Spoon Theory
What is Spoon Theory?
Spoon Theory is an accessible and easy to understand visual way of describing and keeping track of the physical and mental energy a person has available each day. It can be especially helpful for people living with chronic illness or disability, as well as neurodivergent individuals.
What do the spoons represent?
In this metaphor, spoons represent units of energy. Each person starts the day with a certain number of spoons, and this amount may vary from person to person or from one day to the next. The exact number matters less than understanding how much energy different activities use and what may help restore it. Everyday tasks can require different amounts of energy. For example, getting out of bed might use one spoon, taking medication two, having a shower three, and going to work or school four. If you began the day with 12 spoons and completed all of these activities, you would have two spoons left for that day. When a person has used all their available spoons, they may feel exhausted and need time to rest and recover before they can continue. Without rest, spoons are not replenished which often results in less mental and physical energy for the remainder of that day or may have a flow on effect to other days.
What can help replenish spoons?
- Sleep: Getting enough good-quality sleep is often one of the most effective ways to restore energy.
- Radical rest: Taking intentional time away from demands and expectations can allow the body and mind to recover without pressure to be productive.
- Spoon givers: Some activities and supportive interactions can restore energy. Examples may include spending time with family or friends.
- Refuelling: Drinking enough water and eating nourishing food can help restore depleted energy.
- Sensory breaks: Different environments can use different amounts of energy. Stepping away from an overwhelming setting and giving the senses a break may help restore energy. For example, if loud surroundings are draining, moving to a calm, quiet space or using noise-cancelling headphones may help.
Helpful Spoon Theory Resources:
Neurowild have a great child friendly spoon theory infographic available to purchase:
Spoon Theory (9-page infographic) | NeuroWild
If you or your child are needing support understanding and identifying times where they are experiencing low energy, what they need to support them to replenish their energy and understanding this aspects in the context of neurodivergence to support community participation and self-advocacy skills, please reach out to our friendly reception team on 0477 798 932. We would be happy to book you an appointment.
Georgia Mason is a Registered Psychologist at Progressive Psychology