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Original poster

Anyone else find self care really tedious?

37 replies

usernameV2 · 31/07/2023 11:19

So I keep myself clean and tidy, but I find all the showering, tootbrushing, hair washing etc so tedious. I cut it to the bone, don't moisturise, don't style my hair, no make up. A spa weekend is my idea of hell. On a Sunday I often skip it all as a treat, bar the tooth brushing. Now, I don't think I'm lazy, I go to the gym, have multiple degrees, work hard etc. Just hate all the repetitive necessary tasks to make myself presentable. I know from this site that loads of people love all this, face masks, nail varnish etc. I'm looking for the people who find it a chore!

OP posts:
mindutopia · 31/07/2023 11:54

I don't think this is 'self care'. It's hygiene and grooming. It's a bit like tidying your house, necessary to an extent, but most people don't 'enjoy' it. Some people love cleaning and tidying though. Now I do love a spa day, because it's just relaxing. But I love relaxing most places. I don't brush my hair every day though.

Cazzovuoi · 31/07/2023 11:56

That’s hygiene and grooming.

My self care is walks alone, reading and having a cup of tea in the garden before the house is awake.

Your self care doesn’t have to include grooming.

Annaishere · 31/07/2023 11:57

I wish there was a drug that stopped sweating

SheWontSheCantShesLeft · 31/07/2023 11:57

The word self care is really annoying. And ambiguous.

Farmageddon · 31/07/2023 11:59

Don't worry about what other people do, if you're not into face masks/ spa days then don't bother OP.
Some people love that stuff, or love the results they get, but we're all different. If you are healthy and active then you are taking care of yourself. I would say that basic hygiene is a must, even if it is boring or repetitive.
I do love certain skincare stuff, and I love having a shower, I have nice products and it feels luxurious. But if I'm feeling sick, or down sometimes it is just another thing I have to do and will cut it down to the basics.

Newtrix · 31/07/2023 12:23

To me basic hygiene is a necessity and not 'self care'. 30 mins a day max to brush teeth, wash body, wash and dry hair and put some moisturiser on. No need to put make up on or style your hair.

Lourdes12 · 31/07/2023 12:24

I hate it. I only shower and wash my hair once a week ( wash in the sink other days). I use deodorant, face oil, brush my teeth and that's it. No make up, no hair drying. It saves me lots of money

ordellrobie · 31/07/2023 12:28

Annaishere · 31/07/2023 11:57

I wish there was a drug that stopped sweating

That would be life-threatening as sweat secrets toxins, but you can get an operation around this I heard that stops you sweating from some parts of your body, such as armpits.

QueenBodicea · 31/07/2023 12:32

I have to clean my teeth 100% thoroughly due to a propensity to gum disease and have an elaborate ritual every night of various coloured teepee brushes as well as brushing and flossing. Its SO tedious but unfortunately absolutely necessary. I find myself delaying going to bed as I can't face the task! The only plus is when the hygienist says I'm managing to keep the disease at bay 😊

MyMachineAndMe · 31/07/2023 12:38

Yes, me too. I keep myself clean of course but I don't do anything that's not absolutely necessary such as moisturising my skin or conditioning my hair. I don't wear make-up or nail polish so I don't have to fanny about taking it all of again!

FictionalCharacter · 31/07/2023 12:38

I hate all that dull stuff, but I love spa treatments and would absolutely love a spa weekend! I’ve only ever done that once.
I really hate the word “pampering” being used for grooming treatments though. In no way does exfoliating, tweezing, shaving and waxing feel like pampering!

Bonfire23 · 31/07/2023 12:39

QueenBodicea · 31/07/2023 12:32

I have to clean my teeth 100% thoroughly due to a propensity to gum disease and have an elaborate ritual every night of various coloured teepee brushes as well as brushing and flossing. Its SO tedious but unfortunately absolutely necessary. I find myself delaying going to bed as I can't face the task! The only plus is when the hygienist says I'm managing to keep the disease at bay 😊

I put a YouTube video on or podcast while I'm doing the flossing/brushes, it helps!

Original poster
usernameV2 · 31/07/2023 12:43

SheWontSheCantShesLeft · 31/07/2023 11:57

The word self care is really annoying. And ambiguous.

