Take Care
March 8, 2012 8:28 AM Subscribe
What are some essentials when it comes to taking care of one's physical appearance, hygiene, grooming, and overall health?
As someone in their 20s, I would like some advice about what can be done to take better care of myself.
I want to take better care of myself on both an external and internal level and in all aspects including hygiene, emotional health, physical appearance, etc...
I've realized that I haven't been taking care of myself the best way that I can and I want to change that.
So, what are your tips for taking care of yourself on a physical and psychological level? What are some essentials when it comes to taking care of one's physical appearance, hygiene, grooming, and overall health?
As someone in their 20s, I would like some advice about what can be done to take better care of myself.
I want to take better care of myself on both an external and internal level and in all aspects including hygiene, emotional health, physical appearance, etc...
I've realized that I haven't been taking care of myself the best way that I can and I want to change that.
So, what are your tips for taking care of yourself on a physical and psychological level? What are some essentials when it comes to taking care of one's physical appearance, hygiene, grooming, and overall health?
(I suggest that because plenty of girls reach adulthood without having learned it)
posted by vitabellosi at 8:37 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by vitabellosi at 8:37 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I think a person's hands say a lot about how they care for themselves in general. I paint my nails fairly regularly but I don't think that's necessary (it's just fun). I do, however, think that well-groomed hands are a good way to make the impression that you care about your appearance. The basics of this are super-simple and not at all time-consuming: filing (don't forget the sides) and pushing back the cuticles (there are many gels available in the nail care isle that assist with this). For women, a coat of clear nail polish completes it (and they're making matte ones for men now too). And then keeping your hands well-moisturized.
Even when I'm running low on time for decorative self-care, these small things make me feel... more put together when meeting new people, greeting customers at my business, interacting with people at the bank or a store, and even just looking at them myself. I think this one might even fall in all three of your health categories (hygiene, physical, and mental).
posted by mireille at 8:46 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Even when I'm running low on time for decorative self-care, these small things make me feel... more put together when meeting new people, greeting customers at my business, interacting with people at the bank or a store, and even just looking at them myself. I think this one might even fall in all three of your health categories (hygiene, physical, and mental).
posted by mireille at 8:46 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Can you give us an idea of what you already do so that we can include/exclude what some of us think are obvious things (ie brushing teeth, showering, eating vegetables, etc.)?
posted by greta simone at 8:47 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by greta simone at 8:47 AM on March 8, 2012
Floss. Get enough sleep. Drink enough water.
posted by General Malaise at 8:47 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by General Malaise at 8:47 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
Sleep! Getting enough sleep makes such a difference physically and mentally.
posted by marimeko at 8:48 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by marimeko at 8:48 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
But don't wash your "bits" with soap, because the pH balance of the vagina is self regulating and soap can throw it off and lead to unpleasantness. Warm water is sufficient.
I'm also not sure why one needs to wash one's "tits" more than any other part of the body.
Positive contribution: take a multivitamin. Store it in a place where it's really easily accessible so laziness never comes into the picture (I keep mine next to my toothbrush).
posted by telegraph at 8:49 AM on March 8, 2012 [9 favorites]
I'm also not sure why one needs to wash one's "tits" more than any other part of the body.
Positive contribution: take a multivitamin. Store it in a place where it's really easily accessible so laziness never comes into the picture (I keep mine next to my toothbrush).
posted by telegraph at 8:49 AM on March 8, 2012 [9 favorites]
Shower more rather than less, take time for yourself (i.e. a long, wonderful bath just listening to music), spend $$$ on your appearance, get good haircuts, keep your nails and skin nice, wear jewelry and a watch, wear nice shoes, check in with yourself periodically, get a good night of sleep every night, eat healthy food, don't drink very often, keep your living quarters neat and pleasant, do exercise of some kind, drink lots of water, wash your clothes often.
posted by 200burritos at 8:50 AM on March 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by 200burritos at 8:50 AM on March 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
Brush and floss twice daily. Cannot be overstated.
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:50 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by Currer Belfry at 8:50 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
I'm also not sure why one needs to wash one's "tits" more than any other part of the body.
If they're big enough to create persistent skin folds underneath, then they need some extra love in the shower. (If not, then yeah, they're probably just the same as everything else.)
The other thing that I've only gradually learned is, while you can spend a bunch of money on clothes or not, do NOT get stuck in the trap of "Oh I don't need to buy new clothes, when I lose ten pounds I can wear all this old stuff/can buy what I *really* want." Wear clothes that fit you right now, that don't have holes and that make you feel good about yourself. Whether that means dropping $50 on designer jeans or $5 on thrift-store jeans, you'll look better, be more comfortable, and have better self-esteem if you're wearing stuff that fits.
posted by restless_nomad at 9:03 AM on March 8, 2012 [10 favorites]
If they're big enough to create persistent skin folds underneath, then they need some extra love in the shower. (If not, then yeah, they're probably just the same as everything else.)
