Elite MemberIf you have depression and you’re feeling overwhelmed with day-to-day personal hygiene, using these expert-backed tips can help you get started today.
1. Stick to Your Depression Treatment
This one isn’t a hygiene hack per se, but for people with depression, treating the root cause of the problem will likely help you have more energy and
motivation to care for your hygiene over time, Cook says.
That’s why it’s so important to be consistent with your
depression treatment
regimen, even when you’re feeling better. Skipping psychotherapy sessions or medication doses can cause your depressive symptoms to return, according
to
Mayo Clinic.
2. Tackle Self-Care When You Have the Most Energy
Scheduling specific times of day to wash your face, brush your hair, or shower can be very helpful, says Tai. He suggests choosing a time of day when you
feel like you have the most energy. You could also give yourself a reminder with a note or your phone calendar to help you stick to that time, adds Tai.
This will boost your odds of getting all these tasks done — and once you do, you’ll likely feel better physically, which in turn can help you feel better
mentally, Tai adds.
3. Simplify so You Can Get It Done Quickly
Don’t let the idea that you need to spend hours completing hygiene tasks hold you back, Tai says. Look for ways to simplify them so you can get through
your routine more quickly. This can help you to get everything completed before you run out of energy and motivation, adds Tai.
A five-minute shower, one minute of brushing your teeth, or 30 seconds of brushing your hair, for instance, is totally acceptable on days when you’re struggling
to get those tasks done at all, he says.
4. Use Shortcuts When Needed
Some days dry shampoo and skin-safe wet wipes may be your best friends. When it’s difficult to find the energy to shower because depressive symptoms get
in the way, turn to shortcut products to get clean, says Tai.
If you’re too zapped of energy to shower, Tai suggests using dry shampoo to help soak up excess oil from your hair and scalp, or using skin-safe wet wipes
on your face and body as quick ways to look and feel cleaner.
5. Fuel Up Beforehand
You likely know that anytime you exercise or do a physically demanding activity, it’s important to eat an energizing meal or snack beforehand and stay
hydrated to get you through that endeavor.
The same idea can apply when you’re trying to muster the strength to care for yourself, says Tai. “If you have a meal and stay hydrated before taking on
such a task you will boost your chances of success,” he explains.
1. Stick to Your Depression Treatment
This one isn’t a hygiene hack per se, but for people with depression, treating the root cause of the problem will likely help you have more energy and
motivation to care for your hygiene over time, Cook says.
That’s why it’s so important to be consistent with your
depression treatment
regimen, even when you’re feeling better. Skipping psychotherapy sessions or medication doses can cause your depressive symptoms to return, according
to
Mayo Clinic.
2. Tackle Self-Care When You Have the Most Energy
Scheduling specific times of day to wash your face, brush your hair, or shower can be very helpful, says Tai. He suggests choosing a time of day when you
feel like you have the most energy. You could also give yourself a reminder with a note or your phone calendar to help you stick to that time, adds Tai.
This will boost your odds of getting all these tasks done — and once you do, you’ll likely feel better physically, which in turn can help you feel better
mentally, Tai adds.
3. Simplify so You Can Get It Done Quickly
Don’t let the idea that you need to spend hours completing hygiene tasks hold you back, Tai says. Look for ways to simplify them so you can get through
your routine more quickly. This can help you to get everything completed before you run out of energy and motivation, adds Tai.
A five-minute shower, one minute of brushing your teeth, or 30 seconds of brushing your hair, for instance, is totally acceptable on days when you’re struggling
to get those tasks done at all, he says.
4. Use Shortcuts When Needed
Some days dry shampoo and skin-safe wet wipes may be your best friends. When it’s difficult to find the energy to shower because depressive symptoms get
in the way, turn to shortcut products to get clean, says Tai.
If you’re too zapped of energy to shower, Tai suggests using dry shampoo to help soak up excess oil from your hair and scalp, or using skin-safe wet wipes
on your face and body as quick ways to look and feel cleaner.
5. Fuel Up Beforehand
You likely know that anytime you exercise or do a physically demanding activity, it’s important to eat an energizing meal or snack beforehand and stay
hydrated to get you through that endeavor.
The same idea can apply when you’re trying to muster the strength to care for yourself, says Tai. “If you have a meal and stay hydrated before taking on
such a task you will boost your chances of success,” he explains.
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