I woke up at 1:58 from a short nap (don’t judge me), but I had one of those nights where I fell asleep at 11 something PM only to wake up at 3 AM and couldn’t fall back asleep (sucks). I laid there, giving my all to focus on my breath, but by 4:02 AM, I gave up, got out of bed, and cleaned my house.

Instead of the quietude of the morning, all I could hear were sirens — it sounded Chaotic and downright scary. “Are those ambulances, and maybe they are taking people to the hospital Omgosh? How many people,” and my mind kept racing as I cleaned. I couldn’t help but think “what times we’re living in, where television ads and politicians are telling us to wash our hands because it could save our lives or that of a loved one.

Today we are discussing “Washing our hands today.”

I would think in 2020; we would all know how to wash our hands, so we don’t spread germs. But what’s most disturbing is the thought that there are so many who skip it altogether. Let’s pretend for the sake of this article that this is a super fascinating topic. A topic that is offering some fabulous advice that will make a difference in our lives. And it does — because basic hygiene could save a life our lives.

The truth is, although I’d like to think differently, we do not need a special Antibacterial soap to wash our hands. Hand soaps are a scarce commodity, selling on the black market (i.e., corner stores) for an
outrageous price. It’s either the Coronavirus that has everyone in a panic, and they are buying all of the hand soaps. Or this major push to wash our hands have convinced the non-hand washers to start
buying hand soap. Either way, we have alternatives — things we already have at home.

Hand Soap Alternatives

• Regular hand soap – Antibacterial soap is not needed. (It kills bacteria, not viruses.)
•  Body washes – there are still tons for sale.
• Shampoo – Not for your hair.
• Dish soap – it can clean your dishes and your hands.
•  Bubble bath – I think every household has one.
• Baby shampoo
• Baby body wash
• Bar soap – good ole fashioned bar soap works great.
• Lady-parts wash (stop discriminating) ok for women + girls ONLY.

Any task not done correctly will have consequences

Washing your hands is a lost art – most people don’t wash their hands properly. It’s something most of us thoughtlessly rush through. I’m sure a lot of us would say, but I wash my hands all the time — the question is, do you wash your hands properly and mindfully? Because if you want to be honest with yourself, you’d know you’ve neglected the soap and water thing most of your life. And yes, there is the right way to wash your hands to remove dirt and kills viruses and bacteria effectively.

Let’s get back to the basics

As per the CDC, Regular hand washing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the
spread of germs to others. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or out in the community, find out how handwashing with soap and water can protect you and your family.

When to wash your hands — CDC recommends

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Eating food — before and after
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Treating a cut or wound — before and after
• After using the toilet

• Changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom —before and after
• Blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing — after
• Touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste — after
• Handling pet food or pet treats — after
• Touching garbage – after

I can’t say this enough – maybe it’s because I suffered from terrible acne, but I wash my hands always before I touch my face.

How should you wash your hand

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply enough soap to give you a good lather.
2. Start rubbing your hands by Vigorously together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between
   your fingers, and under your nails while scrubbing thoroughly.
3. Scrub your hands for 20 seconds. I’ve always sung the ABC song in its entirety while washing my hands
   (something I learned in kindergarten — I never knew how many seconds it was. When this madness
   began, I tested it to see if I was washing my hands properly And I have been for a bit longer than 20
   seconds. Singing the ABC at an average pace to the end adding “now I know my ABC” is a full 20
   seconds — now finish with “tell me what you think of me, and it’s just a tab longer.”
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or paper towel. If you’re using anything cloth, be sure to wash it several
   times a week, and you should ALWAYS offer your guests’ paper towel (another option is: I buy extra washcloths that are kept in my bathroom for my guests to wipe their hands. They are different from the washcloths I use to shower with and are always store separately.

Now I know some of us use hand sanitizer instead of washing (I hate the stuff —although, I’m testing a home-made one (I’ll share later) and I guess that’s better than not washing period however the CDC does recommend washing with soap and water. I mean, it will take a few more seconds and possibly save your life, so please just wash your hands. And if you’re home — make it a self-care thing and do an at-home hand scrub. It’ll be fabulous.

As always, I’m sending love — be safe.

Cheers

XXOO

Nat

Articles like this one offer practical advice, provide some entertainment, foster a sense of social cohesion, and remind us that life is still wonderful during these strange and isolating times.