The other thing that I've only gradually learned is, while you can spend a bunch of money on clothes or not, do NOT get stuck in the trap of "Oh I don't need to buy new clothes, when I lose ten pounds I can wear all this old stuff/can buy what I *really* want." Wear clothes that fit you right now, that don't have holes and that make you feel good about yourself. Whether that means dropping $50 on designer jeans or $5 on thrift-store jeans, you'll look better, be more comfortable, and have better self-esteem if you're wearing stuff that fits.
posted by restless_nomad at 9:03 AM on March 8, 2012 [10 favorites]
If you have dandruff, find an anti-dandruff shampoo that works for you and use it.
posted by naturalog at 9:06 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by naturalog at 9:06 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Quality sleep. When I don't get quality sleep, I need copious amounts of caffeine during the day, which has an adverse effect on many bodily systems.
posted by desjardins at 9:07 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by desjardins at 9:07 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I think a person's hands say a lot about how they care for themselves in general.
In the interest of diversity - a person's hands also say a lot about what they do with them. Potting, for instance, is hard on the hands. As are most forms of labor. And some people have autoimmune disorders that affect the way their hands look, sometimes in subtle ways that might be read as "lack of care."
Additionally, outside of hangnails and cracked callouses, the appearance of hands doesn't effect your health.
Feel free to take exta care of you hands, but if you're looking for a short list of healthy and well groomed, hands are a pretty low priority.
Floss! Floss floss floss.
Also, sleep, water, exercise.
Other people cannot obviously see any specific result from dental care, rest, and exercise, but the overall effect is significant.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 9:07 AM on March 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
In the interest of diversity - a person's hands also say a lot about what they do with them. Potting, for instance, is hard on the hands. As are most forms of labor. And some people have autoimmune disorders that affect the way their hands look, sometimes in subtle ways that might be read as "lack of care."
Additionally, outside of hangnails and cracked callouses, the appearance of hands doesn't effect your health.
Feel free to take exta care of you hands, but if you're looking for a short list of healthy and well groomed, hands are a pretty low priority.
Floss! Floss floss floss.
Also, sleep, water, exercise.
Other people cannot obviously see any specific result from dental care, rest, and exercise, but the overall effect is significant.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 9:07 AM on March 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
Sunscreen! Nthing brushing and flossing -- ignoring these can lead to big, non-dental health problems.
posted by jgirl at 9:18 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by jgirl at 9:18 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
So I'm in my 20s and I've recently realized I need to start taking care of this stuff too. Not like tomorrow or in a few years, but now. My main goals:
-get in the habit of exercising. I'm not setting weight loss goals/trying to run a marathon, but just making being active 3-4 times a week a part of my life.
-sleeping enough.
-Taking care of my skin. Getting enough sleep is huge for this, in my case. All nighter-> me breaking out, every time. I'm also trying to use a moisturizer with SPF 15 every day. Part of this is vanity (no wrinkles plz), part of this is trying to avoid the skin cancer scares my parents have had. Also, I'm going for No More Sunburns Ever. No more being lazy about putting on sunscreen when I'll be outside.
-Being more conscious about what I eat- noticing what makes me feel queasy/sleepy/unwell after I eat it. And then not eating it anymore! Crazy!
-Flossing! I'm addicted. I also inherited shitty teeth genes, and I'm doing my best to keep my gums and stuff healthy.
posted by MadamM at 9:19 AM on March 8, 2012
-get in the habit of exercising. I'm not setting weight loss goals/trying to run a marathon, but just making being active 3-4 times a week a part of my life.
-sleeping enough.
-Taking care of my skin. Getting enough sleep is huge for this, in my case. All nighter-> me breaking out, every time. I'm also trying to use a moisturizer with SPF 15 every day. Part of this is vanity (no wrinkles plz), part of this is trying to avoid the skin cancer scares my parents have had. Also, I'm going for No More Sunburns Ever. No more being lazy about putting on sunscreen when I'll be outside.
-Being more conscious about what I eat- noticing what makes me feel queasy/sleepy/unwell after I eat it. And then not eating it anymore! Crazy!
-Flossing! I'm addicted. I also inherited shitty teeth genes, and I'm doing my best to keep my gums and stuff healthy.
posted by MadamM at 9:19 AM on March 8, 2012
If you don't already know how, learn to cook. You don't have to master nouvelle cuisine to eat healthy and tasty meals. Shop the outside walls of your supermarket and buy ingredients. Avoid the aisles; they're full of prepackaged junk.
posted by workerant at 9:26 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
posted by workerant at 9:26 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
It's amazing how many educated, seemingly well groomed professionals have horrible breath.
posted by jayder at 9:29 AM on March 8, 2012 [6 favorites]
posted by jayder at 9:29 AM on March 8, 2012 [6 favorites]
I really think one of the biggest things you can do for your appearance is get your brows professionally waxed/shaped. I can get away with going every six weeks and just tweezing in between, and it really goes a long way towards looking more polished.
posted by stellaluna at 9:38 AM on March 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by stellaluna at 9:38 AM on March 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
For REAL with the sunscreen. All the time, everywhere you go. Skin cancer is, like, maybe only second to lung cancer in preventability (is that a word?). And people that tan regularly really, really do age faster. I've been serious about sunscreen since I was 20 and at 30, I look younger than a lot of women five years my junior who tan. Sunscreen is such a tiny investment in terms of time, money, and hassle, but the return is major. You just really will never regret the tans you didn't have.
posted by hegemone at 9:46 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by hegemone at 9:46 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
If you have breath challenges, brushing your tongue can fix them. If that doesn't work, sugar-free mints can help (maybe just as a mask, but in many cases the source of breath issues are dry mouth, which the mints can help).
