroom makes you feel better. Cooking in a clean kitchen and eating at a clean table or in a clean room is healthy. Do we fall behind on our house chores? Absolutely! In fact, before I created this blog I tidied up my family room/work space and my kitchen/sitting area. I try to tidy up on Monday so that it doesn’t get out of hand during the week making for more work on the weekend. And if I have a busy weekend???? Or a flare up or just don’t feel well, things can go left and messy real fast. This is why I give grace because people have all sorts of reasons why things like laundry can fall behind.

If you are the spic and span type, more power to you! Offer to help someone who is behind. One thing I do remember is being helped when I was pregnant, after giving birth, and during my illness if I needed to clean up by my mother when she was healthier. She did like to clean and boy did we hate it growing up! However, the elderly sometimes need more help as they age in keeping their home tidy. If you can hire someone to come in once a month that is a blessing or if you who love to clean would help your parent, aunt, or neighbor that also is a blessing.

Declutter. That’s it. That’s the paragraph. Clutter leads to pests and diseases.