Holding on to my independence with a tailored morning routine

A vanity isn’t just for the vain.

If any of you are like me and watch a lot of home improvement shows, you probably have some bathroom envy. My house was built in the 1970s, and our primary bathroom is definitely a “before,” not an “after,” when it comes to style. It’s not very big, and while it’s had cosmetic updates, it’s not exactly what you’d call elegant.

I admit, when I see those gorgeous cabinets and stone-covered walk-in showers, I get kind of jealous — especially of the ones attached to huge closets with comfortable vanities and benches or chairs you can use to get ready. But despite my “before” bathroom status and decidedly not walk-in closets, I’ve set up a dressing spot for myself in our bedroom that has become indispensable to my morning routine. It’s a statement of my independence.

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Beyond clean

Life with early-onset Parkinson’s disease means lots of things, not the least of which is trying to keep presenting yourself to the world as “normal” despite simple tasks like bathing, grooming, and dressing taking longer and becoming somewhat precarious. In college, my roommate said my superpower was getting ready fast in the mornings. She called me “Super Fast Shower Woman.” Life has a funny way of coming full circle.

But taking pride in your personal appearance goes beyond just being clean. I am lucky in that my deep brain stimulation surgery six and a half years ago has made it possible to shower, groom, and dress on my own. But I have taken steps to make it easier on myself.

I’ve written before about staying safe in the house and the necessity of things like bathtub grab bars and a nonskid mat to prevent falls. Having a place to sit while you get ready after the shower is a safety measure, too, not just an indulgence. For me, it’s also a statement of my remaining independence.

Finding a spot

I wrote previously about finding my spot to sit comfortably while still being part of the activity at my house and at friends’ and family’s places. But my dressing spot is just for me. I’ve made a corner of our bedroom into my vanity for the daily getting-ready activity. It’s a large, sturdy chair right next to the drawers that hold my socks, underwear, and other essential clothes. It’s also near my closet, where many of my clothes hang, making them easier to see and get to.

I hate clutter, so a full-size dresser drawer, within easy reach, is the home for what my husband calls “the lotions and potions.” This refers to all the good-smelling “girl stuff” I use daily: my moisturizers, hair products, and the like. And once you close the drawer, it all disappears, leaving a clean dresser top.

I also have a hair dryer at my seat that is a brush as well as a dryer. It’s difficult for me to hold a brush with one hand and a big hair dryer with the other. This takes care of styling and drying in one step. Another pro tip: Find a flattering, low-maintenance haircut that doesn’t take much time in the morning. Whoever said, “I wish I spent more of my time drying my hair”?

Putting it together

The final touch after dressing is makeup and jewelry. I’ve never been big on makeup, but I do have a simple routine that makes me look presentable enough for Zoom calls at work. For jewelry, I don’t wear as much as I used to, but what I do wear tends to slip over my head or hands so I don’t have to fiddle with clasps or ask for help. And all my necklaces and bracelets are on a jewelry tree so I can find and reach them without tangles.

I’ve never been particularly vain or that into clothing or my looks. But staying independent through my daily routine is critical to my mental well-being. Knowing I can do it myself is like a daily middle finger to everything Parkinson’s takes from us. Making it easier just makes sense. Hopefully, this will inspire some of you to make your morning routine easier, too.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.