For the past few years, eating an orange in the shower was trending over the internet. It was guaranteed to be the “best thing ever,” according to BuzzFeedVideo and “cure quarantine depression,” according to a Subreddit thread. In 2017-18, it was everywhere, even tried by Good Mythical Morning.
With the stay-at-home order in place, this trend has come back to give quarantine blues a moment of joy.
When this trend arose, I didn’t think much of it – what would come from snacking in the shower? After seeing TikTok videos, I decided to give it a try.
I drew a hot shower and brought in my orange. I bit the peel, and it made the bathroom smell fragrant.
After gathering the pulp and making sure it didn’t clog my drain, I began the savoring experience.
I took a slice of the orange and bit into it. I let the water hit the rest of the orange, and it both smelled and tasted great. It wasn’t something groundbreaking or life changing, it tasted like an orange. It was as sweet as candy.
Most people experience a heightened sense which makes the orange taste incredible. According to National Public Radio, the humidity increases mucosa humidity, which makes the orange smell in the mouth, heightening the taste.
After eating the orange, I rounded up the peel and cleaned the bottom of the shower, feeling indifferent toward the experience.
Oranges are tasty but they don’t cure depression. The promised experience wasn’t the “best thing ever” or “cured quarantine depression.” It was delicious but didn’t alter my perception of life.
I’m not sure if I did this correctly or if the instructions were unclear. This activity reminded me of mindful savoring while doing an activity.
Mindful savoring is what it sounds like – it is savoring activities, thanking moments as they come and letting them go. This can be done when eating a meal, cleaning, taking a shower or a walk.
What makes oranges in the shower different? Savoring all parts of the orange—the texture of the peel, pulp and fruit. What sound unpeeling makes, how the orange smells, looks, feels and tastes. All moments are appreciated and let go, not held onto.
There is too much expectation held onto this activity. Joy is not experienced; it is expected.
For those who want to try this, like showers or enjoy oranges, I recommend it – but don’t have too many expectations. Oranges in the shower won’t cure depression, loneliness or quarantine blues. It will be a nice snack in a relaxing environment, which is something we can all enjoy.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Emily_A_Pearce