Author: Nicole Kamanzi Muteteri

Manifesting in forms like anxiety and depression, mental illness is caused by; among others, family background, genes, and trauma. The list, however, grows a little longer when it comes to young people. Recent findings indicate that among the causes of depression in the youth is the ‘pressure to fit in’, aka ‘wanna-be’ syndrome.

With an advancement in technology, particularly social media, apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok that were primarily intended for socializing and connecting with friends and family, have turned into an exhibition of ‘who is doing better in life’.

Success in young people is presently determined by who updates their stories, status, reels, or newsfeed every 24 hours with current photos in happening places, has the most likes and the number of followers. This has seen those without the same ‘life’ resort to dangerous vices like alcoholism, drug abuse, and modern-day prostitution in a bid to fit in, while others battle depression and anxiety because they feel left out.

While speaking to the youth during ‘international youth day’ marked on 12th August 2023, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda’s Minister of Youth, Abdallah Utumatwishima, shared tips on how to overcome mental health. “Be kind to yourself, be kind to your family, and be kind to your country,” he stated. “If you feel overwhelmed with emotions, don’t hesitate to seek help, talk to someone, especially your mom if you’re blessed with one, and like just giants do, get up and move,” he added.

Experts on mental health also share tips like eating healthy foods, going for a walk, listening to soft music, singing a song, drinking a lot of water, connecting with nature and with friends, and seeking medical help. While these may seem far-fetched and hard to abide by, there are life hacks that can help.

{{Practice gratitude;}} be thankful and grateful for what you have as you work hard towards what you want. When you appreciate what you have, it will always multiply in ways you don’t know. Christians can relate to this with the parable of talents in the Bible (Matthew 25:14-30).

{{Focus on your dreams;}} when you’re too busy minding your business, it will be hard for you to notice what other people are up to. The grass will always seem greener on the side, but it can be greener from where you are too; you just have to water it. “Do you, be you, and focus on you”. Life is not a competition but a journey where everyone has their own destination.

{{Appreciate your small achievements; }} learn to clap for yourself before others clap for you. We attract who we are at the end of the day, right? If you celebrate yourself, others will celebrate you too, so learn to celebrate yourself. After all, you alone know how hard you fought to get there.

{{Always look for the positive;}} they say every cloud has its silver lining. This is so true, what you may think of as a curse may be a blessing in disguise. If you find out that social media is putting you under pressure, how about you use it for ‘better’ things? Learn a new skill, sign up for a free online course, subscribe and follow pages of productive content creators/motivational speakers. There’s a lot of good in using social media; look for that.

{{Be yourself;}} a little pride is necessary once in a while. Know who you are and pride yourself in that, for there’s only one you and forever will be. Discover your unique features and make them flourish, slay them so that no one ever makes you feel like you don’t matter because you do, and just the way you are, {{YOU ARE ENOUGH!}}

{{What is hygiene?}}

Hygiene is any approach or action used to keep things healthy and clean. While this concept covers a wide scope, our focus here revolves around “a healthy body and a happy mind,” placing personal cleanliness at the forefront.

Personal hygiene involves the routine cleansing of the external aspects of our bodies.

This extends to {{dental hygiene}}, which isn’t solely about teeth but encompasses the mouth as a whole. In fact, oral care involves not only teeth but also the mouth itself.

To maintain a healthy mouth and a radiant smile, the American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice daily – once before breakfast and once before bedtime.

Dentists highly recommend toothpaste with fluoride content, as it effectively reduces acid production by bacteria, stemming from plaque, and prevents tooth decay.

Addressing {{body hygiene}}, it’s important to recognize that our skin, being the largest organ, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our internal systems. Thus, proper skincare is paramount. This includes regular showers at least once a day to cleanse the skin from dirt and pollutants such as sweat.

{{Handwashing}} has taken on greater significance, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the pandemic has waned, the importance of frequent handwashing remains, as it remains a fundamental defense against the spread of germs and bacteria.

{{The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends handwashing in the following instances:}}

-* Before, during, and after food preparation

-* Before consuming food

-* Before and after assisting someone vomiting or experiencing diarrhea

-* Before and after treating a wound or cut

-* After using the restroom

-* After changing diapers or tending to a child’s restroom needs

-* After sneezing, coughing, or blowing one’s nose

-* After touching waste or contaminated surfaces/objects

-* After interacting with pets or pet-related items, including food

{{Nail care}} is another essential aspect of personal hygiene. Neglected nails, especially when long and unkempt, can harbor dirt and germs, facilitating the spread of bacteria. Regular trimming of fingernails and toenails helps minimize the risk of spreading illnesses.

Maintaining good personal hygiene offers benefits beyond disease prevention; it bolsters self-confidence and self-esteem. While adhering to recommended sanitary practices can sometimes pose challenges in a tight-budget scenario, a few simple strategies can help you maintain cleanliness without breaking the bank.

{{Dental health}} plays a pivotal role, with a smile being deemed the finest cosmetic one can wear. Furthermore, regular smiling offers health advantages, including stress reduction, immune system enhancement, lowered blood pressure, and potentially increased lifespan. However, it’s important to acknowledge that bad breath can detract from even the most dazzling smile.

To ensure both a captivating smile and fresh breath, consider brushing your tongue, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, preventing prolonged dry mouth (even during fasting, ensure you stay hydrated), chewing gum after meals, and, if fluoride toothpaste isn’t affordable, substitutes like baking soda, sea or table salt, or diluted hydrogen peroxide can suffice.

For an {{odor-free body}}, thorough bathing using clean water and soap is crucial, with special attention to be paid to the ‘private areas’ where sweat accumulates most. “The human body boasts millions of sweat glands,” as reported by Medical News Today (MNT). When germs break down, body odor ensues.

To maintain short hair in the private area, consider shaving or waxing. Avoid wearing soiled clothing, especially those worn the previous day and not yet washed but have been subjected to sweat.

Always use deodorant. In case of financial constraints, alternatives such as lemon juice, baking soda, or alcohol can be excellent substitutes.

{{Nails }} also warrant attention as a frequent manicure is the key for well-kept finger nails. You can also get a personal manicure kit to use on days when you don’t have any money.