How do you plan your day and conserve energy? Are you a Spoonie?

Posted by Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy, Feb 2, 2021

Are you like me, and run out of energy after doing only a few things? You shower and are then worn out and have to rest? Or maybe you walk the dog and it’s just too much! And you find yourself turning down invitation to lunch (pre-COVID-19) because of no energy. I do. I hate having to say no to friends, going home early, or taking shorter walks. I feel like I lost so much and myself!
Then I heard about The Spoon Theory, developed by Christine Miserandino. It’s a way of describing, planning, and conserving energy units that you use during the day. On her web page, Christine how she explained her illness (lupus, an autoimmune disease) and energy levels to a friend. You are able to explain to others the details of your life as someone with an invisible disease or chronic illness.
For example, I start my day with a list of things I need to do (shower, make the bed, do some laundry) and then I add my list of things I want to do
(go for a nice walk, sew, bake something). When I put the lists together, I realize that I won’t have enough spoons (units of energy) to get through the day. So, I’ve learned , using The Spoon Theory, to divide up the have to’s and the want to’s and add in some rest periods. I probably won’t get everything done—there’s always tomorrow—but I also won’t get exhausted, achey, and cranky half way through the day! The Spoon Theory has made so much sense to me!
Have you thought up a way to use and conserve your energy throughout the day?

https://butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/https://www.brainsupportnetwork.org/explaining-fatigue-the-spoon-theory/

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Autoimmune Diseases Support Group.

rashida | @rashida | Apr 19 1:21pm

In reply to @becsbuddy "Well it’s not even 12 noon and I think I ran out of spoons! I took..." + (show)

@becsbuddy just a thought that popped into my head about your vet - and other “wordy” instructors/people: would they think it is an invasion of privacy if you recorded what they said, so you could listen to the recording later when you can take in (or even are able to jot down) what was said, a little at a time? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Apr 19 3:34pm

In reply to @rashida "@becsbuddy just a thought that popped into my head about your vet - and other “wordy”..." + (show)

@rashida That sounds like a very workable idea. Might have to try it!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Apr 19 5:22pm

In reply to @brighterday "I am trying to stay positive and always have a list to guide my priorities, but..." + (show)

@becsbuddy and @SusanEllen66 I read this "I am trying to stay positive and always have a list to guide my priorities, but find I’m often “exhausted, achey, and cranky.”"
Boy, am I there right now - six weeks ago, I threw my spoons out and tried to GO, Go, go...
Fast forward to last week, when I was hit by a trifecta - fatigue, bad air quality and heat & humidity - and I can't sleep well. This week, I have backed off, found my spoons, and tried to rest - but I find myself in a full-blown inflammatory flare, with added breathing issues and a LONG to-do list as we prepare to move from our Winter to our summer home.
So yesterday and today, I did the dishes, packed a few boxes and spent some computer time. I also restarted my bedtime relaxation/meditation that I haven't needed for months.
Just a reminder that being a Spoonie is a long-term proposition.
Sue

covidstinks2023 | @covidstinks2023 | Apr 20 8:47am

Yep! I'm a spoonie. It's not easy. Some days I start out with 5 spoons others days more or less.

Others may not always get it, but, that's OK. I have a family & a few close friend that do get it. Most of all my Lord understands.

Being a Type A personality...the hardest part is pacing myself on the good days or I will be flared up worse the rest of the week.

I find that being grateful to the Lord for me is the key. I'm grateful for the days that I have 5 spoons...I'm grateful for the day I only have 3 spoons or less.

I do think exhaustion is as hard to accept as being in pain for me. The days that I have both of them is the hardest and those are my lesser spoon days.

Fibromyalgia, Arthritis all over, Long Covid and both thyroid diseases has caused much pain and fatigue, and other things have worsened this year and I am moving slower and stiffer.

I can put a social event on the calendar, but, folks understand I may not be there.

I recently went to a friend's funeral. It was over 2 hours long and I was exhausted and just wanted to get to my car and go home. Talking and standing around at the graveside was out of the question for me. I just simply had no more to give emotionally or physically. I came home and laid down on the couch and slept for an hour. If I can take a good nap, often I can rejuvenate and get up and do some things....can you relate?

My word for the year is EASE. I EASE into my morning, EASE into cleaning, EASE into preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner, EASE into daily cleaning of house, EASE into paying bills, EASE into a nap and EASE into bed at night....my last spoon is more than used up by bedtime.

I try and find at least 1 person a day to be a blessing too. Quick phone call, card, but most of all praying for them. My daily devotions with the Lord are a priority & my family.

BUT, my conditions aren't terminal, they are just chronic. I am so grateful as I know it could be so much worse when I look around.

God Bless all you "spoonies". I get it! Praying for you.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Apr 20 12:28pm

In reply to @covidstinks2023 "Yep! I'm a spoonie. It's not easy. Some days I start out with 5 spoons others..." + (show)

@covidstinks2023