[hamster-bamster]

Merlin (one of the Moderators here) has taught me a neat customization to Optimism: Hygiene Completed.

I define it very narrowly as:
- teeth brushed twice a day
- mouth rinse twice a day
- a shower
- AcneFree Benzoyl Peroxide once a day
- Tazorac nightly
- sunscreen on lips and hands daily

If I do do all of that, I get to put a check mark next to Hygiene Completed.

You see that flossing and make-up are absent from the list. I am not there yet. But it is better than toothbrushing once a day a year ago when I just came here. And I applied no sunscreen a year ago - none at all.

It does seem to be part of the disorder as many people seem to count showers as accomplishments - something normal people take for granted.

[unaluna]

several dental hygienists have advised me to keep the dental floss next to the television. of course, you want to make sure your hands are clean, and you don't want to go flanging food bits across the room. but they say they do it, and frankly I never floss in the bathroom anymore, now THAT seems gross to me, considering what else you do in there I like to serve a bit of cinnamon or mint floss just before coffee... kidding! I'm kidding! kind of...

[BlueInanna]

good idea Hamster i think i will add it too

[purpledaisy]

I agree that a shower once a day is a major accomplishment.

Since I've been off for these weeks on my short-term disability, I've showered every other day at the most. There have been several times when I've realized it has been four or five days since I've showered.

If I'm not going to work every day, I don't bother.

Is that weird of me?

[hamster-bamster]

No, it is not weird, and unless you exercise to sweatiness daily, I think that a daily shower is a waste of water resource. Also, the quality of the hair is better when it is not washed daily.

Sunscreen!!! Very important, I just got diagnosed with a not so nice form of sun damage. Your list looks good!

Originally Posted by purpledaisy

I agree that a shower once a day is a major accomplishment.

Since I've been off for these weeks on my short-term disability, I've showered every other day at the most. There have been several times when I've realized it has been four or five days since I've showered.

If I'm not going to work every day, I don't bother.

Is that weird of me?

you're not weird at all!

with me, i only really make an effert if i really have to- if i've no one coming round or anything to attend to, then i simply don't bother.

I thought showering and brushing my teeth WAS good hygeine

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by landskaperdan

I thought showering and brushing my teeth WAS good hygeine

For YOU, absolutely, because you have a hands-on job. With a sedentary job and without exercise, skipping shower for a day now and again is OK. Of course, toothbrushing is necessary regardless of the job and lifestyle.

The good thing about your job not being sedentary? You get to live two extra years! And that is something to be celebrated.

I hear ya hamster. Not sure how to respond to the two extra years right now lol

[faerie_moon_x]

My self-care is slipping. But, part of me attributes it to the baby. I know this is odd, but having a baby causes me to shower less until they are a bit bigger. But, that part only I attribute to him. Other things.... I worry, but I can't seem to overcome it.

[hamster-bamster]

Are you breastfeeding? And even if not, you are in frequent skin contact with the baby, and the baby must love the smell of your skin, so not showering it off too frequently may be a good idea.

[faerie_moon_x]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

Are you breastfeeding? And even if not, you are in frequent skin contact with the baby, and the baby must love the smell of your skin, so not showering it off too frequently may be a good idea.

I was breastfeeding but dried up in June (my body does not produce milk properly for some reason.) Then when I had to go to the hospital for 2 weeks that ended it all. I cuddle with baby all the time when I am home. I am not the "let the baby sit by itself" type of mommy. I am a cuddle mommy.

[Passion222]

I hate having to shower. What a project!!!

[purpledaisy]

Originally Posted by Passion222

I hate having to shower. What a project!!!

Seriously!

I am so lazy lately.

Sometimes I jump in the shower quickly without washing my hair, and I think, "Geez. This is going to take a long time, plus I'll have to dry myself, and there are so many extra things that didn't used to exist that I'll need to lift and dry under."

That's my "fast method" (without washing hair) and I'm thinking the "fast method" is way too long.

On the days when I go all out and wash hair, shave legs, etc., it takes me freakin' 45 minutes in the shower. Then it takes forever to dry this fat body.

On top of that, must comb through this rat's nest on my head and do a wet ponytail. I've only bothered to blow dry and flat iron it twice in the last two months. What an ordeal.

[Yoda]

It is difficult for me to shower because we have no electric in the bathroom due to bad wiring. Plus my rod that supports my shower curtain no longer keeps the needed tension to keep it up so the curtain falls down mid-shower. I want to hire a handyman to put up a rod that screws into the wall so it won't fall down. So I wash off in the sink more than I take showers. But I seldom leave my house but to get food so I don't care much.

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by purpledaisy

Seriously!

I am so lazy lately.

Sometimes I jump in the shower quickly without washing my hair, and I think, "Geez. This is going to take a long time, plus I'll have to dry myself, and there are so many extra things that didn't used to exist that I'll need to lift and dry under."

That's my "fast method" (without washing hair) and I'm thinking the "fast method" is way too long.

On the days when I go all out and wash hair, shave legs, etc., it takes me freakin' 45 minutes in the shower. Then it takes forever to dry this fat body.

On top of that, must comb through this rat's nest on my head and do a wet ponytail. I've only bothered to blow dry and flat iron it twice in the last two months. What an ordeal.

I would do away with toweling off. I would get a big, roomy, comfy 100% cotton bathrobe and just wrap myself in it post shower. What a luxury!

[purpledaisy]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

I would do away with toweling off. I would get a big, roomy, comfy 100% cotton bathrobe and just wrap myself in it post shower. What a luxury!

Can't do it. Can't stand the way wet skin feels against a dry robe and then letting it soak in.

I'm weird.

Must get the skin dry and THEN put on the robe.

[faerie_moon_x]

My favorite thing is to give the baby a bath and wrap him up in a big fluffy towel and give him a big hug! I've loved that ever since my first son. I can't explain it. Just the smell of freshly washed baby, plus big fluffy towel is a big comfort. Really doesn't do much for my hygene, though... but the baby is clean!

[BlueInanna]

I still hate showering!

Unless it's with a friend!

[Passion222]

I agree dark heart. Mmmm mmmm love a freshly bathed soft baby. Gotta kiss those cheeks. Want my kids little again :-(

[mommyof2girls]

Originally Posted by hamster-bamster

No, it is not weird, and unless you exercise to sweatiness daily, I think that a daily shower is a waste of water resource. Also, the quality of the hair is better when it is not washed daily.

(((( EWWWW ))))) Thats just gross....if you go to the bathroom everyday then you NEED a shower....