Knowing how and when to slow down is half the battle
I think it’s safe to say that over the last couple years we have come to the stark realization that our mental health is… well… SUPER FUCKING IMPORTANT!
We all know that some days start out better than others. But all of us have experienced moments where even when we started out on top of the world, sometimes we hit a point where it’s just impossible to move forward!
And it’s NOT EVEN NOON! To avoid these huge drops, we need to slow it down and take much needed emotional and mental breaks throughout the day. Listen, we all know finding this sacred time can be hard. But I think more importantly, it’s harder to recognize when we are getting to that point before we’ve hit rock bottom.
So to help with that, I introduce to you, The Spoon Theory.
What do I mean by spoon? Well, sit down and let me ✨ spoon ✨ you up some knowledge.
HA! A PUN! Fuck I’m funny.
Ok but seriously. The Spoon Theory was developed in 2003 by writer Christine Miseradino to help explain how lupus impacted her on a day to day basis.
Each day people start out with a certain number of imaginary spoons (aka their emotional and physical ability to complete tasks during the day). Some days smaller tasks like showering or getting something to each may only take one spoon, which is no big deal.
Other days it takes a lot more spoons to do those seemingly simple things. While this specifically was developed for people who experience chronic pain, it can be incredibly applicable to explaining where you are emotionally for people struggling with their mental health.
From personal experience, it’s way easier and softer to say, “I’m just all out of spoons today”, than, “I feel like I’m an empty shell of a person and I have nothing left to give.”
A little less dark.
Now we understand spoons! As you’re going throughout your day, keep an eye on your spoons!
-How many did you start with?
-Are certain tasks using up more spoons than they have before?
That way before your spoons are all used up, you can find time to take much needed mental breaks so you can replenish your stock.
Replenishing your spoons is something very personal and unique to each individual. Maybe for you it’s taking uninterrupted time to sit down and eat. For another it might be a mindful moment of doing breath work to recenter themselves. It can be as short as doing a quick stretch or as long as taking a much needed nap.
Whatever it looks like for you, make sure you are taking your mental breaks throughout the day and as needed. Keep your spoons stocked. But if they get low or if you run out, remember… IT'S NOT YOUR FAULT. There is nothing wrong or bad when you just can’t do any more. Reach out to someone you can trust, or take needed introvert time.
You’re doing great! And always remember… stay weird, stay powerful, stay you!
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