Getting regular haircuts (if you have short hair) or trims (if you have long hair) makes a big difference in how put-together you look.
If you don't have good intuitions about how to put clothes together, the concept of the "capsule wardrobe" might be useful. In general, with clothes, the ideal thing is to wear stuff that looks good on you, not to buy everything that's on trend.
About emotional health: I think that the two things that help the most are to make time for enough sleep to meet your personal sleep needs, whatever they might be, and to make time for some time on your own to relax and reflect. With the sleep thing, don't get into the trap of forcing yourself to undersleep during the week and thinking you can "make up the sleep" on the weekend; very, very few people actually find that works for them.
posted by Sidhedevil at 9:49 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Getting regular haircuts (if you have short hair) or trims (if you have long hair) makes a big difference in how put-together you look.
If you don't have good intuitions about how to put clothes together, the concept of the "capsule wardrobe" might be useful. In general, with clothes, the ideal thing is to wear stuff that looks good on you, not to buy everything that's on trend.
About emotional health: I think that the two things that help the most are to make time for enough sleep to meet your personal sleep needs, whatever they might be, and to make time for some time on your own to relax and reflect. With the sleep thing, don't get into the trap of forcing yourself to undersleep during the week and thinking you can "make up the sleep" on the weekend; very, very few people actually find that works for them.
posted by Sidhedevil at 9:49 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
In terms of overall health - keep a journal and record any non-normal body or mind things. This is how I figured out that I was getting hives from eating a certain thing, and when I had a weird mole, I was able to tell the doctor exactly when it first appeared, and when it changed, and how.
It's a little OCD, yeah, but it's really valuable. If you're at all prone to mental illness, it's great for tracking what affects your mental well-being.
I also use it to record my reactions to any medication - is it working, and are there any side effects?
Go to the doctor once a year to get your baseline everything taken. My mom was almost refused a surgery because some test showed that she had had a heart attack in the last month. Because she'd had similar tests a decade ago, they were able to tell that apparently that's just how her heart is.
posted by punchtothehead at 9:53 AM on March 8, 2012
It's a little OCD, yeah, but it's really valuable. If you're at all prone to mental illness, it's great for tracking what affects your mental well-being.
I also use it to record my reactions to any medication - is it working, and are there any side effects?
Go to the doctor once a year to get your baseline everything taken. My mom was almost refused a surgery because some test showed that she had had a heart attack in the last month. Because she'd had similar tests a decade ago, they were able to tell that apparently that's just how her heart is.
posted by punchtothehead at 9:53 AM on March 8, 2012
Don't forget to check your ears and nose for hairy stragglers.
posted by lstanley at 9:59 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by lstanley at 9:59 AM on March 8, 2012
Shower more rather than less, take time for yourself (i.e. a long, wonderful bath just listening to music), spend $$$ on your appearance, get good haircuts, keep your nails and skin nice, wear jewelry and a watch, wear nice shoes, check in with yourself periodically, get a good night of sleep every night, eat healthy food, don't drink very often, keep your living quarters neat and pleasant, do exercise of some kind, drink lots of water, wash your clothes often.
I think a lot of this advice comes with caveats.
How much should you shower? A lot depends on how much you sweat and what kind of hair you have. Once a day might be way too much, or just right, or not enough. I would suggest showering enough that you don't smell, and enough that your hair is not oily but shiny and healthy-looking. If you naturally don't sweat that much, the longest you should go without a shower is probably about 4 days. Figure it out from there.
You definitely don't need to spend $$$ on your appearance, or even a lot of time. Putting in 20 extra minutes a day towards caring for yourself will probably make a big difference, no matter what your current level of hygiene is. 20 extra minutes could be a shower, a self-prepared healthy meal, a bit of extra sleep... none of these cost that much money or take that much time, but they will make much more of a long-term difference than regularly spending money at salons.
What counts as a 'good' haircut? Given the question you've posted, 'good' probably means 'easy to maintain' (no need to use hair product every day) in addition to being flattering. It definitely does NOT mean expensive. Get a decent cut at a middle-of-the-road salon, then make sure to do the appropriate upkeep. For short hair, that probably means getting it cut every 6 weeks. For longer hair, maybe once every 2-3 months, or whenever you start getting split ends or looking shaggy.
Nice nails can just mean 'trimmed to the same length' and 'always free of dirt.' It doesn't have to mean nail polish of any kind, or pushing back your cuticles. Those things won't hurt, but they're not necessary.
Speaking as someone who (almost) doesn't wear jewelry, there are a variety of other ways to look put-together. Generally it involves an accent or accessory of some kind: a matching scarf, a belt, a headband. It's true that wearing a watch is a really good way to look a bit more professional, but you can also use something like a pocketwatch (not a cell phone, though). My accent is usually a pretty scarf and a pair of earrings (and I've worn the same pair of earrings for over a decade, but people still comment on how much they like them).
Besides getting enough sleep, which I think is the single most important thing you can do for yourself, I would suggest looking at a person in your daily life whose put-togetherness you admire, and emulate them to a degree that feels comfortable for you. That way you have a more concrete goal for what you're striving for.
posted by danceswithlight at 10:00 AM on March 8, 2012 [3 favorites]
I think a lot of this advice comes with caveats.
