In the wake of the global pandemic, health experts have emphasized the importance of avoiding touching one’s face to minimize the risk of infection. However, it can be challenging to break this ingrained habit. Here are 11 steps to help you stop touching your face:

1. Be aware: The first step in breaking any habit is becoming aware of it. Pay attention to when and why you touch your face, whether it’s out of boredom, stress, or fatigue.

2. Keep your hands busy: Find alternative activities for your hands, such as holding a stress ball, fidget spinner, or pen. Keeping your hands occupied makes it less likely for them to absentmindedly wander toward your face.

3. Wash your hands frequently: Regular handwashing can reduce the number of germs on your hands and discourage you from touching your face due to the awareness of cleanliness you’ve just established.

4. Use a tissue or handkerchief: If you must touch your face, use a clean tissue or handkerchief as a barrier between your hands and skin.

5. Set reminders: Place visual cues such as sticky notes around your home or workplace to remind you not to touch your face.

6. Wear gloves: Wearing gloves can serve as a constant reminder that you shouldn’t be touching your face or provide an additional barrier against germs if contact is unavoidable.

7. Use behavioral techniques: Try employing techniques like snapping a rubber band on your wrist as a gentle reminder when you catch yourself touching your face.

8. Adjust accessories with caution: When adjusting glasses or a mask, touch the frames or ear loops rather than putting fingers on lenses or the mask itself.

9. Practice relaxation techniques: Stress can often lead people to touch their faces more frequently, so engage in calming activities such as mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or yoga.

10. Replace the habit: If you find that you touch your face in specific situations or during certain activities, identify a healthier alternative, like rubbing your hands together, to help break the cycle.

11. Be patient: Changing a deeply ingrained habit takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if progress is slow. Keep at it, and eventually, you’ll see results.

Practicing these 11 steps can help you become more mindful of your face-touching habit and ultimately reduce your risk of illness. Remember, it takes time and persistence to establish new habits, so be patient with yourself along the way.