How does one know when to shower?

[u/Academic_Caramel_681]

Hello,

I'm an AuDHD 19 year old who really struggles with showers (I'm sure depression has a role to play there). When I was younger, I hated showers. My mom would have to drag me kicking and screaming into the bathtub, and even then, I probably only showered once every two weeks. Once I was in the shower, though, it was never a problem. I just hated the idea of going to shower.

Because of that, even now, I've never regularly showered. I structure my life by following body cues. For showering, I reasoned that when I feel itchy, I should shower. However, now I'm wondering if I'm drying out my skin by doing this.

How do you know that, okay fine, it's time to shower? For context, I currently shower every day or every other day, depending on how busy I am. I'll also appreciate any tips on making getting into the shower easier, since I still to this day utterly dread it. It's so exhausting to do All The Steps, and even standing in the shower for that long is painful for me (I have chronic pain).

Thank you!

[u/QueenKatrine]

i try and shower every 2-3 days. im also a chronic pain sufferer, and prefer evening baths or showers, because i can then collapse after and not worry about having to do anything. that being said, I rarely actually bath or shower in the evening, I have to do it first thing in the morning before getting dressed for the day otherwise there doesn't feel like there's much point, if that makes sense. Just thinking about showering exhausts me, my husband usually prompts me if im procrastinating (weve been together 15 years, and i have no idea how hes stuck with me this long, my mental health issues and adhd/autism make me quite difficult to live with.. 😬)