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Why is personal grooming so important? You would have heard that first impressions count (most of the time, it counts for almost everything!). Since humans are visual animals, the first and biggest impression they form of another human being (before or at first contact) is visually by their physical appearance. There is undeniably a significant relationship between personal grooming and image projection that simply cannot be ignored. In its simplest form, it is the things people do to make themselves attractive - being clean, tidy, neat. It also includes activities related to priming and preening, and various forms of cosmetic care. To many people, it refers to the regular maintenance of one’s physical appearance such as our hair, face, hands and other parts of the body. Personal grooming also comprises the activities of getting ready prior to going out for the day or night, such as selecting appropriate outfits for the right occasions, matching accessories, cosmetic makeup, etc. While maintenance of one’s physical appearance is important, we should also look beyond maintaining that physical façade and learn how to groom ourselves on a social level. This is the part where you impress people with your social skills. We at PIH consider personal grooming in two categories – Physical Grooming and Social Grooming. Read on to find out more about the two different aspects of personal grooming. Physical Grooming
The most basic level would be to maintain a neat, tidy and attractive physical appearance on a regular basis. This comprises of the things* that we do on a daily basis such as: 1. Hair – wash regularly and keep it at a manageable length and style 2. Facial hair – neatly trimmed (e.g. moustaches for males) 3. Nails – clip your nails regularly and keep them clean. Brittle nails may be a sign of body deficiencies. Learn more about how to have great nails here 4. Teeth – brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. Rinse your mouth after each meal. If you smoke, use mouth fresheners or chew gum after your cigarette. How to have great teeth. 5. Attire – always try to choose the appropriate attire to match the occasion. Ensure that clothes are clean, well-pressed, neat and presentable – what you are wearing and how you wear it inevitably says a lot about you as a person. As a general guide, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. For example, if you arrive at a party and find that a suit and tie is not required, you can always take it off. It is much better than going in shorts or jeans and then realizing everyone else are in their tuxedos. The same, for example, could apply for ladies who can remove their coats and accessories as a “dress-down” technique. 6. Makeup – choose appropriate makeup for the right occasion (e.g. less bright lip colors are usually more suitable for office environments). Get a load of makeup tips here. 7. Hair colour – hair dyes should not be too dark or light from your natural hair color. Extreme colors should be avoided in most occasions (e.g. work environment) unless of course your job specifically calls for it (actors, fashion designers, artists and models are exempted!) * General guidelines, may differ for individuals
Some people are more prone to body odour, a condition known as hyperhidrosis. These are just some ways to prevent body odour: 1. Take showers daily, once a day or more if possible 2. Apply talcum powder after shower 3. Use deodorants and anti-perspirants 4. Use perfumes and colognes to smell good as well as mask bad body odours
At some point or another in our lives, we have all met people with bad breath (a condition known as halitosis). Many of us might even have it and constantly feel embarrassed by it, or become very conscious of it. Worse still, some of us might not even know that we have it (more often than not, people are too embarrassed to “tell the other person”, which exacerbates the problem). There are many reasons for bad breath, including certain foods we eat, drinks we consume, medications we take, or medical conditions such as respiratory tract infections, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal conditions, etc. If you are suffering from bad breath, not to worry. Here are some PIH ways to improve your breath:
If you are suffering from bad breath or know of people who do, and want to do something about it, take a look at the Bad Breath Report. With more than a 96% success rate in curing bad breath using simple household ingredients, it’s a great investment. Discover what really causes bad breath (types of foods, drinks, medication, etc). Find out how to make your own quick-and-easy super mouth cleansers using household ingredients. Learn to use your body’s own natural “immune booster” to dissolve your bad breath in 3 minutes flat. Why not try it? You will see the results instantly and will no longer have to constantly worry about offending colleagues and friends, turning off boyfriends and lovers, covering your mouth when you talk, keeping a distance from the listener, and suffering from low self-esteem.
Additional resources 1. Banish Bad Breath And Gum Disease!
