Minimalism is not just about decluttering your home and living with less. It’s also about reducing your environmental impact and saving precious resources. One of the ways you can do that is by skipping showers. Yes, you heard me right. Showers are not only wasteful, but also harmful to your health and well-being. Here are the top 10 excuses not to take showers, from the most absurd to the most reasonable.
10. I’m allergic to water
This may sound like a joke, but some people actually suffer from a rare condition called aquagenic urticaria, which causes them to break out in hives when they come into contact with water. Imagine how miserable it must be to shower with this condition. You would be better off avoiding water altogether and using alternative methods of cleaning yourself, such as wipes or dry shampoo.
9. I’m saving water for the apocalypse
You never know when the world will end, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. That’s why some people hoard water in their basements, in case of a nuclear war, a zombie outbreak, or a natural disaster. They don’t want to waste their precious supply on something as trivial as showering. They would rather use it for drinking, cooking, or fighting off enemies.
8. I’m following the example of famous people
Did you know that some of the most successful and influential people in history were notorious for their lack of hygiene? For example, Isaac Newton reportedly only bathed once a year, Albert Einstein rarely changed his clothes, and Steve Jobs believed that his fruit-based diet prevented him from smelling bad. If these geniuses could achieve greatness without showering, why can’t you?
7. I’m protecting my skin and hair
Showering too often can strip your skin and hair of their natural oils, leaving them dry, dull, and prone to damage. That’s why some people swear by the no-poo method, which involves washing your hair with baking soda and vinegar instead of shampoo. Others go even further and avoid water altogether, claiming that it improves their skin and hair quality. They say that their body adapts to the lack of washing and produces less oil and dirt.
6. I’m boosting my immune system
Some people believe that showering too often can weaken your immune system by removing the beneficial bacteria that live on your skin. These bacteria help fight off infections and diseases, and keep your skin healthy and balanced. By avoiding showers, you are allowing your skin to develop a natural microbiome that protects you from harmful pathogens.
5. I’m saving money and time
Showering can be expensive and time-consuming. You have to pay for the water, the soap, the shampoo, the conditioner, the towel, the electricity, and so on. You also have to spend time lathering, rinsing, drying, and moisturizing yourself. All of this adds up to a lot of money and time that you could use for something more productive or enjoyable. By skipping showers, you are saving both.
4. I’m reducing my carbon footprint
Showering is not only costly for you, but also for the environment. According to a study by Unilever, the average person uses about 62 liters of water per shower, which amounts to about 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year. That’s equivalent to driving a car for about 6,000 kilometers. By skipping showers, you are reducing your impact on the planet and helping to combat climate change.
3. I’m embracing my natural scent
Some people find showering too artificial and unnatural. They prefer to embrace their natural scent and let their pheromones do the talking. They believe that showering masks their true identity and personality, and that their body odor can attract potential mates or repel unwanted ones. They say that showering is a social construct that has been imposed by the media and the beauty industry.
2. I’m following a spiritual practice
Some people skip showers for religious or spiritual reasons. For example, some Hindus practice austerities, which involve abstaining from worldly pleasures such as bathing, eating, sleeping, or speaking. They do this to purify their minds and souls, and to attain higher levels of consciousness. Other religions or traditions may have similar practices that involve avoiding showers as a form of self-discipline or devotion.
1. I’m lazy
Let’s face it: sometimes we just don’t feel like showering. We’re too tired, too busy, too bored, or too comfortable to get up and get wet. We’d rather stay in bed, watch Netflix, read a book, or do anything else that doesn’t require moving. We tell ourselves that we’ll shower tomorrow, or the next day, or the next week. But we never do. And we don’t care.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many excuses not to take showers, and some of them may even have some merit. But ultimately, the choice is yours. You can either shower or not shower, depending on your preferences, needs, and circumstances. Just remember that whatever you decide, you have to live with the consequences. And so do the people around you.