How much should you shower? A lot depends on how much you sweat and what kind of hair you have. Once a day might be way too much, or just right, or not enough. I would suggest showering enough that you don't smell, and enough that your hair is not oily but shiny and healthy-looking. If you naturally don't sweat that much, the longest you should go without a shower is probably about 4 days. Figure it out from there.
You definitely don't need to spend $$$ on your appearance, or even a lot of time. Putting in 20 extra minutes a day towards caring for yourself will probably make a big difference, no matter what your current level of hygiene is. 20 extra minutes could be a shower, a self-prepared healthy meal, a bit of extra sleep... none of these cost that much money or take that much time, but they will make much more of a long-term difference than regularly spending money at salons.
What counts as a 'good' haircut? Given the question you've posted, 'good' probably means 'easy to maintain' (no need to use hair product every day) in addition to being flattering. It definitely does NOT mean expensive. Get a decent cut at a middle-of-the-road salon, then make sure to do the appropriate upkeep. For short hair, that probably means getting it cut every 6 weeks. For longer hair, maybe once every 2-3 months, or whenever you start getting split ends or looking shaggy.
Nice nails can just mean 'trimmed to the same length' and 'always free of dirt.' It doesn't have to mean nail polish of any kind, or pushing back your cuticles. Those things won't hurt, but they're not necessary.
Speaking as someone who (almost) doesn't wear jewelry, there are a variety of other ways to look put-together. Generally it involves an accent or accessory of some kind: a matching scarf, a belt, a headband. It's true that wearing a watch is a really good way to look a bit more professional, but you can also use something like a pocketwatch (not a cell phone, though). My accent is usually a pretty scarf and a pair of earrings (and I've worn the same pair of earrings for over a decade, but people still comment on how much they like them).
Besides getting enough sleep, which I think is the single most important thing you can do for yourself, I would suggest looking at a person in your daily life whose put-togetherness you admire, and emulate them to a degree that feels comfortable for you. That way you have a more concrete goal for what you're striving for.
posted by danceswithlight at 10:00 AM on March 8, 2012 [3 favorites]
Teeth. I'm still stunned by people who don't seem to brush their teeth very often. Need not be perfectly shaped, blindingly white, but clean, no food bits showing.
Clean nails. Even if you bite them, wash your hands.
If you're going to wear lipstick, check that it's not on your teeth.
Brush your hair. Use a dandruff shampoo if you have flakes on your black sweater.
Don't smell bad. Use deodorant, and if you 're going to wear scent, use a light hand.
posted by Ideefixe at 10:02 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
Clean nails. Even if you bite them, wash your hands.
If you're going to wear lipstick, check that it's not on your teeth.
Brush your hair. Use a dandruff shampoo if you have flakes on your black sweater.
Don't smell bad. Use deodorant, and if you 're going to wear scent, use a light hand.
posted by Ideefixe at 10:02 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
I'm going to pile on with the flossing thing, and not just from a breath perspective. Part of your overall energy and wellness level depends on how hard your immune system has to work to fight off new invaders - when your immune system is overwhelmed, you feel tired and fatigued.
When you don't floss, your immune system has to deal with all these bacteria banging away at the gates, so to speak, between your teeth. If this invasion force becomes too overwhelming you open yourself up to other infections and sicknesses when they come because the immune system is too overworked to handle multiple fronts. The effects of an ongoing inflammatory response, which you see in gingivitis, has been linked to more serious problems such as heart disease. Flossing is a 1 minute a day activity that greatly reduces the number of potential infections your immune system has to deal with.
Plus, minty fresh breath.
posted by minorcadence at 10:11 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
When you don't floss, your immune system has to deal with all these bacteria banging away at the gates, so to speak, between your teeth. If this invasion force becomes too overwhelming you open yourself up to other infections and sicknesses when they come because the immune system is too overworked to handle multiple fronts. The effects of an ongoing inflammatory response, which you see in gingivitis, has been linked to more serious problems such as heart disease. Flossing is a 1 minute a day activity that greatly reduces the number of potential infections your immune system has to deal with.
Plus, minty fresh breath.
posted by minorcadence at 10:11 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
Check out the various Health Month rules. While they don't cover things like dressing well, they do cover a lot of the self-care that busy people let slide, but shouldn't.
posted by ldthomps at 10:15 AM on March 8, 2012
posted by ldthomps at 10:15 AM on March 8, 2012
what are your tips for taking care of yourself on a physical and psychological level? What are some essentials when it comes to taking care of one's physical appearance, hygiene, grooming, and overall health?
Here are my major tips:
1. Set up a daily routine for yourself, both for waking and bedtime. Allow enough time in your day for your routine. Set up your bathroom, closet, and kitchen to make your routines easy and convenient for you.
2. Plan in advance, especially for diet and exercise.
3. Hang around with healthy, well groomed, sensible people. Read blogs/websites/magazines on health and wellness fairly regularly.
4. Shop with your health, not trendiness, in mind.
5. Make and keep annual medical and dental appointments.
As for essentials for caring for oneself, people have covered them well above, but here's my basic list:
1. Wash your body regularly. Wash your hands regularly during each day. Keep your nails groomed. Brush and floss at least daily, and use a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Eat regular small meals. Try to eat whole foods, with a stress on fruits and vegetables. Stay away from anything processed and from fast food. And keep alcohol and drug consumption at a low to non-existent level.
