From matatus to malls: How to stay fresh during a busy day

You leave the house looking fresh at 7 am. By noon, Nairobi traffic, the heat and a crowded matatu have had their turn with you. By evening, you have one more stop at the mall and suddenly wonder how your day became a full-body endurance test.

Staying fresh during a busy day is not about spraying half a bottle of perfume on yourself. A few smart hygiene habits can help you move from matatus to meetings, errands and malls without feeling like the day has completely defeated you.

Start the day with a proper fresh routine

Staying fresh begins before you leave the house. A proper shower helps remove sweat and bacteria from the skin, especially in areas that tend to sweat more. Make sure you dry yourself properly before getting dressed, because moisture trapped against the skin can leave you feeling uncomfortable later in the day.

Use a deodorant or antiperspirant that works well for you and wear clean clothes. This may sound obvious, but many people focus so much on smelling good that they forget the basics. Perfume is not a replacement for good hygiene. In fact, mixing a strong fragrance with body odour can create a smell that nobody asked for.

Your morning routine does not need to take two hours. The goal is simply to leave the house feeling clean and prepared for whatever the day brings.

Wear clothes that let your body breathe

Your outfit can either help you stay fresh or make your day unnecessarily difficult.

Heavy fabrics, very tight clothes and shoes with little ventilation can leave you feeling hot and sweaty, particularly when you are spending time outdoors or walking from one place to another. Choose clothes that are comfortable and suitable for the weather and activities you have planned.

You can still look stylish without suffering for fashion. If you know you will be in a hot matatu, walking through town and later sitting in an office, dress for the journey rather than just the destination.

A light outfit can also make it easier to move around comfortably. You can always carry a jacket or sweater for the office or mall, where the air conditioning may suddenly have you questioning why you did not bring a blanket.

Keep a small freshness kit in your bag

A busy day can change quickly. You may leave home planning to go straight back after work, then receive a call from a friend asking you to meet them at the mall. Suddenly, you have been outside for ten hours and your morning freshness is now a distant memory.

This is where a small freshness kit comes in handy.

Keep simple items such as tissues, hand sanitiser, chewing gum or mints and a small deodorant in your handbag. You can also carry wipes for a quick freshen-up when you have access to a suitable private space.

The trick is to keep it simple. You do not need to carry your entire bathroom in your bag. A few useful items can make a big difference when you need to freshen up after a long commute, lunch or a busy afternoon.

Pay attention to your hands, mouth and feet

Freshness is not only about your underarms.

Your hands come into contact with many surfaces throughout the day, from matatu doors and money to office equipment and shopping baskets. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water is one of the simplest ways to maintain good hygiene. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitiser can be useful.

Your mouth also deserves attention, especially after meals and coffee breaks. Good oral hygiene begins with regular brushing and flossing, while drinking water throughout the day can help prevent your mouth from feeling dry. Sugar-free gum can also be useful when you are away from home.

Then there are your feet, the hardworking members of the family that carry you everywhere but rarely receive enough appreciation. Long walks, closed shoes and warm weather can leave your feet sweaty and uncomfortable. Wear clean socks, wash and dry your feet properly and allow your shoes to air out when possible.

Your feet have been through Nairobi traffic with you. The least you can do is show them some respect.

Stay hydrated and freshen up smartly

One of the easiest ways to feel better during a busy day is to drink enough water. When you are rushing between work, errands and social plans, it is easy to forget something as simple as drinking water.

Carrying a clean water bottle can help you stay hydrated throughout the day. It can also prevent you from relying entirely on sugary drinks and endless cups of coffee to survive the afternoon.

When you need to freshen up, avoid simply spraying more and more perfume on your body. If possible, clean the area first, reapply deodorant if needed and use fragrance lightly.

The goal is to smell clean, not to announce your arrival five minutes before you enter the room.

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