Regardless of age, size or shape, most of us should exercise regularly and we all know it. Not only does exercise bring the obvious benefits of strengthening muscles and keeping illnesses at bay, it also tones the body so that we can all fit into our favorite clothes (and more importantly, look good in them!). Exercise also has a positive effect on social personal grooming. It prevents or reduces depression and anxiety, improves psychological well-being and increases confidence levels. To find out more about how to exercise effectively, click here for more information.
Diet and exercise are inextricably linked. Eating well helps to feed the muscles and give the body what it needs to function at its optimal level for that “feel good” effect. Eating well also promotes good health and vitality – after all, “You are what you eat”. At PIH, we like to reiterate the importance of good health. A healthy diet and regular exercise naturally brings good health, something that money cannot buy. Good health allows you to more actively pursue all your personal development needs, including building wealth, advancing your career, or spending quality time with your family and loved ones. If you have not been eating well or have been a couch potato for way too long, then make the decision to treat your body right today. But remember to be patient and work hard at it consistently. Although you will see some instant results like increased energy levels, it does take time to see the full benefits of a sensible diet and exercise plan. Keep at it and you will soon feel good enough to be able to project a more positive, confident image. Eating right doesn’t have to be boring. Here’s some ways to eating right:
Ladies, do you remember the first time when you wore your mum’s high heels and put on her dress? Or the day when you took her lipstick and applied it on your lips in front of the mirror, staring in fascination? These days, makeup is an integral part of a woman’s life. Most women put on makeup (for many it is a daily ritual), or would have put on some makeup at some point in their life. Cosmetics have become so commonplace that today it is not unusual for men to wear it as well. Foundation and lip gloss are two popular aspects of makeup that men go for these days. But what is the appropriate amount of makeup to wear? How much makeup is too excessive? What colors are the best? What kind of makeup is suitable for my skin type? Will the makeup affect my skin condition over the years? How should I protect my skin from the effects of wearing makeup? Why not get some expert advice and answers today? Speak to the following experts to find out more.
More useful resources are provided below: 1. Get a load of makeup tips here 2. How to apply makeup 3. How to pick the right color tone for your skin tone Today, you can find just about any cosmetic products from lip gloss, nail polishes to eye concealer, etc. in the market. Have a cosmetic product in mind that you would like to have? Why not try finding it here. But what is the appropriate amount of makeup to wear? And what colours are the best? How much makeup is too excessive? Will the makeup be detrimental to the skin condition over the years? These are questions very valid and often cause some stress to today’s women. Why not talk to an expert on makeup today? Talk to the following experts to get your questions answered.
Always try to choose the appropriate attire to match the occasion. What you are wearing and how you wear it inevitably says a lot about you as a person. Different styles are more suitable for certain body shapes than others. You should also consider what styles suit you and ensure that you steer clear of those that do not. Make sure that the color suits your complexion as well. As a general guide, it is always better to be overdressed than underdressed. For example, if you arrive at a party and find that a suit and tie is not required, you can always take it off. It is much better than going in shorts or jeans and then realizing everyone else are in their tuxedos. The same, for example, could apply for ladies in dresses who can remove their outer coats, jacket, or accessories as a “dress-down” technique. Those of you who like to be well-prepared can also bring along an alternative set of clothes. Social Grooming Though physical grooming is important (people often form their first opinions based on appearances alone), good looks aren’t everything. You will also need to have equally impressive social skills to continue living up to expectations. This is because, following first impressions, people can immediately form an opinion of your level of sophistication, intelligence, credibility or professionalism within the first minute or so of a conversation with you.
Poor verbal and non-verbal (eg. body language) communication can often lead to misunderstandings and strained relationships. How you communicate has a major impact in your everyday’s dealings. Good verbal communication helps you to:
Test your own communications skills here with a simple questionaire. Both verbal and body language are key to effective communication. Eye contact, body posture, smiling, listening and the first handshake are all important aspects. To find out more on how you can communicate effectively, click here.