3. Buy clothes that fit and keep them clean and mended. Dress appropriately for the weather. Steer clear of shoes that hurt or are hard to walk in.
4. Be nice to your hair. Use shampoos and conditioners that are appropriate for your hair type (e.g. curly, oily, limp) and get a haircut that is easy to maintain and complements your face and doesn't require huge amounts of product and effort to look right.
5. Pick a form of exercise you really like, and do it regularly.
6. Remind yourself of all the ways you are lucky and your life is good. Feeling happy is a real assist to looking good, too.
7. Consider a dog. Loving and feeling loved is wonderful. And dogs are real exercise enhancers too.
posted by bearwife at 10:27 AM on March 8, 2012 [6 favorites]
Here are my major tips:
1. Set up a daily routine for yourself, both for waking and bedtime. Allow enough time in your day for your routine. Set up your bathroom, closet, and kitchen to make your routines easy and convenient for you.
2. Plan in advance, especially for diet and exercise.
3. Hang around with healthy, well groomed, sensible people. Read blogs/websites/magazines on health and wellness fairly regularly.
4. Shop with your health, not trendiness, in mind.
5. Make and keep annual medical and dental appointments.
As for essentials for caring for oneself, people have covered them well above, but here's my basic list:
1. Wash your body regularly. Wash your hands regularly during each day. Keep your nails groomed. Brush and floss at least daily, and use a fluoride toothpaste.
2. Eat regular small meals. Try to eat whole foods, with a stress on fruits and vegetables. Stay away from anything processed and from fast food. And keep alcohol and drug consumption at a low to non-existent level.
3. Buy clothes that fit and keep them clean and mended. Dress appropriately for the weather. Steer clear of shoes that hurt or are hard to walk in.
4. Be nice to your hair. Use shampoos and conditioners that are appropriate for your hair type (e.g. curly, oily, limp) and get a haircut that is easy to maintain and complements your face and doesn't require huge amounts of product and effort to look right.
5. Pick a form of exercise you really like, and do it regularly.
6. Remind yourself of all the ways you are lucky and your life is good. Feeling happy is a real assist to looking good, too.
7. Consider a dog. Loving and feeling loved is wonderful. And dogs are real exercise enhancers too.
posted by bearwife at 10:27 AM on March 8, 2012 [6 favorites]
To nitpick on a previous item: No need for a multivitamin. The available evidence shows that they don't help.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:31 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:31 AM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
I'm also not sure why one needs to wash one's "tits" more than any other part of the body.
Depends on how big they are. Large-breasted women need to be sure to wash underneath them because sweat can get trapped in there and grow stinky bacteria.
(I had had similar doubts when my husband, who once worked in an eldercare facility, described a quickie sponge-bath procedure as "mitts, pits and tits" (don't know what happened to the "bits" there) and he explained that the sweaty underboob was very common in older ladies with a lot of sag.)
I believe George Carlin once described the necessary areas to wash as "armpits, asshole, crotch and teeth." I personally would throw "feet" in there as well, especially if you plan to be around anyone else without shoes on. Then again, I just hate feet so I probably am more biased than most.
posted by dlugoczaj at 10:35 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Depends on how big they are. Large-breasted women need to be sure to wash underneath them because sweat can get trapped in there and grow stinky bacteria.
(I had had similar doubts when my husband, who once worked in an eldercare facility, described a quickie sponge-bath procedure as "mitts, pits and tits" (don't know what happened to the "bits" there) and he explained that the sweaty underboob was very common in older ladies with a lot of sag.)
I believe George Carlin once described the necessary areas to wash as "armpits, asshole, crotch and teeth." I personally would throw "feet" in there as well, especially if you plan to be around anyone else without shoes on. Then again, I just hate feet so I probably am more biased than most.
posted by dlugoczaj at 10:35 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
But don't wash your "bits" with soap, because the pH balance of the vagina is self regulating and soap can throw it off and lead to unpleasantness. Warm water is sufficient.
Soap doesn't belong in the vagina, but it's fine to use on the vulva.
posted by bunderful at 11:12 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
Soap doesn't belong in the vagina, but it's fine to use on the vulva.
posted by bunderful at 11:12 AM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
Once a week, exercise yourself into the ground for a short period. Doesn't need to be more than half an hour, even 10 minutes can be enough, just put everything you've got into it, then take a shower and relax, and make sure you have a good night's sleep afterwards. In the morning, you'll learn what the phrase "feel like a new person" really means.
posted by fearnothing at 11:18 AM on March 8, 2012 [5 favorites]
posted by fearnothing at 11:18 AM on March 8, 2012 [5 favorites]
Make it part of your routine to get outside at least once daily, no matter the weather. If possible, make it a quiet morning walk in a park or your garden or even a tree lined street, and let your eyes linger on the green. This makes an immense difference to my mood and helps me feeling centred. But even if you live and work on an industrial estate, go outside into the daylight during your lunch break.
posted by tavegyl at 11:44 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by tavegyl at 11:44 AM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
But don't use fruit-scented body washes on the vulva, because some of those have actual fructose in them, which can be a disaster if it gets into your vagina by accident.
