Washy-Washy, Happy-Happy: 5 Tips to Maximize Your Hand Washing Experience.
Updated: Apr 5, 2020
Hand washing is not only hygienic, but it's also socially responsible. In today’s climate, constant hand washing is a preventative method that minimizes the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. According to the CDC, “Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.”
Clean Hands Saves Lives. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html
Some suggest singing the alphabet or ”Happy birthday” twice while washing your hands to ensure that you hit the recommended 20 seconds of wash time. That’s cool, but what if you could maximize that time by creating good habits with valuable practices? The answer is that you can! We recommend not only to wash the germs away but to wash away the anxiety and affirm your peace and make hand-washing an all-encompassing experience.
Here are 5 Tips to Maximize Your Hand Washing Experience:
Practice Breath Control: Take slow and deep breaths in and out while washing your hands. As you inhale, feel the warmth of the water and imagine absorbing all its health benefits. As you slowly exhale, massage the soap into the nooks and nails on your hands. Remember to focus primarily on your breathing. Rinse and repeat this cycle 2-3 times.
Wash & Meditate: After you’ve set your water temperature and applied soap, close your eyes (if permissible - if not that‘s fine too) and listen to the sound of the water; focus your attention there and suspend all other thoughts. Rinse and repeat this cycle 2-3 times.
Wash with Gratitude: Think of things that make you happy. Profess them out loud (if permissible). Feel the joy that comes from acknowledging the good that is present in your life and the world. Give thanks. As you wash away the germs, remember to give thanks for the warm running water too. Rinse and repeat this cycle 2-3 times.
Affirm & Wash: Now is the time to remind yourself how awesome you with a 30-second pep-talk! Pump soap and confidence into the palms of your hands as you affirm and wash. “I’m courageous...” ”I’m confident..” or perhaps “I’m beautiful inside and out...” Those are just a few affirming statement openers. Express yourself while you maintain your hygiene. Rinse and repeat this cycle 2-3 times.
Mini-Hand Massage: Hands matter! Hands are one of the most frequently used body parts and bear the responsibility of lifting things and putting them down; this is a great time to show your hands some love. As you apply soap and water, build up a sudsy lather. Rub the pressure points in the palms of your hand and at the tips of your fingers. Enjoy this experience as you melt away built-up tension. Rinse and repeat this cycle 2-3 times.
“Washy-Washy, Happy-Happy“ is a mantra frequently said by the Norwegian Cruise Line team as they spay hand sanitizer into the palms of their guests. It implies that clean hands bring joy while instilling a healthy habit. So the next time you almost forget to wash, remember it is your personal and social responsibility to keep our communities healthy and happy.
Create good habits. “Washy-Washy, Happy-Happy.”