Spoons

Image Description: Codee’s cartoon face inside a spoon.

I feel like this week has been all about finding balance. I first learned about that in 2020 while I was attending Occupational Therapy sessions at an outpatient rehab facility. I had been used to being busy the whole day. After having Covid for the first time, I could no longer do all of my chores at once. When I did do them, it was the only thing I did. I didn’t have energy for fun things in between.

During those sessions I learned techniques to manage my whole day so that I could do chores but also take time to rest and incorporate fun activities that I enjoyed doing, into my day. Nothing huge. It could be as simple as playing a video game or sitting behind the keyboard to make music. I was taught that these activities are just as important as the chores.

More importantly, I learned to listen to my body and allow it the time it needed when it required rest. I even had to learn what rest is. That doesn’t necessarily mean you have to sleep. Relaxing while watching TV is also a good way to rest. I just had to learn to love the TV first. In my case, I learned to love Netflix and YouTube. I also started listening to audio books. I realised I enjoy it and quickly found myself ‘reading’ half a book before realising the day had passed and I needed dinner. Or I’d binge watch a series and feel ok with that.

In my phone I have a list of chores I need to do each week. Some of them, like running and emptying the dishwasher, need to be done multiple times per week. My reminders app keeps track of that for me and tells me which day I need to do which task. It allows me to prepare in advance. I can already see that I have 2 chores on my list for tomorrow. One of which is more physically demanding than the other.

There are many techniques for working out how much energy you have and what you need to do to make sure you get through a whole day. I use the Spoon Technique. I imagine my energy as a pile of spoons. Not an unlimited pile. On a good day, I might have 12. On a bad day, maybe 4. With each activity I do, I have to relinquish at least one of my spoons. Some tasks might require two spoons though. So planning is essential. I don’t want to run out. Not unless there’s a good series on Netflix.

Since I have the most spoons in the morning, I start with the most cost worthy tasks. My morning routine no longer requires spoons, because the nurses help me with it. So I’ll use one spoon at breakfast – yes – eating cornflakes both literally and figuratively requires a spoon. Chewing any food costs me energy. After that, I’ll use two spoons to do that most physically demanding chore, then I can see how many spoons / how much energy I have for the rest of the day and balance it.

After my first task is finished, I’ll lay in the lazy chair to watch YouTube. I’ll then eat lunch, rest a little more, then do my other task. I’d also like to play a videogame, or go for a walk, so I’ll need to keep some spoons over for that.

I’ve learned there’s no shame in watching Netflix or reading a book. As long as I get up regularly for drinks and toilet stops, because I still need to take care of myself and a little movement is healthy.

Earlier this week, I went to the doctor with some symptoms I’ve been experiencing for about 6 weeks. He decided to swap out one of my medications for a different one. After 2 weeks of taking the new one, he’ll be able to do some tests to find the problem. My body normally doesn’t like it when my meds are changed. Neither does my brain. So these next two weeks might require some extra planning as I could use up more spoons.

I’ve also made plans to begin medical fitness again this coming week. I wonder how many spoons that will cost? Curious what my body is capable of after so many weeks away. I’m sure I’ll have some things to work on.

Jessica has also been learning to balance her spoon collection while managing her current health condition. I’ve witnessed something I thought I’d never have to see. She’s been using the techniques I learned at the rehab facility to balance work, chores, fun activities and rest. It seems to be working out pretty well. As she’s now managing to work her full 28 hour week while combining other things. I’m so proud of her. She’ll quickly become a professional spoonie. It has a domino effect too, seeing her manage so well is encouraging me to take better care of myself.

How many spoons do you use in a day? Don’t forget that getting out of bed costs one spoon. Taking a shower or wash plus getting dreased takes 2 spoons. So does walking your dog. Also, an 8 hour work day will also cost you 2 spoons. That’s if it’s an office job. Physical labour such as welder or builder will cost you 3. Count them all up. Did you use more than 12? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading. See you next week.