I finally realized that my biggest hurdle with clearing up my athlete’s foot wasn’t the medication itself, but actually remembering to apply it twice a day. For the first month, I would miss doses or just forget until I was already tucked into bed and didn’t want to get back up. To fix this, I started “habit stacking,” which is basically just attaching a new chore to something I already do without thinking.
For example, I moved my antifungal spray right next to my coffee maker. Since I never miss my morning caffeine, I see the bottle and spray my feet while the coffee is brewing. It takes thirty seconds, and I am already standing there anyway. For the evening dose, I keep the medicated cream on top of my TV remote on the coffee table. I cannot sit down to watch a show at 8:00 PM without literally moving the tube out of the way first. It acts as a physical barrier that forces the habit.
Another trick that worked for me was using the ten-minute “drying time” after application to do something else I usually procrastinate on, like clearing out my email inbox or doing a quick language lesson on my phone. It turns the treatment from a boring chore into a productive window. If you are struggling to stay consistent, try looking at your existing daily flow. Where is there a five-minute gap where you are already stationary? Putting your supplies in those specific spots makes a huge difference compared to keeping them tucked away in a bathroom cabinet where they are out of sight and out of mind.
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The TV remote trick is actually genius. I usually forget until I’m halfway through a movie and then I’m too lazy to move.
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I do something similar but with my toothbrush. I put the cream right next to the toothpaste. If I’m brushing, I’m treating. It’s the only way I’ve managed to stay consistent for three weeks straight.
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Does the spray leave a residue on your floor if you do it by the coffee maker? I’m worried about making a mess in the kitchen.
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I keep a small ‘foot kit’ in a basket under my desk. Since I work from home, I do my second application during my afternoon slump while I’m on a conference call. No one knows I’m doing a foot soak or applying cream while discussing quarterly reports. It’s the most productive part of my day now.
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Consistency really is the hardest part. Thanks for the tip about the drying time, I always get impatient and put socks on too early.
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I tried the coffee maker thing but my spouse complained about ‘medical stuff’ near the food. I moved it to the shoe rack instead. Now I spray as soon as I take my work boots off. Works just as well!
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How long did it take before you stopped needing the physical reminders? I feel like I’ll be keeping cream on my remote forever lol.
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To answer Flora, I found it takes about 21 days for it to become automatic. Now I feel ‘weird’ if I haven’t done it by 9 PM. Stick with the visual cues until then!
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This is the most practical advice I’ve seen on this sub. Everyone talks about what products to use, but no one talks about how to actually remember to use them.
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