A few weeks ago, I was getting ready to leave the house when I suddenly remembered something my mother used to tell me growing up: “Always take care of yourself, even when nobody is watching.”

Back then, I thought she was simply talking about looking neat. Taking your bath, wearing clean clothes, brushing your teeth, and making sure your hair was properly combed before leaving the house.

But as I grew older, I realised that personal hygiene is much more than looking good. It is about how you care for your body every single day. It is about feeling fresh, comfortable, confident, and healthy, even when nobody else is paying attention.

The truth is, life can get busy. You wake up late for work, rush to school, spend hours outside, come home exhausted, and sometimes the little things become easy to forget. But maintaining good hygiene doesn't have to be complicated.

Here are 7 simple everyday hygiene habits every woman should have:

1. Take Your Bath Regularly

A regular bath helps remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria from your skin. Pay special attention to areas where you sweat more, such as your underarms, feet, and skin folds.

2. Change Your Underwear Daily

Clean underwear every day is an important part of personal hygiene. If you've been sweating heavily or exercising, changing afterwards can help you stay comfortable and fresh.

3. Practise Good Menstrual Hygiene

Your period is a normal part of life, and taking care of yourself during this time is important. Change your menstrual products regularly according to the product instructions and your flow, and always wash your hands before and after changing them.

4. Don't Ignore Your Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth twice a day and clean between your teeth regularly. A healthy mouth contributes to your overall wellbeing and can help prevent bad breath and dental problems.

5. Wash Your Hands Frequently

Something as simple as washing your hands with soap and clean water can make a big difference. Remember to wash them before eating, after using the toilet, and whenever they become dirty.

6. Keep Personal Items Personal

Your toothbrush, razor, underwear, and other personal hygiene items should belong to you alone. Sharing these items can increase the risk of spreading infections.

7. Pay Attention to Changes in Your Body

Your body often communicates when something isn't right. If you notice persistent itching, unusual discharge, sores, or a strong unexplained odour, don't simply ignore it. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional who can give you the right advice.

At the end of the day, personal hygiene isn't about trying to be perfect. It's about loving yourself enough to care for the body you live in.

Sometimes, the smallest habits; taking a proper bath, changing into clean underwear, brushing your teeth, or simply washing your hands, can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself.

What is one hygiene habit you learned from your mother or someone who raised you?