A fear of public restrooms develops out of things in our life that affect our viewpoint. Whether the bathroom scene from the 1972 movie The Legend of Boggy Creek, finding a bug on the roll of toilet paper in a porta-potty, or the fear of picking up some type of virus in a public bathroom, for many the fear is real.
Fear happens to both men and women. Either sex can find themselves becoming tense at the idea of having to enter a public bathroom. Here are some great tips that will help you overcome your anxiety.
Public Rooms in a Pandemic
While some people fear using public restrooms in general, there is now additional concern about safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the largest safety concerns during the pandemic is restrooms are small areas with poor ventilation. This creates a prime environment for the virus to linger.
If there is a lid on the toilet, put the cover down before you flush to prevent clouds of invisible particles from floating through the air. Drying your hands with towels is safer than hot-air dryers. Those hand dryers can disperse a virus up to 3 meters.
Shared toilets, door handles, faucets, and other places that people touch within a restroom all have the possibility of transferring germs. The most significant danger is human to human transmission. Wearing a mask and social distancing is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus in a restroom.
Aside from the pandemic, there are simple steps you can take to overcome general fears about using a restroom.
1. Don’t Poop in Public
Everyone needs to go from time to time. This isn’t a social occasion, it is for the sole purpose of relieving your body of waste. Go in, do your thing, and get out.
Some people fear moving their bowls in a public restroom. There was a time when it wasn’t considered the polite thing to do, and you should simply hold it until you were home. If that instruction from your mother still floats in your head, dispose of it now.
Shy bowel syndrome, officially parcopresis is a psychological condition. When plagued by this a person is unable to defecate in public restrooms because they fear scrutinization. Some people experience the same fear about others being able to hear them urinate.
The goal is through awareness to learn relaxation techniques, such as slow, deep breathing. Though learning to calm yourself and reframing your negative thoughts about restroom usage, you will overcome your fear.
2. Check Your Stall
Select a stall and check to make sure it is clean and has sufficient supplies. This will prevent you from hanging out in a stall waiting for someone to arrive, then calling out for a pass of toilet tissue. Make sure the stall door latches securely to prevent someone from opening the door when you are in the midst of relieving yourself.
One thing to keep in mind is that people frequently pass over the very first stall, so it is often the cleanest. If you are fussy about using a stall after others, that might be a prime choice for you.
3. Don’t Use Your Cellphone
A survey conducted by PC Magazine found that 80% of men and 69% of women use their cell phones while in the bathroom. Those under age 23 are the worst, with 96% saying they will not go into a bathroom without their phone. The problem that arises is that while people wash their hands after using a public restroom, only 16.5% clean their phones.
Having your cell phone in the bathroom is the equivalent of leaving without washing your hands. Sixteen percent of cell phones test positive for fecal matter caused by airborne particles in bathrooms.
In addition to the cleanliness factor, being on the phone draws attention to yourself. The person you are speaking with will likely hear sounds that indicate you are in a restroom. It is better to ignore the phone until you exit the restroom.
4. Wash Your Hands
Unbelievable as it seems, 35% of women and 69% of men do not wash their hands after using a public restroom. In the era of cleanliness awareness and COVID-19, washing hands is a must.
You may have a desire to exit the area as quickly as possible. Doing so without properly washing your hands will leave others eyeballing daggers into your back in disgust.
5. The People You Meet
Depending on the area you are in, there is a possibility that you could see someone you know in the bathroom. This might be a co-worker, a person from church, or a friend. Everyone is there for the same reason so there is no need to feel uncomfortable.
Simply greet them as you normally would and go about your business. The same goes for transgender people. You may see those who identify with your gender, not their biological gender.
Be courteous, they are there for the same reason as you. Do not assume they are there for any illicit reasons.
Porta Potty Fears
It can happen, you are at an event such as an outdoor wedding reception, graduation ceremony, or more. You are dressed for the event, and the bathroom facility is a porta-potty. Fear not, for the days of run-down, not-so-clean portable restrooms are in the past.
Chances are the person in charge of the event has rented a luxury porta potty. The limousine of porta-potties are spacious, clean, and include such amenities as mirrors, vanities, soap dispensers, sinks with hot and cold running water, electrical outlets, flush toilets, and heating and cooling to keep you comfortable while doing your thing.
Alleviate Your Fear of Public Restrooms
When thinking about your fear of public restrooms, consider how small the risks really are. Removing waste from your body is a necessary and healthy step. There is nothing to fear.
When you need to use a public bathroom relax and remember everyone is there for the same reason. Now that you can proceed with your restroom breaks easily, check out our other blogs for more great information to help you breeze through life.
