Anyone else who struggles with daily hygiene tasks? Why is it so hard to get motivated around these things that seem so basic for other people?? Any tips or things that have helped you? Adding it to my task list has helped a lot- but I wish I had more intrinsic motivation to shower/brush teeth/wash face/etc
Posts and comments here share personal experience — not medical advice. For treatment questions, talk to a clinician.
There are some awesome waterless and rinse-less shampoos/conditioners and body washes available on Amazon. Brands like CleanRinse, Rinseless, Drench, Medicosa, and Nurture. They're used everywhere from hospitals to campsites. On days when hygiene is difficult, make it easier on yourself. 🥰🥰🥰
You are definitely not the only one! I have to have somewhere to go in order to actually get myself to shower and brush my teeth. Watching off make-up in the evening is only by chance. If I go to pee I will brush my teeth at the same time and when I'm already brushing my teeth and get the urge to wash my face I have to stop mid brush to do it or it won't happen.
I am right there with you! It feels so overwhelming and like so much effort to then go out in public (ewww). I noticed when I gained or lost weight so my clothes didn’t fit, I wanted to go out less. Now that I’m post divorce and practicing self care, it has been easier, but I’ll still go a 3-4 day stretch with a shower. Have to brush my teeth though. Now that I’ve been using the app for 3 weeks I will say, the rewards in this app have helped me to prioritizing showers more.
I can go days without showering. Sometimes it feels like a big momentous task that I don’t have time for. But I have lots of time, so that’s just my perception. I have an electric toothbrush which I love so I am religious about brushing and also flossing, which I do every day. I can’t sleep if I don’t floss!
My gf and I take baths together and that is my dopamine for that task and after we get out of the bath we brush our teeth and I keep a tooth brush at work so if I forget in the morning rush I can still brush them but having her there after the bath to brush my teeth keeps me accountable.
I have the same struggles. Always have. I recently got a calendar that I keep right outside my bathroom and some stickers that I like, and I’ve started adding a sticker to the day when I remember to brush my teeth and do other important hygiene tasks. It’s definitely a very “immature” way to handle it, but I’ve been doing better since I started. The reason we struggle with it is because it is a boring task with virtually no dopamine payoff involved. So, my thought was to add the dopamine myself with the reward of a pretty little sticker and a constant visual reminder of my positive choices. Does it feel a bit like I’m a kindergartner getting a gold star sticker at the end of the day? Yes, definitely. I was embarrassed at first that I had to resort to such a juvenile tactic, but dopamine hacking is necessary for us ADHD humans to function. 🤷🏻♀️
I've struggled with this same problem for years but about 9 months ago i had the idea to try using a shower steamer daily. And I've found I now look forward to having a shower as well as staying in for longer Instead of wanting to jump straight out. There's so many different ones/scents to choose from but I get mine from my local Woolworths (Aus) however you can get them online as well I'll post a screenshots of the ones I use Hopefully it helps!
I completely understand this and glad you asked cause I thought about asking the same thing…. I haven’t quite figured it out to be honest… but I’m in your boat with you.. so you aren’t alone!!! 🤷♀️ I agree adding to the task list def helps for sure… I wish I had a better answer for you though!
I have similar issues. It’s not so much the shower part but the work I have to do afterwards. (Styling hair, makeup, etc.) I put a playlist on and challenge myself to finish before the playlist is over. Then it feels like a game to me and I like to win.