Hygiene
Do You Ever...?
Do you ever put off showering, brushing your teeth, or changing clothes, even when you know you should?
What is it?
Hygiene tasks can be hard because they are:
- Repetitive and boring.
- Multi-step (lots of little actions in order).
- Sometimes uncomfortable (textures, water temperature, smells).
- Easy to delay because nothing bad happens immediately when you skip once.
Why does this happen?
ADHD affects motivation, working memory, and sensory processing. That means:
- Starting routines is harder.
- Remembering steps is harder.
- Dealing with uncomfortable sensations can be overwhelming.
What can I do?
Create a simple visual routine.
Morning:
- Brush teeth
- Wash face
- Deodorant
- Clean clothes
Night:
- Brush teeth
- Wash face
- Pajamas
Link hygiene to something you already do.
“After I put on pajamas, I brush my teeth.” “After breakfast, I use deodorant.”
Make it more comfortable.
Adjust water temperature. Try different soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste until you find ones that feel and smell okay.
Start with a minimum routine.
If a full shower is too much, start with washing key areas and build from there.
Reward finishing the routine.
After completing your routine, enjoy a small, healthy reward like a short show, game, or relaxing activity.
Fun Fact!
Many individuals with ADHD aren’t struggling due to a lack of caring or laziness, but rather due to challenges with executive function and sensory processing.
