By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 27, 2026
When people think about ADHD, they usually think about attention, productivity, or school and work struggles. But ADHD doesn’t clock out—it shows up in everyday life, including basic self-care tasks like showering. For many adults with ADHD, hygiene can be unexpectedly difficult, confusing, or even distressing.
In this conversation on Attention Talk Radio, therapist Anita Robertson explains why. Showering isn’t just one task—it’s a complex mix of sensory processing challenges and executive functioning demands. Many people with ADHD have sensory processing differences, often without realizing it. Beyond the five familiar senses, there are “hidden” sensory systems, like interoception (how we sense internal body signals), that play a huge role in regulation, focus, and comfort.
Some people are over-responsive to sensory input, meaning sensations like water pressure, temperature changes, wet hair, or air hitting the skin can feel overwhelming or even painful. Others are under-responsive, meaning they don’t register body signals clearly and may not notice hunger, discomfort, or the need to shower until things feel extreme. Either way, the sensory experience of showering can feel dysregulating rather than refreshing.
On top of that, showering requires a surprising number of executive function skills: planning, sequencing steps, remembering supplies, managing transitions, and tolerating boredom. Add in negative past experiences—criticism, shame, or being told it “shouldn’t be this hard”—and it’s easy to see why avoidance can set in.
The key takeaway? There’s nothing wrong with you. These challenges are real, common, and explainable. The solution isn’t forcing yourself harder; it’s working with your brain and body. Anita and Jeff discuss practical, compassionate strategies such as reducing sensory discomfort (adjusting water pressure, warming the room, managing wet hair), lowering cognitive load (keeping supplies at point of performance), and increasing motivation through “dopamine boosts” like music, podcasts, scents, or small rewards.
Most importantly, the conversation encourages curiosity over judgment. By noticing when showering does work… or when getting wet feels tolerable or even enjoyable; you can uncover clues about your sensory needs and design routines that actually support you. Listen to the podcast, ADHD and Taking a Shower.