Proactive Hand Hygiene for Winter Break Travel

We can’t see germs with our eyes, so it’s difficult to notice the moment we come into contact with germs. For that reason, medical experts regularly tell us to wash our hands so we may minimize the germs we encounter. 

During the holidays, people report elevated stress levels. It can become overly burdensome to list the number of germ hotspots we constantly encounter or how many germs we’re likely to get on our hands while at the airport. 

Instead of racking our brains with endless questions about where we draw these lines, let’s reframe the discussion as a proactive approach to hand hygiene during our winter break travel plans. 

Proactive Hand Washing

Instead of thinking only about germ hotspots, practice a proactive approach to hand hygiene. Proactive washing involves getting ahead of the possibility of germs by regularly washing regardless of an incident.

Think about your attitude towards handwashing and why you do it. We often wash our hands because we sense the possible consequences of harmful germs entering our bodies. 

Yes, it would be best to keep your hands clean since hand hygiene is a core part of overall physical hygiene. Remember that even if you clean your hands frequently, you should also focus on washing your hands properly. 

Whether washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, remember to spend the appropriate amount of time scrubbing or sanitizing your hands. Especially during more hectic times of the year, this can be a struggle. 

Proactive handwashing emphasizes thinking ahead and being thoughtful about strategies that can enhance and improve your hand hygiene habits. 

Proactive Hand Hygiene Strategies

Here are three proactive handwashing strategies that you can try to implement in your own life.

1. Invest Your Time Rationally 

Set aside 20 seconds to wash your hands. Although winter break travel or hosting can be hectic and stressful, taking time to yourself periodically to wash your hands (or rub them with sanitizer) won’t be the likely cause of missing your flight or bus. 

2. Turn Handwashing into a Self-Care Activity

Did you know that there are mental health benefits to washing your hands? For example, researchers even found that we tend to wash our hands to relieve guilt! That ought to bring memories back from high school Macbeth.

Again, since winter break travel can be stressful, turn hand hygiene into part of your self-care regimen. Take this time to take deep breaths and relax your shoulders while shepherding your family from point A to point B. 

3. Remember that Cold Water Can Help You Regulate Your Emotions

Splashing cold water on your face is a common anxiety-reducing tactic that can quickly help you destress. If you are especially stressed during winter break travels, excuse yourself and go to the bathroom. Spend a few minutes thoroughly washing your hands and then splashing your face with cold water. Breathe in and out for a few minutes, and hopefully, you’ll feel better prepared to continue your journey. 

Wash regularly, wash well, and remember that you want to be proactive! 

Happy travels!