Mindful Hand Washing

Sure, hand washing is basic hygiene — the CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — but it’s also an opportunity to quiet your thoughts. By focusing on all the different sensory characteristics of hand washing: the warmth of the water, the aroma of the soap, the feeling of the suds in between your fingers, you can carve out a moment of peace and relaxation.

The technique for mindful hand washing is simple:

• Before washing, take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth, and feel the tension leaving your face and body.
• Next, turn on the faucet and focus on the sound of the water splashing against the sink.
• When the water is warm, let it slowly wash over your hands, and really think about how it feels against your skin, palms, and knuckles.
• Start lathering your hands with soap and concentrate on its scent.
• Finally, rinse your hands and walk away feeling clean and refreshed.