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:00 PM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Sidhedevil at 1:00 PM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I would say shower regularly, keep things moisturized - I think this varies for people. I have dry skin and moisturize everything everyday.
Get your brows done - I get mine threaded because I have very sensitive skin and got burned a lot with the wax. Scabs around the eyebrows are not attractive.
Get enough sleep, keep a healthy diet, drink enough water, and exercise.
Make sure your clothes fit.
posted by fromageball at 2:28 PM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
Get your brows done - I get mine threaded because I have very sensitive skin and got burned a lot with the wax. Scabs around the eyebrows are not attractive.
Get enough sleep, keep a healthy diet, drink enough water, and exercise.
Make sure your clothes fit.
posted by fromageball at 2:28 PM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
Nthing sunscreen. Find a brand you enjoy using and apply every.single.day.
posted by sideofwry at 3:00 PM on March 8, 2012
posted by sideofwry at 3:00 PM on March 8, 2012
Nthing basic cleanliness - even if you don't have an all-over shower or bath every day, at least do the FF/PP cleanse - face, feet, pits and privates. And hands! Hand-washing prevents the spread of disease better than almost anything else.
Nthing keeping your teeth brushed and flossed. Carry one of those little disposable toothbrushes (or just a travel toothbrush and paste, and floss) with you and brush in the bathroom after your noon meal (and be sure to rinse the sink, especially if you are at work!). That will keep your teeth from looking foody and mossy after lunch.
Feet - you don't have to get fancy pedicures or even paint your nails, but DO keep them clean, exfoliated, and your toenails clipped and filed. I've seen people expose the crustiest feet - jagged, dirty toenails, dead and peeling skin, calluses everywhere - in sandals in public and it is just yuck.
Hands - you don't have to wear nail polish, and if you're a mechanic (for instance) your hands will never be soft, smooth and pristine, but keep your nails clipped and filed. Don't let them get dirty and ragged and all different lengths.
Clothes should be clean, appropriate to your environment (that is, professional clothes at work, gym clothes at the gym, etc.) and free from rips, stains or holes.
Hair should be clean, free from oil, dandruff and visible "rat's nest" snarls, and kept trimmed or styled. The style (long, short, straight, curly, layered, etc.) is up to you with one caveat - short "poodle perm" type stiff hairdos flatter no-one. If you color, perm or straighten it, keep it conditioned so it doesn't look like hay. In general, hair should look clean and healthy.
You don't have to wear perfume (in fact a lot of allergic folks will thank you if you don't) but please smell CLEAN - you, your hair, your clothes, everything. Don't reek of B.O. or stale sweat or cooking grease or last night's shrimp scampi.
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 3:39 PM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
Nthing keeping your teeth brushed and flossed. Carry one of those little disposable toothbrushes (or just a travel toothbrush and paste, and floss) with you and brush in the bathroom after your noon meal (and be sure to rinse the sink, especially if you are at work!). That will keep your teeth from looking foody and mossy after lunch.
Feet - you don't have to get fancy pedicures or even paint your nails, but DO keep them clean, exfoliated, and your toenails clipped and filed. I've seen people expose the crustiest feet - jagged, dirty toenails, dead and peeling skin, calluses everywhere - in sandals in public and it is just yuck.
Hands - you don't have to wear nail polish, and if you're a mechanic (for instance) your hands will never be soft, smooth and pristine, but keep your nails clipped and filed. Don't let them get dirty and ragged and all different lengths.
Clothes should be clean, appropriate to your environment (that is, professional clothes at work, gym clothes at the gym, etc.) and free from rips, stains or holes.
Hair should be clean, free from oil, dandruff and visible "rat's nest" snarls, and kept trimmed or styled. The style (long, short, straight, curly, layered, etc.) is up to you with one caveat - short "poodle perm" type stiff hairdos flatter no-one. If you color, perm or straighten it, keep it conditioned so it doesn't look like hay. In general, hair should look clean and healthy.
You don't have to wear perfume (in fact a lot of allergic folks will thank you if you don't) but please smell CLEAN - you, your hair, your clothes, everything. Don't reek of B.O. or stale sweat or cooking grease or last night's shrimp scampi.
posted by Rosie M. Banks at 3:39 PM on March 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
Yes, take care of your feet!
Meditate ten minutes a day. Moisturize, and while you're looking into the mirror, tell yourself you are beautiful.
posted by BlueHorse at 5:54 PM on March 8, 2012
Meditate ten minutes a day. Moisturize, and while you're looking into the mirror, tell yourself you are beautiful.
posted by BlueHorse at 5:54 PM on March 8, 2012
I am in my mid-30s. The big two for me are:
(1) Exercise - Agreed find a sport or exercise you love and make it a regular part of your life. I see too many friends and relatives that live sedentary lives, and have related health problems. Yes sometimes it will be tough to keep going.
(2) Eat healthy - avoid eating a lot of refined foods and sugar.
Also Nthing:
- Get enough sleep.
- Wear sunscreen. Don't smoke.
- Wear clothes that fit, and wear clothes that make you feel great! In my late 20s I realised there was a logic to why some colors looked terrible on me, why pants some never seemed to fit right... The TV show "What Not to Wear" and books by Trinny & Susannah helped me here.
