Travel-Friendly Tips to Stay Clean and Sanitized on Buses, Trains, and Public Transport
Fordham Institute Inc. • September 12, 2024
Whether you're commuting as a student or worker, staying clean and sanitized on public transportation is essential to maintaining your health. Buses, trains, and other shared spaces can be breeding grounds for germs, especially during busy hours. To help you stay safe while traveling, here are some travel-friendly tips to keep clean and sanitized while on the go.
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1. Carry Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes ๐งด๐งป
Public transportation often means touching shared surfaces, like railings, seats, and doors. To minimize your risk of picking up germs, make sure to carry hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and disinfectant wipes for quick clean-ups.
- How to do it: Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket or bag for easy access after touching surfaces. Use disinfectant wipes to clean armrests, tray tables, or any area you’ll be in contact with before sitting down.
2. Wear a Mask in Crowded Spaces ๐ท
Although mask mandates may have been lifted in some areas, wearing a mask in crowded public spaces, especially on buses and trains, can still provide an added layer of protection from airborne germs.
- How to do it: Keep a mask in your bag or pocket and wear it when social distancing isn’t possible, particularly during peak travel hours or flu season. Opt for a comfortable, breathable mask to make wearing it for long periods easier.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face ๐ซ๐คฒ
One of the easiest ways to transfer germs from surfaces to your body is by touching your face. Germs on your hands can quickly enter your body through your eyes, nose, or mouth, so try to avoid touching your face during your commute.
- How to do it: Stay mindful of your hand movements and, if you need to adjust your glasses, hair, or mask, use the back of your hand or a clean tissue. Always sanitize your hands before eating or touching your face.
4. Opt for Contactless Payments ๐๐ณ
Many public transport systems now offer contactless payment methods, such as using mobile apps or tap-and-go cards. By reducing the need to handle physical money or tickets, you can minimize the number of surfaces you touch.
- How to do it: Whenever possible, use your phone or contactless cards for bus or train fares. Many transit apps also allow you to purchase tickets in advance, so you don’t have to touch kiosks or ticket machines.
5. Keep Your Belongings Clean ๐๐งผ
Your bags, phone, and other personal items can collect germs when placed on public surfaces. Wiping down your belongings after travel can help reduce the spread of bacteria to your hands and home.
- How to do it: Use disinfectant wipes or a sanitizing spray to clean your phone, headphones, and bag handles after each commute. Consider placing a small towel or disposable napkin under your bag on seats to prevent direct contact with potentially dirty surfaces.
6. Wash Your Hands After Traveling ๐๏ธ๐งผ
Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to remove germs. While hand sanitizer is helpful during your trip, washing your hands thoroughly as soon as you reach your destination ensures that any lingering germs are washed away.
- How to do it: As soon as you arrive at your destination, make it a habit to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. If you're unable to do so right away, use hand sanitizer until you can.
Staying clean and sanitized while traveling on public transport is essential for protecting your health, especially when you’re navigating crowded buses and trains as a student or worker. By practicing these simple hygiene habits, you can significantly reduce your exposure to germs and keep yourself and those around you safe. Remember to stay mindful, prepared, and clean during your commute!
