How Spoons Helped Me Manage My Mental Health

How Spoons Helped Me Manage My Mental Health

Living with a mental health condition can be challenging. Coping with depression or anxiety can take a toll on your physical, emotional and mental well-being. But, there are ways to manage your mental health and maintain a balance in your life. One such strategy that has helped me along the way is using spoons as a tool to measure my energy levels.

Understanding the Spoon Theory

The spoon theory is a popular concept in the mental health community that was coined by Christine Miserandino to explain how people with chronic illnesses manage energy levels. The theory goes that each person starts the day with a certain number of spoons that represent their energy for the day. Everything you do throughout the day requires a certain number of spoons, and once you run out, you’re left feeling depleted, tired, and unable to do anything else.

The Benefits of Using Spoons

Using spoons to manage my energy levels has made a big difference in my mental health journey. Checking in with myself to see how many spoons I have left helps me pace my day and avoid burnout. When I feel high levels of anxiety or low mood, I often find that my spoon levels are low. This reminds me to slow down, take breaks, and prioritize self-care activities.

Spoon Management Strategies

Here are some strategies that I’ve found useful in managing my spoons:

• Starting slow: It’s easy to get caught up with a long to-do list and run out of spoons within the first few hours of the day. Instead, I’ve learned to start slow and prioritize tasks that are most important.
• Taking breaks: I make sure to take frequent breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. This helps to keep my spoon levels high and avoid burnout.
• Saying no: I’ve learned to say no to unnecessary commitments and prioritize my mental health. This helps me save spoons for the things that matter most.
• Keeping track: I use a journal or a note-taking app to keep track of my spoons throughout the day. This helps me stay on top of my energy levels and avoid overexertion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing mental health can be a daunting task, but incorporating tools such as spoons can make a big difference. By keeping track of our energy levels and prioritizing self-care, we can manage our mental health and live a balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, mental health is a journey, not a destination, and it’s essential to take it one spoon at a time.

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