To be able to engage in effective and lasting conversation, it always helps to have sufficient knowledge in the field of discussion. As Sun Tzu famously said, “Know yourself and your opponent, and you will win a thousand battles”. Although we are not literally going to war each and every time we have a conversation, it always helps to have related information and facts to support our points of view. Let’s look at an example in a work setting where you need to give a sales presentation to a client. Besides a good knowledge of your own products, it often pays to know your competitors’ products and prices. It will also be useful to fully appreciate your customer’s needs, concerns, budget, decision making process and what he or she is really looking for. People tend to be more interested and impressed if you are able to fully empathize and understand their problems, instead of pure hard selling. Great books on sales strategies 1. Selling 101: What Every Successful Sales Professional Needs to Know
Learn how to sell more effectively and ethically from Zig Ziglar, one of the most sought-after motivational speakers. There are tips on how to overcome call reluctance, dealing with angry clients, etc. A great motivational and “how-to” book to read, and is sure to improve your sales results. 2. Zig Ziglar's Secrets of Closing the Sale
This ultimate sales guide includes creative closes, offers reasons people won't buy and talks about ways to overcome them, etc. Let’s look at another example where you are going out on a first date with that special someone whom you just got to know, let’s say through a friend. You have done a perfectly good job with your physical appearance and you won’t want to spoil the good impression that you have created by not being able to engage properly in your conversation with him or her that day. Find out more about his or her interests from a common friend and read up more on it before the date – your date will come to realize that you are truly interested in him or her. Conversation topics that interest your date will also flow since you are talking about what he or she likes, and sound knowledgeable (or at least able to demonstrate a basic understanding) about it. Great books on dating 1. Dating For Dummies
Exactly how do you meet a potential date? How do you present yourself in the most favorable light? How do you negotiate that first date? Dr Joy Browne shows how many ways there are to make sure you get your best possible chance with Mr./Ms. Right. 2. The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide - How to Exploit Her Inner Psycho
The Art of the Pickup involves analyzing your target, determine her values, beliefs and weaknesses, and role-playing her desires. Sexual Persuasion occurs by stimulating her subconscious emotions and desires………….. The Professional Bachelor Dating Guide reveals how to:
3. What Women Wish You Knew about Dating: A Single Guy's Guide to Romantic Relationships
What Women Wish You Knew about Dating equips men with the skills they need to begin dating. Author Stephen W. Simpson educates men about spiritual and psychological obstacles to dating and provides solutions to the problems that often interfere with a healthy, holy dating life. 4. Make Every Man Want You: or Make Yours Want You More
This girl-friendly guide reveals:
Always wanted to know more about some specific issues or improve on certain aspects of your life? Why not check out our personal development page and you might stumble upon something of interest. Or you already have an idea what you need to be doing but lack motivation? We can help.
Social etiquette is considered by many to be a set of conduct, decorum, or in general, social behavior. We at PIH believe that etiquette is an important part of social grooming. Social etiquette is by no means a preserve of the rich and glamorous – there is definitely a need for everyone to behave gracefully, and especially so in public. We need to observe different basic social graces depending on the environment (eg. in subways, while dining, while speaking on the cell phone, etc). Here are some comprehensive resources that provide tips and information on various social graces: 1. Sneezing etiquette, subway etiquette, cell phone etiquette, and much more 2. Etiquette for personal entertaining 3. Etiquette school: What better way to learn etiquette than go to school? Take a look at the comprehensive range of business etiquette, dining etiquette, and international protocol Useful books to read: 1. Social Skills Survival Guide: A Handbook for Interpersonal and Business Etiquette
This book addresses the need to acquire good social skills and manners. It has everything from table manners to conversation to job interviews to proper attire. A great book to have. 2. Etiquette For Dummies (For Dummies (Psychology & Self Help))
This is a well written book that has details on different specific needs. For example, getting what you want out of business dinners, greeting new business acquaintances, dressing for events, picking up the right knife and fork at a formal dinner. Browse through wide range of products in our PIH InfoMart or search for relevant books in our PIH Bookshop.
You can also find more resources and information in our "Additional Resources" page.
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