Bathroom & Personal Routines

6. How Does the Bathroom Feel in the Middle of the Night?

Your bathroom may work perfectly during the day and feel completely different at 2:00 in the morning.

The next time you're up at night, notice the trip from your bed to the bathroom.

Is it too dark? Is the bathroom light almost painfully bright when you turn it on?

A small night-light or gentle motion-activated light might give you just enough light without waking you up completely.

Try one and see what you think.

7. Are Your Towels Where You Actually Need Them?

Sometimes we put things where they've always belonged instead of where they're most convenient.

After washing your hands or stepping out of the shower, is the towel right there—or do you have to reach or take a few steps to get it?

Try moving it closer for a week.

If you don't like the new spot, move it back.

8. Is Getting Dressed More Awkward Than It Needs to Be?

Putting on socks, shoes, pants, or other clothing can involve quite a bit of balancing, bending, and twisting.

Instead of rushing through it the way you always have, notice which part feels the most awkward.

Would a chair help? Would keeping certain clothes somewhere else make things easier? Would getting dressed in a different order work better?

Experiment a little. There's no "correct" way to get dressed.

9. Is the Lighting Helping You?

Look at yourself in the mirror and pay attention to the light.

Can you see clearly when shaving, fixing your hair, reading a medication label, or getting ready?

Sometimes changing a bulb, adding another light, or simply using a brighter light can make the whole room feel different.

Try it for a few days and see whether you notice a difference.

10. What's the One Part of Your Bathroom Routine You'd Like to Make Easier?

Think about your usual morning or evening routine. Is there one thing you don't particularly look forward to?

Maybe it's getting into the shower. Putting on socks. Reaching something in a cupboard. Opening a container. Standing at the sink. Getting up during the night.

Don't assume you simply have to put up with it.

Ask yourself: "What could I change that might make this just a little easier?"

Try one idea. Give it a week or two.

If you like it, keep it. If you don't, change it back.

Sometimes making life easier begins simply by noticing what you've gotten used to.

Most of us don't give much thought to our bathroom routines. We get up in the morning, take a shower, brush our teeth, get ready for the day, and go about our business. We've probably done many of these things the same way for years.

But sometimes a familiar routine begins taking just a little more effort than it used to—and because the change happens gradually, we simply adjust without really noticing.

Maybe you steady yourself on the counter while getting dressed. Perhaps you sit on the edge of the tub to put on your socks. Maybe you're reaching farther than you'd like for a towel, struggling with a shampoo bottle, or taking a little more care getting in and out of the shower.

None of those things necessarily mean something is wrong. They may simply be little clues that there's an easier way.

Over the next few days, pay attention to your normal bathroom routine. Notice anything that feels awkward, inconvenient, uncomfortable, or takes more effort than you think it should.

Then get curious. Could something be moved closer? Would a different shower mat feel better under your feet? Could you sit down for part of your morning routine? Would better lighting make getting ready easier?

Try one small change for a week or two and see what you think.

If it makes your routine a little easier or more comfortable, keep it. If you don't like it, you can always change it back.

The goal isn't to change your routine. It's to make the routine you already enjoy work a little better for you.

10 Little Things to Notice in Your Bathroom
You probably have a bathroom routine you could do without even thinking about it. That's exactly why it can be interesting to slow down for a few days and notice the little things you've gotten used to.

You may discover something that could be just a little easier.

1. What Do You Reach for Every Morning?

Think about the things you use almost every day—toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, hairbrush, deodorant, shaving supplies, or favorite lotion.

Are you reaching into a high cabinet, bending down, or moving other things out of the way to get them?

Try keeping the things you use every morning together and within comfortable reach.

You might find that getting ready for the day suddenly feels a little simpler.

2. Have You Created Any Little "Workarounds"?

This one can be interesting to watch for.

Do you lean against the counter while putting something on? Hold onto the towel rack when stepping into the shower? Sit on the toilet lid while getting dressed? Leave something on the counter because the cupboard isn't convenient?

We all develop little workarounds.

Instead of automatically doing yours, stop for a moment and ask: "Why do I do it this way?"

You may discover a simple change that works even better.

3. Would Sitting Down Make Part of Your Routine More Enjoyable?

There's no rule saying you have to stand at the bathroom counter while getting ready.

Would it be more comfortable to sit while drying your hair, shaving, putting on makeup, getting dressed, or taking care of your feet?

Try it sometime. You may decide you prefer it.

4. Is Everything in the Shower Where You Want It?

The next time you take a shower, notice how much reaching and turning you do.

Where's the shampoo? Soap? Washcloth? Towel?

Could something you use every time be placed where it's easier to reach?

You don't need to redesign the shower. Moving one bottle six inches might be all it takes.

5. Are Bottles and Containers Easy to Use?

Shampoo bottles, toothpaste caps, lotion pumps, medication containers, and other bathroom products aren't always designed with convenience in mind.

If there's one you struggle with regularly, try a different style of container.

A pump bottle, flip-top lid, larger handle, or wall-mounted dispenser might be surprisingly easier.