Yes, you are probably right, I just meant all the things you have to do to be presentable. Someone said 30 minutes a day, I think I've got it down to 15 but I still hate it :-)

OP posts:
Eyesopenwideawake · 31/07/2023 12:43

I hear you! I do my teeth twice daily and wash my hands as necessary but other than that I can't be arsed. Hair is so short I don't need to even brush is (although it is bleached every six weeks which I don't enjoy but I like the colour), I shower 2/3 times a week and haven't worn makeup for over a decade. Life on a farm and working online suits me very well!

taxguru · 31/07/2023 12:43

There's quite a difference between things like spa days and doing your make up or nails or hair dyed, all of which are "nice to have for some people but not essential" compared with the basics that ARE essential, such as brushing your teeth to keep your teeth & gums healthy, washing/showering so you don't smell, washing/brushing your hair so you look presentable, etc.

Mrsjayy · 31/07/2023 12:46

I mean washing and brushing your teeth /hair is just hygiene isn't it the rest is optional and nobody has to take part in any of to feel "cared for" or presentable.

Paperclipped · 31/07/2023 12:47

Yes, that isn't 'self-care', that's a combination of basic hygiene and gendered norms on self-presentation, which you're free to flout. I don't think I've ever worn nail varnish, for instance. I hate being touched, so a spa day would the same as a dental visit for me.

'Self-care' for me is whatever I want to do that puts my individual well-being front and centre -- for me, it's a combination of walks by the sea, baths, reading, meditation etc. I tend to go to a Buddhist centre at regular intervals and do a silent retreat where I don't do anything but walk by the sea and meditate and see no one, and have a wonderful time.

DappledThings · 31/07/2023 12:48

Absolutely. I often wish showers came as standard with a full-size body dryer of hot air. I feel like my skin should dry by itself far quicker than it does. The drying off is really tedious.

I never wear make-up or do more than quickly brush my hair. Can't fathom how anyone can be arsed with all that mosturising and face cream stuff but horses for courses.

CarPour · 31/07/2023 12:49

I agree. I find showering, hair washing, tooth brushing really tedious

I do them, but no sooner have I done it and I've got to do it all over again

Make up I quite enjoy. And I enjoy actual pampering like haircut, nails. But only on occasion and if by choice. **

WandaWonder · 31/07/2023 12:49

I wash hair twice a week, towel dry and do basic cleaning myself as standard

I use deodorant but that is it, takes hardly anytime so don't think of it really

thecatinthetwat · 31/07/2023 12:51

I hate it too op. But I do love having a long bath with a podcast, reading, writing etc. that’s self care, finding time (even if short) to do the things you love.

Gowlett · 31/07/2023 12:52

Yeah, I’m a wash & go kind of girl. And I look fine!
Have loads of nice make-up, nail varnish etc… But I’m not arsed anymore with any of it. Still enjoy buying it though!
Think I’ll give some of my collection to my friend’s son. He loves experimenting with different looks, and TBH a lot of my stuff is too “young” for me now. Less is more, nowadays!

Original poster
usernameV2 · 31/07/2023 12:59

DappledThings · 31/07/2023 12:48

Absolutely. I often wish showers came as standard with a full-size body dryer of hot air. I feel like my skin should dry by itself far quicker than it does. The drying off is really tedious.

I never wear make-up or do more than quickly brush my hair. Can't fathom how anyone can be arsed with all that mosturising and face cream stuff but horses for courses.

Love the idea of a hot air shower! Anyway it seems like most people here agree, whatever you call it, hygiene, grooming etc, it's a pain.

OP posts:
SquirrelSoShiny · 31/07/2023 13:04

Hate and detest it but I have ADHD. Apparently it's common to find it annoying and burdensome with ADHD, autism etc. I definitely resent it!

saraclara · 31/07/2023 13:05

I hate washing and blow drying my hair, and will put it off for as long as I can. I'd love to have Pixie cut that needed no attention, but sadly it wouldn't suit me at all. And I don't have hair that's wash and leave. It's that 'neither straight nor curly' hair that can't be left to dry naturally.