In the Know
We rub our tired eyes, itch our tickly noses, and bite off ragged fingernails without much thought at all. So, how do you break a habit that you are hardly aware you even do?
Research shows that most of us touch our faces at least 16 times a day.
Why is that a problem?
Under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal to touch your face 16 times a day. But we are NOT living under normal circumstances right now!
Think of your face as the onramp to your body. The mucous membranes on your face (eyes, nose, and mouth) are super-highways to your respiratory system.
So, if the virus is on your hand when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth (even once), it will surely hitch a ride to your lungs and make you sick. It’s that simple.
It’s a hard habit to break.
Most of us touch our faces throughout the day without even realizing it. We rub our tired eyes, itch our tickly noses, and bite off ragged fingernails without much thought at all. So, how do you break a habit that you are hardly aware you even do?
Here are a few tips you can use:
- Wash your hands with soap and water often throughout the day. But keep in mind, this is not the ONLY solution. It’s nearly impossible to keep your hands completely germ-free. As soon as you wash your hands, you will likely re-contaminate them by touching surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, or light switches that may hold the virus.
- Pay close attention to your urge to touch your face. Becoming more aware of the habit can help you catch yourself before you do it.
- Tie a string around your finger. Remember the old trick of tying a string around your finger to help you remember something? It can help you break your face touching habit too. It doesn’t have to be a string. You could put a rubber band on your wrist, wear a different ring, or even draw a heart on the back of your hand to remind you! Do whatever works for you.
- Use a clean tissue. If you just can’t fight the urge to scratch your itchy nose, grab a tissue to use as a barrier.
- Use pleasant scents to remind you. Rub a pleasant smelling lotion on your hands after washing them. When you bring your hand to your face, the scent will bring your awareness to what you are about to do.
- Take extreme measures! If you find yourself touching your face while sitting at your desk, turn on the Do Not Touch Your Face Webcam. The site will alert you when you are about to touch your face!
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