Also: learn as much as you can about your health. Learn how to evaluate what you read on the internet (basic info & more detailed analysis) and what you hear from friends and family. There are reliable sites like mayoclinic.com to start.
There is a LOT of misinformation about health. Your doctor may make mistakes or miss things. You need to be well equipped to stand for your own decisions about your health. (See also @punchtothehead's related comment. )
posted by SarahbytheSea at 5:59 PM on March 8, 2012
(1) Exercise - Agreed find a sport or exercise you love and make it a regular part of your life. I see too many friends and relatives that live sedentary lives, and have related health problems. Yes sometimes it will be tough to keep going.
(2) Eat healthy - avoid eating a lot of refined foods and sugar.
Also Nthing:
- Get enough sleep.
- Wear sunscreen. Don't smoke.
- Wear clothes that fit, and wear clothes that make you feel great! In my late 20s I realised there was a logic to why some colors looked terrible on me, why pants some never seemed to fit right... The TV show "What Not to Wear" and books by Trinny & Susannah helped me here.
Also: learn as much as you can about your health. Learn how to evaluate what you read on the internet (basic info & more detailed analysis) and what you hear from friends and family. There are reliable sites like mayoclinic.com to start.
There is a LOT of misinformation about health. Your doctor may make mistakes or miss things. You need to be well equipped to stand for your own decisions about your health. (See also @punchtothehead's related comment. )
posted by SarahbytheSea at 5:59 PM on March 8, 2012
Since the physical health aspect seems well covered- my tip is for emotional health.
I don't remember where I read it, but I've long embraced the metaphor. . . Remember to do your "dishes." Things pile up in our heads like a sink full of dirty dishes, which can cause all kinds of unnecessary troubles.
Don't let things fester, if action is required act, if there is nothing to be done, learn and let it go.
posted by abirdinthehand at 6:00 PM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
I don't remember where I read it, but I've long embraced the metaphor. . . Remember to do your "dishes." Things pile up in our heads like a sink full of dirty dishes, which can cause all kinds of unnecessary troubles.
Don't let things fester, if action is required act, if there is nothing to be done, learn and let it go.
posted by abirdinthehand at 6:00 PM on March 8, 2012 [4 favorites]
Along the lines of what abirdinthehand just said: Write things down—don't try to keep every worry and appointment and to-do item in your head.
posted by limeonaire at 6:09 PM on March 8, 2012
posted by limeonaire at 6:09 PM on March 8, 2012
Plenty of exercise and plenty of sleep. To me, these are the two most important things; they will affect your physical and mental health immensely.
Even if you don't have time to buy new clothes, get a haircut, or get your eyebrows groomed (not saying those things are not important though) if you get plenty of exercise and sleep, you WILL look and feel immensely better!
The trick with exercise is finding something that you enjoy and that is challenging. Exercise machines can be really boring. Try different classes of a variety of types (yoga, martial arts, aerobics, swimming). If a gym is too expensive, try to find a way to budget it or ask a for a gym membership for a gift. Or find a lower-priced yoga studio, or take up jogging in the outdoors.
Really, challenging, vigorous exercise near-daily as changed my life. I have gained muscle tone, lost weight, better posture, better digestion, better mood, and greatly reduced chronic pain I had from a slipped disc.
The key is to do something vigorous and challenging. For example, walking is great but it's not usually a vigorous exercise (I used to walk quite a bit but never had the same results as taking challenging gym classes, YMMV)
Plenty of sleep is a great complement to exercise.
posted by bearette at 6:32 PM on March 8, 2012
Even if you don't have time to buy new clothes, get a haircut, or get your eyebrows groomed (not saying those things are not important though) if you get plenty of exercise and sleep, you WILL look and feel immensely better!
The trick with exercise is finding something that you enjoy and that is challenging. Exercise machines can be really boring. Try different classes of a variety of types (yoga, martial arts, aerobics, swimming). If a gym is too expensive, try to find a way to budget it or ask a for a gym membership for a gift. Or find a lower-priced yoga studio, or take up jogging in the outdoors.
Really, challenging, vigorous exercise near-daily as changed my life. I have gained muscle tone, lost weight, better posture, better digestion, better mood, and greatly reduced chronic pain I had from a slipped disc.
The key is to do something vigorous and challenging. For example, walking is great but it's not usually a vigorous exercise (I used to walk quite a bit but never had the same results as taking challenging gym classes, YMMV)
Plenty of sleep is a great complement to exercise.
posted by bearette at 6:32 PM on March 8, 2012
Also, David Burns' Cognitive Behavioral Therapy methods are great. Don't be scared off by the complicated name- you can learn to keep a journal as a he outlines in his books. I have started keeping a CBT journal (you learn to identify your feelings, and create a rational response thus not allowing your thoughts and feelings to take over a spiral into negative moods and depression). This has helped me a lot!
posted by bearette at 6:35 PM on March 8, 2012
posted by bearette at 6:35 PM on March 8, 2012
Sleep, exercise, take care of your teeth, learn how to cook at least simple healthy things, don't smoke.
