How to Rise & Shine: Hygiene and All-day Comfort

In this second installment of our series, we'll focus on practicing hygiene and ensuring all-day comfort for individuals with sensory challenges and chronic illnesses. By making small adjustments to our routines and embracing soft and supportive clothing and accessories, we can nurture our sensitive bodies and conserve energy.

Basic Hygiene

In the first post of the Rise & Shine series, we addressed dental care, which is the bare minimum you must do to preserve your health during a flareup. Here, we explore basic hygiene for the rest of the body.

Showering can be challenging for spoonies with pain syndromes. Even if it doesn’t hurt, a full shower can be exhausting for someone with limited spoons. Prioritize your energy by assessing your responsibilities and deciding if a full shower is feasible. If a full shower is not manageable due to pain, energy, or time constraints, focus on washing your hands, face, armpits, and genitals, in that order. Use a clean washcloth and gentle hand soap at the sink if showering is too strenuous.

Consider incorporating a bidet into your toilet routine for a comfortable and efficient cleansing experience. Bidets not only effectively clean your backside after a bowel movement but can also provide refreshing relief during a menstrual cycle. Different types of bidets offer various advantages and disadvantages. Bidet hoses can be used to spray soil off clothing and shoes, rinse debris from shower walls, and clean grime from trash cans and mop buckets. Pocket bidets are economical and portable as fillable plastic bottles. Toilet seat bidets range in price from economy to luxury options. They are also simple for individuals handy with tools to install.

Daily and Weekly Guidelines

Focus on the vital parts of daily hygiene, and take a full shower or bath at least weekly.  Body odor comes from microbial activity in and on our bodies. Scrub gently using a soft washcloth and cleanser. Rinse the washcloth and wipe the soapy residue off the skin. Dry off with a bath sheet while standing on a fluffy shower mat for added comfort.

For skin hydration, use moisturizers, sunblock, and topicals suitable for warm and cold weather conditions. Shea butter is an excellent protectant from harsh weather, but lightweight lotions and dry oils feel cooler during hot weather.

Clothing for Comfort

Dress in soft, supportive layers and prioritize comfort. Choose underwear, tees, dresses, and leggings made from soft, breathable materials. Layering helps regulate body temperature and provides flexibility throughout the day. Having a clothing item with long sleeves nearby can feel like a lifesaver to someone experiencing sensory overload, no matter the weather.

Opt for supportive shoes. Heated socks or cordless foot warmers are useful for added comfort. For people with neuralgia in the hands, shoes you can step into or slip on are more manageable than shoes with laces. Consider arch supports if you need extra foot support. A podiatrist can fit you for custom orthotics, and health insurance may cover the cost.

Sanitization and Care

Sanitize eyeglasses, earplugs, and digital devices daily. Clean them with lens cleaner, isopropyl alcohol, or, for non-electronic items, soap and water. This daily ritual will reduce your chances of microbial contamination as well as maintain the function of your devices.

These recommendations are designed to enhance your daily routine and promote comfort. Since everyone has individual needs, incorporate what works best for you. Prioritize self-care to conserve energy and improve your overall well-being. Set yourself up for success in your daily recovery by starting your day with these spoon-saving guidelines. Remember that self-love is activated by the self-care you practice.