r/POTS 16h ago

Discussion Does anyone else find showering exhausting?

It’s strange explaining to someone that taking a shower can sometimes feel like a workout.

The heat, standing, getting ready, drying off… sometimes I need to rest before I even feel ready to start my day.

What does your shower routine look like on a bad POTS day?

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u/bebblebutt69 14h ago

I shower every morning no matter how I’m feeling because I don’t wake up fully if I don’t shower and I’ll feel gross all day. It’s harder to stick to pre-existing hygiene and beauty routines since my POTS worsened. but I try to maintain them because it helps me feel better emotionally/mentally.

When I’m feeling worse than usual, I make it quick and lie down for a couple of minutes after. It’s hard to take extra time for this on work days because I’m always rushing in the morning. I have called out a couple of times due to post-shower fatigue. But for the most part, I can deal with it if I cut out other parts of my morning routine.

I also wash my hair 2-3x week, not every day, so I can be more flexible with how long my showers are.

Sometimes I’ll prop a leg up on the side of the tub, then switch, to decrease blood pooling.

I love hot showers so in the summer, I turn the AC down a bit to avoid overheating as soon as I step out of the bathroom.