[Tryingtobehappy5]

Looking for ideas to create motivation for self care. I am doing great with almost everything else right now but no matter what mood I am in I cant seem to get to the point where I want to do that.

This includes changing clothing, showering and even brushing my teeth. For some reason I still enjoy doing makeup, even more than before and sometimes my hair too unless my mood is low.

The only thing that makes me want to shower is exercise and I try to every second day if Im working but have recently switched to casual so I dont work as much. I dont exercise inside often either and it has been frostbite weather outside for quite a while so running hasnt been an option.

If neither of those things are happening my H basically has to tell me to take a shower or "remind" me I suppose sounds better but if he doesnt do it a few times I still probably wont bother.

This was really never an issue until my first major episode 2 years ago and now it has turned into a constant issue. Any ideas?

[Jm2310]

I’m not going to be any help, but wanted to say that I don’t have trouble with showers or brushing my teeth. However, I never want to dress up or do my makeup/hair. It’s sweatpants, T-shirt’s and a ponytail everyday unless I’m manic. I also want to exercise but can’t ever find the motivation to do it.

[Calypso2632]

I had shower issues for a long time. It is better when I am working or out exercising or busy. I try for a shower every other day unless one is needed daily. I put it on my to do list so my boyfriend doesn't have to prompt me. I feel even better about it if I manage to get in there on my own. Having a squeaky clean shower and tub is important to me, I don't like bathing in a grimy space. Clean fluffy towels and a nice clean wash cloth. My favorite body wash being available. I'm a bath and body works person and have a particular scent I use so I gotta have that. Comfy clothes to get into when I'm done and everything ready for me. Brush, body lotion, deodorant, powder, pjs, whatnot. And I don't like being interrupted. Lol. Once I get into the shower I'm fine it's usually getting there that I get in trouble with. But I make sure I know I have to shower that day and get stuff done leading up to it and get the excuses out of the way and finally just get in there.

At night I also have a routine shower or not. I get out a fresh wash cloth, brush my teeth, wash my face, put on night moisturizing cream, then head to the bedroom and put lotion on my hands elbows and feet. Winter is so hard on my skin!!
I change my clothes when I shower, and if I go out and about. I'm one of those people who don't care about going out in my pjs unless it's something important like filling out job applications or an interview or something. Otherwise I'm in my pjs. Who cares? Lol.

[Daonnachd]

You may appreciate what this article has to say.
Self-Compassion Exercises Show Physical, Psychological Benefits

[~Christina]

I have a hard law about a shower a day , regardless of my mood. I only wash my hair twice a week as it’s just not good for your hair daily.

Even depressed a shower just makes me feel even a little smidge better.

Nothing like fresh clean jammies every day.

[Daonnachd]

I don't know about washing hair twice a week, but showering every day is like an obsession for me. I have a thing about cleanliness. There's little of self care in it. It's a regular duty.

[Pookyl]

I really struggle with self care. These are the things that I’ve been told to try:
If you have a bath buy something to make the water smell nice and then have a long soak
For a shower buy a nice soap just for your use and nice smelling shampoo
Run your towel through the dryer to make it fluffy
Buy a soft toothbrush. When you’re not brushing your teeth regularly/properly a firm toothbrush hurts.

[TheSeaCat]

Shower every day; you don't have to wash your hair in fact like ~Christina I also only wash my hair twice a week since my hair stylist has told me that twice a week is perfect because washing it everyday only makes things worse by stripping out the needed oil.

Change into a new set of pajamas everyday; along with changing the undergarments since those get the dirtiest, but change pajamas.

Brush teeth regularly

Skin care even it's just a moisturizer still better than nothing.

[Jensitive22]

Showering can be tough for me because it is exhausting. I’m quite a bit overweight, and I struggle with fatigue. Some days it takes an hour to recover when I’m done. I try to do it daily, but if I can’t, I use a warm wash cloth and soap. I also use potty wipes every time I use the restroom. I have house dresses and velour jogging suits that I wear during the day. I keep my hair short for easy maintenance, I moisturize and brush my teeth daily.

to brush my teeth I get motivated from my alexa device.

it's one thing I tend to forget about.

but their's this show, chompers (it's meant to be for kids), but the idea is you listen for the full 2 minits you're supposed to brush for, and then get told well done, you brushed x number of days

it really helps me

I don't have problems with changing clothes, I do it every day regardless of mood (and do laundry)

re: showers, they do nothing for me.

getting undressed and seeing myself in the mirror is enough to make me think about getting dressed and not bother. when I do have one, it does nothing for my mood, at all

that said, I try and have one once a week on a friday
I genrally think that one is enough. I don't exercise, I don't work, I don't do things that get me sweaty, I don't have people round my house to notice.

if I am going out, I don't bother either. if it's not friday, I don't bother (I will only shower on a friday)

I do use a lot of perfume though. I love perfumes and body sprays. I get anxious if I run out too.

I also use a lot of air freshener.

I have an apple one and also I have a rose one

I love things that smell nice

[bizi]

I think my rosacea has finally calmed down.
This is the skin care regimen That is working:
AM:
Wash face with exfoliating seaweed/coffee/charcoal soap
Apply mad hippie vit c serum
apply concealer and eye liner and lipstick
apply regenerist moisturizer to fore head and temples,

the dry skin area avoiding t zone.


PM:
Take off make up with benzol peroxide cleaner on make up areas (tzone)

use vasoline for eye liner removal

wash all of face with the soap.

apply moisturizer to dry areas.
finally apply thin layer of benzoperoxide to nose and other acne areas.


I showered yesterday and washed my hair.
bizi