Ick Factors: What’s Really Holding You Back from Doing Daily Tasks?
Ever wonder why certain tasks feel like climbing a mountain? For many, especially neurodiverse folks, there are tiny, hidden "ick factors" that make even the simplest routines feel unbearable. Identifying them is the first step to making real changes. Let’s break down some common ick factors and how to overcome them with small tweaks.
1. Brushing Teeth
Struggling to brush? You’re not alone! Here’s why it might feel harder than expected:
Don’t like the taste of mint? Opt for other flavors like cinnamon or fruit. Or get unflavored toothpaste.
Toothbrush too firm? Go for a super-soft one—yes, they exist, and they’re so much better if you’re sensitive.
Electric toothbrush vibrations too intense? Try a gentle spinner brush or stick to manual brushing.
Sensory overload? Wearing headphones or listening to music while you brush can help take the edge off and make the task more bearable.
I put some of the products that answer these issues in this Amazon list
2. Washing Your Face
Face washing can be full of sneaky icks:
Hate water dripping down your arms? Use wrist towels or wash your face in the shower.
Water too cold? Keep a kettle in the bathroom to warm up your water—game changer!
Foam overload? If you can’t stand super-foamy cleansers, you might like an oil-to-milk cleanser instead. Cocokind has a great one that’s gentle and less sudsy.
Splashes everywhere? A microfiber towel can minimize mess and still leave you feeling fresh.
And don’t forget, Shelpful can remind you to get that nighttime face wash in—especially on those nights when you’re extra tempted to skip it. I put my fave face washing things in an Amazon List
3. Doing the Dishes
That pile of dirty dishes is growing, but you just can’t deal. Here’s why:
Soggy food = yuck. Use tongs to get food off and shove wherever it needs to go, so you don’t have to feel that food sensation. High-quality dish gloves also help to handle the worst of it. Good gloves not only protect your hands, but they also make the task way less gross.
Dish soap smells off? There are a ton of scent options (or even unscented ones) out there—find one that makes this task less unpleasant.
Standing hurts your back? Take breaks or even sit down while you tackle the sink. You don’t have to stand the whole time!
4. Folding Laundry
The laundry’s clean, but somehow it’s still not folded. What’s the deal?
Textures make you cringe? Sort out any clothes that don’t feel good to touch and fold them in small batches.
Too much at once? Set a timer for 5 minutes. Getting started is often the hardest part, and this way, you’re not committing to a marathon folding session.
Folding while standing feels exhausting? Sit down on the bed or couch and tackle it from there.
5. Drinking Enough Water
You know you should hydrate, but somehow, it’s not happening.
Water is boring? Add fruit slices or try a flavor drop to make it more enjoyable.
Temperature off? Experiment with room temp or chilled water to see what feels best. Sometimes, the right temp is all it takes to drink more.
Forget to drink? Use a cute water bottle that you want to carry around. Sometimes the right bottle can make all the difference.
6. Cleaning
Whether it’s vacuuming or scrubbing the bathroom, cleaning can feel unbearable for a variety of reasons:
Hate touching cleaning products? Invest in high-quality cleaning gloves (i like the Casabella ones) that fit well and don’t tear easily. They protect your skin and make tackling dirty surfaces way less gross.
Smells bother you? Use natural cleaning products or those with scents you actually like (i LOVE peppermint so I stock up over the Holidays — Mrs Meyers has a counter spray that’s supposed to be holiday-vibes, but I use year around — they don’t sell it year around, so you need to buy big).
Can’t handle loud vacuums? Use noise-canceling headphones or time your cleaning when noise feels less intrusive.
For cleaning tasks that tend to pile up, Shelpful can check in with you about progress and remind you to handle small chunks at a time. Sometimes, just a little nudge can help you stay on top of things.
7. Making the Bed
Making your bed seems simple, but maybe it’s more of a hassle than it looks.
Too many pillows and blankets? Simplify your bedding so there’s less to arrange each morning.
Feel like it always looks mussy? Get linen bedding that’s kinda supposed to look like that ;)
Wrestling with duvet covers? Switch to a regular blanket or quilt for less hassle.
Can’t reach the corners of the bed? Put the fitted sheet on while sitting in bed to avoid those awkward stretches.
8. Cooking Meals
Meal prep is important, but let’s be real—sometimes it just feels like too much.
Hate chopping veggies? Buy pre-chopped ones or use a food processor to speed things up.
Grossed out by raw meat? Use tongs and disposable gloves, or buy pre-cooked options to minimize direct contact.
Overwhelming smells? Light a candle or open a window to keep strong odors from taking over your kitchen.
9. Going to Bed
Bedtime should be relaxing, but for some reason, it’s always hard to get there.
Can’t seem to wind down? Try a mini bedtime routine like reading a page of a book or playing calming music to signal to your brain that it’s time to rest.
Room too bright or noisy? Blackout curtains, eye masks, or white noise machines can help make your space more sleep-friendly. I have LOTS of fave sleep and wake up products.
Temperature issues? Buy a small heating pad from any pharmacy or store, and turn it on before you get in bed to have a nice warm bed waiting. You could also go the extra mile and get an electric blanket or a smart mattress cover, like Eight Sleep, which warms up and cools. Chillipad also has a cooling option. You can adjust your bedding to match the season. A weighted blanket can also help regulate temperature and feel extra cozy.
These ick factors may seem small, but they add up fast. By recognizing them, you can make tiny adjustments that actually work for you—so you’re more likely to show up for yourself. And when it comes to keeping on track with routines, Shelpful can be the gentle reminder you need to stay accountable and celebrate those tiny wins.
