Research

Social and Professional Acceptance

Spending time around those who fail to demonstrate good hygiene can be unpleasant due to factors such as bad breath and body odor, and it increases your own risk for disease and infection. Poor hygiene can have negative consequences on your social life and relationships — including business relationships.

Many employers urge or require employees to practice good hygiene and tend to hire people who look clean and as though they practice healthy hygiene habits. Good hygiene is especially important to employers in the food and medical industries, as poor hygiene can lead to contamination and the spread of disease.^[3]

Children who practice good hygiene can avoid being bullied at school, as evidence suggests that poor hygiene is one of the top reasons kids are bullied.^[4] Parents who teach their children the importance of good hygiene instill healthy habits early on in life and prevent them from experiencing problems with bullies.

Higher Confidence and Self-Esteem

Being clean and well-groomed can help you feel more confident and comfortable both physically and mentally. Feeling dirty, oily, and unfresh not only puts your physical health at risk, but it can trigger negative emotions of discomfort, irritability, and anxiety. Poor hygiene can affect your mood, your interactions with others, and the way you feel about yourself.

Good hygiene can boost your confidence and self-esteem and make you seem more positive and attractive to others.^[5] Good hygiene can indirectly boost your success at work, in the gym, and in scenarios that require you to be at your very best.