Let’s talk about a surprisingly helpful way to think about mental health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. You’ve probably seen posts online about self-care – things like meditating, exercising, or getting more sleep. That’s all great advice. But what if you’re too tired, overwhelmed, or burned out to start?
Let’s talk about spoons. Yes, spoons.
What Do Spoons Have to Do with Mental Health?
There’s a popular idea called Spoon Theory, created by writer Christine Miserandino. She used it to explain what it’s like to live with a chronic illness, but it also makes a lot of sense when we talk about mental health.
Here’s the basic idea:
Each day, you wake up with a certain number of “spoons.” These spoons represent your energy, patience, and ability to deal with the day. Every task costs you a spoon – getting out of bed, going to work, answering emails, dealing with stress, or even just making decisions.
Some people have lots of spoons. Others, especially those dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, or stress, may start the day with only a few.
When you run out of spoons, even small tasks can feel like too much.
Why This Matters
Mental health isn’t just about diagnoses or therapy. It’s about how we feel, how we function, and how we handle daily life. And sometimes, when life is heavy, we just don’t have enough spoons.
That’s not laziness. It’s not weakness. It’s being human.
What You Can Do When You’re Low on Spoons
Here are a few simple ways to care for your mental health, especially when you’re feeling low on energy:
- Check in with yourself. How many spoons do you have today? If it’s only a few, try to protect them.
- Do one small thing. Even a five-minute walk, a glass of water, or stepping outside for fresh air can help.
- Say no when you need to. You don’t have to do everything, especially when your energy is limited.
- Talk to someone. Sharing how you’re feeling with a friend, a loved one, or a professional can lighten the load.
- Be gentle with yourself. Rest is not a reward. You don’t have to “earn” your downtime.
And What You Can Do for Others
Sometimes the people around you are out of spoons too – and you might not even realize it.
- Ask, “How are you really doing?”
- Be patient with slow replies or low energy.
- Offer small kindnesses: a kind word, a snack, a break.
- Don’t try to “fix” them – just be there.
One Spoon at a Time
Mental Health Awareness Month is a great reminder that we all need care – sometimes in big ways, sometimes in small ones. Whether you’re feeling great or barely getting through the day, your mental health matters.
So the next time you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself: how many spoons do I have? And what can I do to protect them?
It’s okay to go slow. It’s okay to rest. You’re doing the best you can with the spoons you’ve got.
