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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.

Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | 6 hours ago
In reply to @sueinmn "@becsbuddy Even though I have progressed a lot from my early days on Mayo Connect, I..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@becsbuddy Even though I have progressed a lot from my early days on Mayo Connect, I still practice a modified version of the Spoon Theory - and at home, it is reinforced with every visit to my PT. But someone was asking in another discussion about dealing with fatigue, and I referred her here.

Then I remembered my "down South" PT scolding me on Monday. I am still rehabbing from rotator cuff surgery four months ago, and decided last week that I should push myself as the Energizer Bunny, athletic, 30-something DPT here encouraged. Monday, when I had a check-in appointment with his (far more sensible) PT, she had to spend 30 minutes working out the muscle strain I had caused by overdoing it. She scolded me, reduced the amount of reps for the next week, and gently reminded me recovery is for me, it's not a race. So today, after 2 days rest, I will resume, using her schedule. And maybe I won't need a nap when I finish!

Another Spoonie Theory that I have practiced and modified along the way it to figure out what my day and week hold before committing to activities. And putting in intentional rest days or half-days every week depending on how I am doing.

For example, I no longer run the kitchen for events in our community, which requires up to 3 days of work - instead I volunteer for specific smaller parts, like doing the posters or decorations or setting the tables.

And I try to ALWAYS quit a task (and make my husband do the same) before I am exhausted - so it might take 3 days to finish instead of just one. Between 4/5 pm we always stop for the day to relax - earlier if we have an evening activity, then we will rest a bit.

To account for true no energy days, or for busy ones, our fridge/freezer is filled with easy meals - like leftover chili or soup, makings for eggs and toast, frozen veggies, etc. Either one of us can pull something out and have it ready with minimal prep. There are even frozen meals for one that are pretty healthy and cost far less than Door Dash or fast food.

What Spoonie tricks do you use to conserve energy?

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@sueinmn Well, I seem to go along with hour I feel. If a good day, I tend to do more. If a not good day, I’ll even stay in my pj’s and read. We also keep quick-to-make dinners in the freezer.
I’m also back in my sewing studio! I use my time there as relaxation and rejuvenation. If I get a little overworked or confused, I just close the door and say “there’s always tomorrow.”
One big fault I have is not always letting my husband help me. He’s very willing but I tell him that I need to do it myself. Crazy, I know, but he already does so much and I worry about him.
He’s very good at recognizing my need to go lie down and will even finish the chore that we were both doing.
It took me so long to get where I was in life that it’s hard to stop. But, I am listening to myself more each day. It’s really killing me that I can’t get out and demonstrate! I am getting better day by day. Thank you and Ginger for your care and thoughtfulness!

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