Healthcare professionals give so much of themselves every day. Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and students in training spend their time supporting others—offering comfort, assistance, and compassion. But in the middle of caring for everyone else, self-care often gets pushed aside. The truth is simple: you cannot give your best care if you are exhausted, overwhelmed, or burned out. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we remind our students that self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s part of being a strong, reliable caregiver. When you take care of yourself, you show up stronger for others. Here are simple ways to protect your mind, body, and energy. 1. Prioritize Rest and Sleep Long days and busy schedules can make sleep feel optional—but it’s essential. Aim for consistent sleep each night Wind down before bed Give your body time to recharge Rest improves focus, patience, and overall performance. 2. Nourish Your Body With Healthy Meals Food is fuel, especially in healthcare roles that require both physical and mental energy. Eat balanced meals Pack snacks for long shifts or classes Stay hydrated throughout the day Proper nutrition helps you stay alert and energized. 3. Take Short Mental Breaks Even a few minutes can make a difference. Step outside for fresh air Stretch your body Take a few deep breaths Pause and reset your thoughts Small breaks help prevent stress from building up. 4. Set Boundaries When You Can It’s okay to protect your time and energy. Learning when to rest or say “not today” helps prevent burnout. You don’t have to do everything at once. Balance is key to long-term success. 5. Remember: Self-Care Is Professional Care When you feel supported and balanced, you’re calmer, more patient, and more present. Clients and patients benefit most when caregivers feel healthy and steady. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s responsible. Stronger You, Stronger Care Your well-being matters just as much as your skills. Make self-care part of your daily routine, not an afterthought. When you take care of yourself first, everyone around you benefits. ๐ Start training with confidence: 718-480-1804 Care for yourself the way you care for others—with patience, kindness, and intention. ๐ ๏ปฟ
Life can feel overwhelming when everything feels rushed, scattered, or unpredictable. Between classes, work, family responsibilities, and personal obligations, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day. That’s where routine becomes your greatest support. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we often remind our students and caregivers that routine creates stability. It doesn’t have to be strict or complicated—it just needs to be consistent. A simple daily structure can help you feel calmer, more organized, and more confident in both your training and your career. Here’s how building small routines can make a big difference. 1. Start Your Day the Same Way How you begin your morning often sets the tone for everything that follows. Try: Waking up at the same time each day Preparing your clothes or uniform the night before Giving yourself a few quiet minutes to plan your day A predictable start helps your mind feel focused instead of rushed. 2. Create a Study or Review Habit Healthcare training requires steady learning. Instead of cramming, set aside short, consistent study times: Review notes for 15–20 minutes daily Practice skills regularly Break lessons into smaller chunks Small daily effort reduces stress and helps information stick better. 3. Prepare Ahead to Reduce Stress Preparation is one of the simplest routines you can build. Try: Packing your bag before bed Planning meals or snacks in advance Checking your schedule for the next day When you’re prepared, you feel more in control—and less overwhelmed. 4. Understand Why Routine Matters in Healthcare Routine isn’t just helpful for students—it’s essential in caregiving. Clients feel safer when they know what to expect. Consistent schedules build trust, reliability, and professionalism. The habits you build now during training will follow you into your career. 5. Keep It Simple and Realistic Routine doesn’t mean being perfect or rigid. It means creating habits you can actually maintain. Start with one or two small changes. Once they feel natural, add more. Consistency beats complexity every time. ๏ปฟ Small Habits, Big Confidence If life feels scattered right now, don’t try to fix everything at once. Start small. One routine at a time. Over time, those small habits create structure—and structure builds confidence. ๐ Interested in starting your healthcare journey? Call 718-480-1804
There are moments in every journey where motivation fades. The excitement of starting something new wears off, responsibilities pile up, and life can feel heavy. For healthcare students and caregivers, these moments are normal—but they don’t mean you’re failing. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we remind our students of an important truth: motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you moving forward. Discipline isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up consistently, even when you don’t feel like it. Here are practical ways to lean on discipline and keep making progress. 1. Focus on the Next Small Step When you feel unmotivated, looking at everything at once can feel overwhelming. Instead, narrow your focus to one small task: Attend class Review notes for 10 minutes Complete one assignment section Prepare your uniform or materials for the next day Small steps build momentum—and momentum brings motivation back. 2. Build a Simple Routine You Can Stick To Discipline becomes easier when your day has structure. Try a routine that fits your lifestyle: A set time to review your notes Packing your bag the night before Planning meals or snacks ahead of time Setting reminders for important tasks Consistency creates confidence over time. 3. Replace “Perfect” With “Progress” Discipline doesn’t mean doing everything flawlessly. It means continuing even when things aren’t ideal. If you can’t do a full study session, do a short one. If you feel behind, don’t quit—adjust. Progress matters more than perfection. 4. Remember: Caregiving Is Built on Consistency Healthcare careers require reliability, patience, and steady effort. The discipline you practice now—showing up, staying focused, and completing your training—will become the foundation of your professionalism in the field. Caregiving is not about one big moment. It’s about consistent care, every day. 5. Be Kind to Yourself While You Push Forward You’re allowed to feel tired. You’re allowed to have hard days. But don’t let self-criticism take your power. Speak to yourself with encouragement: “I’m doing my best.” “I’m still moving forward.” “This is temporary.” Discipline grows stronger when your mindset is supportive, not harsh. Keep Going—Future You Will Thank You If you’re feeling unmotivated, don’t be hard on yourself. Keep going anyway. Even small effort is proof that you’re committed to your future. ๐ Learn more about HHA and CNA training: 718-480-1804 Motivation may fade—but discipline will carry you forward. ๐ ๏ปฟ