To this I'll add: a good haircut, learn how to KEEP your space clean (not just get it clean), and start saving for retirement NOW.
posted by elizeh at 7:30 PM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
To this I'll add: a good haircut, learn how to KEEP your space clean (not just get it clean), and start saving for retirement NOW.
posted by elizeh at 7:30 PM on March 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for providing interesting and beneficial responses.
I'm actually very excited about doing things that were suggested in response to my question. I already do certain things like getting my eye brows threaded, but I never bothered with other things like wearing sunscreen.
I created a list of your suggestions and will slowly ease my way into doing many of these things.
posted by livinglearning at 7:35 PM on March 8, 2012
I'm actually very excited about doing things that were suggested in response to my question. I already do certain things like getting my eye brows threaded, but I never bothered with other things like wearing sunscreen.
I created a list of your suggestions and will slowly ease my way into doing many of these things.
posted by livinglearning at 7:35 PM on March 8, 2012
Hmm. These suggestions are a mix of ways to take care of your health and your appearance. Although the two overlap, they are not the same thing. For example, despite being females I do not have my eyebrows done, I hardly ever wear jewelry, and I don't wear makeup - yet I take my health very seriously. It's very frustrating to me to hear tips for improving one's appearance according to modern standards of beauty mixed in with tips for improving one's health. You do NOT need to have perfect eyebrows or tasteful jewelry to be "taking care of yourself".
As an aside, matters of appearance DO cross over in to the realm of "taking care of yourself" when you do things that make you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin - and maybe that's where many of the commenters here are coming from. Appearance can also have an affect on how you are treated at work/in public and that might be important in certain circumstances. But don't let anybody convince you that things like manicures and stylish haircuts are somehow actually related to physical or mental health in any fundamental way. If you choose not to do these things, you are not neglecting yourself.
That said, here's my list, as a fellow 20-something. These are my priorities for having the kind of life I find satisfying. There are 7, which I think is just about as many things as I can keep in mind at once. If I had a massive list I'd never be able to really do these things. That means that things I'd *like* to do, like certain crafts or activities, are not on the list, but I think that one of the things that's becoming clearer and clearer to me as I get older is that there really is NOT time to do everything you would like to do, and it's important to do what you really care about.
1. Spend real time connecting with the people I love. Comes before everything else.
2. Meditate every day. This has been HUGE for me. This also includes getting together with other mediators once a week for support.
3. Exercise. I run twice a week, swim twice a week and commute by bike every day plus sometimes longer rides on the weekends. I picked these exercises because they are the ones I actually enjoy.
4. Eat healthful food. I have a number of simple rules for my eating, such as: breakfast must be half fruit, dinner must be half vegetables, lunch must be home-made except for once per month, etc. Keeps me on track. Luckily I love cooking (and fruits and vegetables!) so this one is pretty fun.
5. Play music. I'm a violinist; without music I feel like I'm missing a limb or something.
6. Keep my living space uncluttered, and perhaps more importantly, EASY to unclutter and easy to clean. I don't know about you, but a cluttered space makes me feel awful, and if cleaning is miserable it's even worse.
7. Volunteer. Both in a formal way, with organizations, and informally. Making a point of seeking out one special thing to do for somebody every day is a pretty fun challenge.
posted by Cygnet at 7:26 AM on March 9, 2012 [11 favorites]
As an aside, matters of appearance DO cross over in to the realm of "taking care of yourself" when you do things that make you feel more confident and comfortable in your own skin - and maybe that's where many of the commenters here are coming from. Appearance can also have an affect on how you are treated at work/in public and that might be important in certain circumstances. But don't let anybody convince you that things like manicures and stylish haircuts are somehow actually related to physical or mental health in any fundamental way. If you choose not to do these things, you are not neglecting yourself.
That said, here's my list, as a fellow 20-something. These are my priorities for having the kind of life I find satisfying. There are 7, which I think is just about as many things as I can keep in mind at once. If I had a massive list I'd never be able to really do these things. That means that things I'd *like* to do, like certain crafts or activities, are not on the list, but I think that one of the things that's becoming clearer and clearer to me as I get older is that there really is NOT time to do everything you would like to do, and it's important to do what you really care about.
1. Spend real time connecting with the people I love. Comes before everything else.
2. Meditate every day. This has been HUGE for me. This also includes getting together with other mediators once a week for support.
3. Exercise. I run twice a week, swim twice a week and commute by bike every day plus sometimes longer rides on the weekends. I picked these exercises because they are the ones I actually enjoy.
4. Eat healthful food. I have a number of simple rules for my eating, such as: breakfast must be half fruit, dinner must be half vegetables, lunch must be home-made except for once per month, etc. Keeps me on track. Luckily I love cooking (and fruits and vegetables!) so this one is pretty fun.
5. Play music. I'm a violinist; without music I feel like I'm missing a limb or something.
6. Keep my living space uncluttered, and perhaps more importantly, EASY to unclutter and easy to clean. I don't know about you, but a cluttered space makes me feel awful, and if cleaning is miserable it's even worse.
7. Volunteer. Both in a formal way, with organizations, and informally. Making a point of seeking out one special thing to do for somebody every day is a pretty fun challenge.
posted by Cygnet at 7:26 AM on March 9, 2012 [11 favorites]
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Wash your Its!
Pits
Tits, and
Bits!
posted by vitabellosi at 8:32 AM on March 8, 2012