That Exhausting, but Totally Rewarding Feeling After Taking a Shower

There are few things more complicated than a simple shower when you live with chronic illness.

It sounds so basic. So ordinary. But let’s be honest—it can take everything out of you.

Some days, the effort it takes to get up, undress, regulate temperature, wash, stand, dry off, and do anything remotely resembling grooming…It’s a lot.

By the time you're out of the shower, you're not “refreshed”—you’re wrecked.But also? You did it. And that matters.

It’s Okay That Something “Small” Feels Big

We’re constantly told to push through, to get it together, or to just do it. But when your body is battling fatigue, dizziness, pain, or sensory overwhelm, even the most routine acts become deeply layered.

And if that’s your reality today—let me say it clearly:

You are not lazy. You are not dramatic. You are navigating a life that asks more of you than it should.

It’s okay if showering drains your battery.It’s okay if you need to rest afterward.It’s okay if today, you couldn’t do it.

You Deserve to Feel Clean and Cared For

Taking care of hygiene isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about dignity. It’s about reclaiming some sense of comfort and control in a body that often feels unpredictable.

So if you managed to take a shower today—whether it was five minutes or a full spa session—you did something kind for yourself. Something courageous. Something that took real effort.

You deserve to feel proud. Even if you also feel completely wiped out.

Tips from the Exhausted Club:

Here are a few community-tested ways to make showers a little easier:

• Shower stool or bench – Sit when you need to. There’s no shame in support.

• Handheld shower head – For more control and less overwhelm.

• Dry shampoo or no-rinse body wipes – For the days when water is too much.

• Post-shower cozy station – Have a towel, robe, and rest space ready to go.

• Plan recovery time – Treat it like a workout. Rest is part of the routine.

Showering isn’t small when your body is tired.It’s not “just a shower.”It’s a victory.

So today, whether you got squeaky clean or just washed your face with a wet cloth—you’re still worthy, still beautiful, still thriving in your own way.