A breakdown of my lazy ‘everything shower’ routine

There’s a popular trend on TikTok right now called the “everything shower.” This is basically a long shower routine that involves, well, everything — shaving, exfoliating, washing your hair and skin, and all that jazz.

I’d never heard of the term before a few weeks ago, and while it sounds enticing, I can’t possibly do an everything shower. I’m unable to stand for that long due to my Cushing’s disease, and I get dizzy if the water is too hot and there’s too much steam.

So I came up with what I call the lazy everything shower. (Spoiler alert: It’s a bath.)

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Before the bath

In preparing for a bath, I like to keep things simple. All I do is apply a heavy blueberry hair mask and then pin my hair up in a clip.

After that, I set up the bath, adding medium-hot water, lavender bubble bath liquid, a bath bomb (my mom makes mine so they’re all natural), and some bath oil. If my cortisol levels are high, I’ll add a bit of apple cider vinegar, which has antimicrobial properties that can help combat body odor. If I’m feeling really ambitious, I’ll add a candle.

A friend got me a pillow that sticks to the back of my tub, so I spend the first half-hour simply soaking. I may read a book, close my eyes, or watch a movie on my laptop (which stays a safe distance from the tub). I also always bring my water bottle and a little snack — usually chocolate of some sort. Finally, I throw on a moisturizing face mask.

The ‘everything’ part

After I’ve relaxed as much as I want, I’ll exfoliate and shave. I keep everything close to me so I don’t have to reach very far to grab what I need. I have hooks that hang just above my bathtub with my skin brush and other exfoliators. I also take breaks; for example, I’ll exfoliate and shave one leg, and then drink some water and relax before I switch to the other leg.

Next, I’ll turn my shower on but stay seated. The cold, running water helps me wash out the hair mask before I apply shampoo and conditioner. I’ll also comb through my curly hair and add gel and oil before washing my body, all while sitting down. I take it slow because I’m nearing the end.

I then drain the tub because other tasks will soon require me to be dry.

After the bath

Still in the bathtub, I’ll put my hair back up in a clip. I’ll slowly dry my body and then put oil on my skin.

Before continuing, I’ll take a nap if needed. Some days, these baths are easy and require little energy, but on my bad days, they take everything out of me. This period of rest also gives the oil time to soak into my skin.

After that, I’ll do some basic skin care. I’ll wash my face, apply oils, cleanser, and moisturizer, and do an under-eye treatment. Finally, I’ll throw on a pair of cute and light pajamas. I tend to feel warm after taking a long bath, so I’ll try to lower my body temperature by putting an iced lavender eye mask on my forehead. Then I lie down to watch whatever show I’m into that day.

I honestly love my “shower” routine. It’s a little time-consuming, but it leaves me feeling incredibly good, and I’m proud that I’ve found my own way to do it. Don’t forget, you can do anything other people can do; it might just look a little different.

You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.

Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.