The Twelve Spoons and the Chronic Condition
- Eirini
- May 6
- 3 min read
Updated: May 7
The Spoon Theory, created by Christine Miserandino, is a metaphor that helps explain the daily energy limitations faced by people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions. It uses spoons to represent energy, showing how everything a person does, like eating, showering, even just watching TV, can take away from their limited supply.
However, one does not need to be officially diagnosed with any condition in order to be able to use this theory. If you feel like you have limited energy, it might be useful to take a moment to think about it in terms of spoons, and see how you are using yours!
How It Works
Each day, a person starts with 12 spoons, and every activity costs at least one spoon.
Here are some examples of spoon expenditure:
Factors that can affect how many spoons are needed on the specific day/time:
Whether you are having a flare up
Your general health - starting the day with a cold can steal four spoons already!
Your emotional state - when you feel worse, you’re using more spoons!
Whether the task is something you’ve done before
Whether the task is something you enjoy
The weather - rainy days can be more costly in spoons, but a strong sun can also create that effect!
The theory predicts that if someone runs out of spoons, they’re done for the day and will become completely exhausted. You can, however, borrow spoons from tomorrow. In that case, there might be “interest” to pay, in the form of a flare-up. It is possible to budget your spoons in such a way that you borrow more when you need them, then save them up by resting more… But still, the mental load of having to budget for spoons will be there!
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Spoon Investment
Some activities steal spoons in the short term but may build more spoons over time. It’s like using up metal to forge extra spoons for the future. Exercise is a good example: it might leave you drained at first, but over time, it could improve your stamina and allow you to do more.
However, investing spoons in long-term commitments can feel risky. People with chronic conditions might hesitate to take on big responsibilities, like starting a new job or having children, because of the energy cost. But sometimes, taking a leap of faith can expand the number of spoons you have permanently, especially when happiness and fulfilment act as unexpected spoon benefactors.
Strengths of the Spoon Theory
Simple concept: It helps explain invisible illnesses/low energy to others.
Encourages self-awareness: People can plan and pace their activities better.
Accounts for daily variation: It recognizes that some days are worse than others.
Limitations of the Spoon Theory
Not scientifically precise: Energy doesn’t always work in fixed amounts.
Can feel restrictive: It may make people focus too much on scarcity rather than potential growth.
Doesn’t fully capture emotional factors: Things like happiness, purpose, or adrenaline can sometimes add spoons unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts
The Spoon Theory is a powerful way to understand energy limitations, but it’s not a rigid rulebook. Only you can know your own limits, and sometimes, the best way to gain more spoons is to take a chance on something that truly matters to you!
PS: Writing this blog post has eaten at least four of my spoons, and I’m sure reading it will also take away some spoons from you. However, I hope that it helps understand living with low energy or chronic conditions better and gives you some nice spoon material for the future!
