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.

dancing1 | @dancing1 | Sep 4, 2021

I love this! A joyful way to look at this awful fatigue. This fatigue can be depressing since it robs you of all you used to be able to do. I enjoyed being busy. Yet I want to be thankful and handle the energy I do have! Thank you for sharing this!

Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Sep 4, 2021

@becsbuddy What a great way to describe how to get the best out of your situation. This patterns the Mayo Pain Rehabilitation program and actually is common sense when you think about it. Scheduling is key, as is moderation, and modification. I found that once it was spelled out, it helped me form a new way of looking at how to work with my situation easier.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @dancing1 "I love this! A joyful way to look at this awful fatigue. This fatigue can be..." + (show)

@dancing1 i, too, used to enjoy being busy! I always said ‘I cant sit down’ and now it can be exhausting to stand up! What are some tips you have on handling energy?

pianopain12 | @pianopain12 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @becsbuddy "Hello Spoonies! Well, I used up all my spoons too early today, and the day wasn’t..." + (show)

Adorable story.... Hubby-to-the rescue!!! Thank God for these helpers we have, right?!! My hub gets me through the day, and also has the patience of a Saint.

pianopain12 | @pianopain12 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @ess77 "@astaingegerdm, @becsbuddy, @gingwew, hopeful32250 Hello, all. Good to learn about how you use your spoons and..." + (show)

@ess77

@astaingegerdm, @becsbuddy, @gingwew, hopeful32250 Hello, all. Good to learn about how you use your spoons and handle this concept. I explained the spoons to my son a couple days ago and how it's helped me with acceptance of limitations, to stop fighting 24/7 against my body... he noticed improvements in attitude, how I deal with pain and limitations. Good conversation with him, so I'm very hopeful he will let it sink in and activate the spoon theory in his life.

Becky, it sounds like you had quite a challenging day with that procedure. I've had many of those, as well, but only occasionally have enough spoons to use for shopping on the way home. I've tried it, but other than a drive through I pretty much head on home. Then, rest and catch up on quiet, low energy things.

Yesterday, I had a procedure, bonding injections in the ureter to combat leakage. I didn't sleep well, as often happens before an unknown, and had to be at Mayo by 9:15, that means leaving home by 8:15ish .Mornings are difficult, but this is early up and out for me. Did it, but had a tough time, pretty tired. I didn't do well after the procedure, had to stay for observation for several hours and came close to an ED visit. I got home after 2pm, straight to bed, but had to be up and down a lot, etc.. Today, some better, but I'm taking antibiotic for my stupid infected toe!!!! so now my tummy's in trouble! Talked w/nurses this morning, stopped taking med, drinking lots of water and staying in bed all day.

Spoons aren't available. Bed is required. Cancelled designer appt for kitchen redo, housekeeper picking up meds.....so, tomorrow I have my spoons refilled and will be out of bed, enjoying my birds and flowers. One of our several steps backward days. Decided I won't have another of these procedures. Ever. I'll deal with the issues.....

Hey! I'm comfy in my NEW bed, NEW mattress.....Ain't that grand! No dips or lumps or sliding off the side! It's a good thing.....Blessings all. elizabeth

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All of this talk about spoons....it slays me! I have no idea what they are, but I do think that I would like a big drawer full of them!

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @pianopain12 "All of this talk about spoons....it slays me! I have no idea what they are, but..." + (show)

@pianopain12 , @becsbuddy , @rwinney , @dancing1, @gingerw, and all...
I need your great spoon concept! Good reminder, Becky. Did way too much yesterday at Mayo for pre-op, walked 3 bldgs to a Cafe for food to take home. Suchi for Rob, yogurt &fruit and choc pudding for me. Walked back to get car, home to bed! That was pushing it as I've not gotten exercise for months, infections, but my mind has been planning....today, resting with kitty, in wonderfully soft new captain I just bought online last week. This is refiling my spoons...so my special Angels and I can get through the surgery no problem next Thurs. Love my caftan. Getting a couple more and a sleepshirt and a Wacoal bra! Gifts for me!

Spoons help me so much to think clearly, focus and take each moment as a gift to use thoughtfully. Wisely.
Thanks, Becky. Wisdom friend. Blessings..Elizabeth

ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @ess77 "@pianopain12 , @becsbuddy , @rwinney , @dancing1, @gingerw, and all... I need your great spoon concept!..." + (show)

@dancing12, and all

You know, this spoon conserving concept has and is teaching me to think with focus on what truly needs to be done right now. Not a thought of yesterday and what I used to do or how much I did for so many years...AND, not a thought of tomorrow....at least far less than I used to do...today is my time.. I will use it well.
One spoon at a time! It's so helpful...blessings, elizabeth

pianopain12 | @pianopain12 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @ess77 "@pianopain12 , @becsbuddy , @rwinney , @dancing1, @gingerw, and all... I need your great spoon concept!..." + (show)

Oh-Oh. You just said, "pudding." Chocolate pudding. Must. Go. To. Grocery. Now.

pianopain12 | @pianopain12 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @ess77 "@dancing12, and all You know, this spoon conserving concept has and is teaching me to think..." + (show)

I think that my spoon will soon be in chocolate pudding-lol!

pianopain12 | @pianopain12 | Sep 4, 2021

In reply to @pianopain12 "I think that my spoon will soon be in chocolate pudding-lol!" + (show)

Weird cravings sometime. And sometimes, you just have to give in. (Heading to grocery store really soon...)

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