A personal story and some practical advice from someone who has struggled with hygiene all their life.

Hygiene is something that many people take for granted, but for those of us with ADHD, it can be a huge challenge. Whether it's brushing our teeth, taking a shower, or doing laundry, we often find ourselves procrastinating, forgetting, or avoiding these tasks. And the consequences can be serious, affecting our health, self-esteem, and relationships.

I know this from personal experience. Most my life I have had problems with hygiene all my life, especially when it came to oral hygiene. I would always put off brushing and flossing, thinking that I would do it later, or that it didn't matter that much. This ended up by me letting my oral hygiene get so out of control, I got all my teeth extracted Currently am waiting for dentures. It was a painful and humiliating process, and I wish I had done things differently.

But why is hygiene so hard for people with ADHD? There are several reasons, and they vary from person to person. Here are some of the common ones:

• Lack of motivation. Hygiene tasks are often boring, repetitive, and unpleasant. They don't provide immediate rewards or feedback, and they don't align with our interests or passions. We may not see the point of doing them, or we may think that we have more important or urgent things to do.
• Lack of executive function. Hygiene tasks require planning, organizing, prioritizing, and remembering. These are all skills that are impaired in people with ADHD. We may have trouble creating and following a routine, keeping track of what we need to do and when, or remembering to do things at the right time.
• Lack of sensory regulation. Hygiene tasks can involve unpleasant sensations, such as water, soap, toothpaste, or noise. People with ADHD may have sensory sensitivities, meaning that they are easily overwhelmed or irritated by certain stimuli. They may avoid or resist hygiene tasks because they find them uncomfortable or distressing.
• Lack of self-care. Hygiene tasks are part of taking care of ourselves, which is something that people with ADHD often struggle with. We may have low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that make us feel unworthy or hopeless. We may neglect our hygiene because we don't value ourselves, or because we are too overwhelmed by our emotions.

These are some of the reasons why hygiene can be hard for people with ADHD, but they are not excuses. Hygiene is important for our physical and mental well-being, and we can improve it with some effort and support. Here are some tips that have helped me and others with ADHD cope with hygiene challenges:

• Make it simple. Hygiene tasks can be easier if we simplify them as much as possible. For example, we can use products that are multifunctional, such as shampoo that also conditions, or toothpaste that also whitens. We can also reduce the number of steps or items involved, such as using disposable wipes instead of washcloths, or keeping our toiletries in one place.
• Make it fun. Hygiene tasks can be more enjoyable if we add some elements of fun, such as music, podcasts, audiobooks, or games. We can also reward ourselves for completing them, such as by watching a show, eating a snack, or doing something we love. We can also make it a social activity, such as by doing it with a friend, partner, or family member.
• Make it a habit. Hygiene tasks can be easier if we do them regularly, at the same time and place every day. We can use cues, such as alarms, reminders, or visual aids, to help us remember and stick to our routine. We can also link them to other habits, such as brushing our teeth after breakfast, or taking a shower before bed.
• Make it a priority. Hygiene tasks can be more important if we recognize their benefits and consequences. We can educate ourselves on how hygiene affects our health, appearance, and confidence. Also we can set goals and track our progress, such as by using a calendar, a chart, or an app. Seeking feedback and support from others, such as by asking for compliments, advice, or accountability can also help.

Hygiene and ADHD can be a difficult combination, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. We can overcome our challenges and improve our hygiene with some strategies and help. Also, we can be compassionate and patient with ourselves and remember that we are not alone. Our strengths, talents, and passions are what define us, not our hygiene.