Is the “Everything Shower” really worth all the effort?

The idea of an everything shower just feels so luxurious. There’s exfoliating, dry brushing, hair masks, deep conditioning, and moisturizing. After the full routine, you step out of the bathroom feeling like a new person, wrapped in a warm towel with fresh pajamas waiting for you.

​It’s like hitting a reset button.

But lately, I’ve started to wonder if it’s always worth the effort.

Right now, I’m craving a slower life and trying to be more intentional. I want less pressure, not the constant push to do everything. Sometimes, the everything shower just feels like another task to check off. On nights when I feel worn out, I swap the full ritual for something simple: a quick face wash, a gentle body rinse, and a few minutes with my favorite moisturizer. It can be as easy as playing some calming music while you rinse off, or splashing your face with cool water to reset. Sometimes I just put a drop of essential oil on a washcloth for a simple aromatherapy boost, or keep a favorite lotion by the bed for a few quick moments of self-care before sleep. Even lighting a candle or taking a moment to breathe deeply can turn an ordinary shower into a small act of care. It really can be that uncomplicated.

For example, after a long day recently, I skipped the full everything shower. I just lit a candle, washed my face, and did a quick body wash, skipping the hair treatments and scrubs. Honestly, it was a relief. I got to bed earlier, felt just as clean, and was more relaxed because I didn’t put extra pressure on myself. Moments like that remind me that sometimes, simpler is better.

​Some days, the everything shower feels grounding and intentional. I’ll light a candle, play some jazz, and let the water run a bit longer. It stops being just a beauty routine and becomes more about being present and taking care of myself. Those showers feel worth it.​

Other days, it just feels like another thing on my to-do list.

​Shave, scrub, mask, tone, moisturize, oil, blow dry—the list just keeps rolling.

Somewhere between slathering on the mask and layering the moisturizer, I think I lost track of what day it was. Honestly, how does anyone even have time to eat dinner?

I know I’m not alone in this, either. So many of us are juggling busy days and growing to-do lists, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the routines we’re told we’re supposed to keep up. If you’ve ever felt exhausted just looking at all the steps, you’re definitely not the only one.

And if I don’t do it all, I feel like I only did half the job, like I gave up or didn’t fully commit. Letting go of that guilt has been a real process for me. Sometimes I have to remind myself that skipping a step or two doesn’t mean I’m failing at self-care, it just means I’m listening to what I need in the moment. I try to notice the pressure and be gentle with myself, choosing kindness over criticism. If you ever feel this way, know that it’s completely normal, and taking care of yourself looks different for everyone.

​That’s when I start to wonder if the everything shower is really self-care, or just another chore disguised with a eucalyptus scent.

There’s a subtle pressure online to always look “put together”—glowing skin, glossy hair, the clean girl aesthetic. While I do love a good beauty routine, sometimes the most radical thing is to take a five-minute shower, get out, and go straight to bed.

No performance, no steps,  just clean.

I’m learning that energy is a currency, and as I am getting older, I am becoming more protective of my time. If I have the time and the capacity, I will happily indulge in the full routine once a week. BUT….if I am tired? Overwhelmed? Mentally maxed out?

A simple rinse is enough. The point is to feel refreshed, and if you don’t, then we are blurring the lines between maintenance and ritual. We do not need a "spa" shower day once a week. When deciding what kind of routine you need, it can help to ask yourself, Will this make me feel better or more stressed? Before you start, pause for a moment and check in with how you are feeling physically and emotionally. What do you need right now? Sometimes, simply giving yourself a quiet minute to notice what would feel most supportive is the best self-care of all. Sometimes the most sustainable form of self-care is choosing the version that meets you where you are.

It’s okay to say “that is enough for today” and go to bed.

So is the Everything Shower worth the energy?

Yes, when it feels nourishing

​No, when it feels obligatory and forced

Maybe the real glow-up is not the layers and layers of product or the extra time in the shower. Maybe it’s learning to listen to your body and respond with gentleness instead of expectations.

What's your routine? Do you think every shower is worth it? I’d love to hear your experiences or how you approach self-care.

Do you have your own tips or rituals that make you feel good? We especially want to hear your simplest or most surprising self-care practices—maybe it's something quick you do before bed, or a creative way you make your routine special when time is tight. (Wine does not count) lol.

Share your stories or favorite rituals in the comments so we can inspire each other and build a little community of real, everyday care.