The spoon theory helps us better plan my husband’s days
The analogy gives us a way to assess his energy levels with Parkinson's
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It is incredible how many new things we learned during my husband Arman’s recent hospital and rehabilitation stays. While working with new therapists, nurses, and specialists, we gathered numerous tips and tricks to aid us on our journey with his Parkinson’s disease.
We had a fantastic speech therapist who spoke to us about a range of topics, not just speech therapy. This included ways to make life easier for us.
The best takeaway from our time with her, besides her fantastic speech lessons, was learning about the “spoon theory.” Our therapist was surprised that we hadn’t heard of it in the 15-plus years since Arman’s diagnosis.
Living with Parkinson’s disease, or any illness, can be exhausting. The spoon theory was created by writer Christine Miserandino to help explain the limited amount of energy — or number of “spoons” — that people with chronic conditions have. They start each day with a certain number of spoons, each representing the energy required to complete a task.
Let’s use Arman as an example. He has early-onset Parkinson’s disease and is currently receiving physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) at home.
Last week, he was scheduled for both OT and PT on the same day. We realized that evening that this was too much for one day. He used up all of his spoons during those two sessions, leaving him without the energy to do much else. We made sure not to schedule more than one therapy appointment per day after that.
Planning ahead
The spoon theory can be used to assess the amount of energy a person has available each day, allowing them to allocate that energy as effectively as possible. Thoughtfully planning our days in advance is key for us. If we know that Arman will use up his spoons at a doctor’s appointment, we’ll keep the rest of the day open. Or, if we plan to have dinner with friends or family, we will do so on a day when we have no other commitments.
With Parkinson’s disease, tasks such as shaving and grooming can be particularly exhausting for Arman and for me as his caregiver. Just as with medical appointments or social engagements, we are thoughtful about planning tasks that require a significant amount of effort, or spoons, to complete.
This led me to think about how caregivers — or anyone — could learn from the spoon theory. Those without chronic conditions may have a different bandwidth than those with illnesses, but we could all benefit from budgeting our energy and prioritizing certain tasks and activities. Recognizing limitations can help us manage our physical and mental load.
Explaining this theory to family and friends can help them better understand your needs and limits, and offer more tailored support. It can also help others adjust their expectations and be realistic about their own capabilities.
Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.
Marjorie Weiss
Jamie,
I had never heard of the spoon theory and I am very glad to know about it. Thank you for sharing this information.
Jamie Askari
Hi Marjorie,
Thanks so much for reading, glad you got something out of it!
Best,
Jamie
Angie Redecker
I too have early onset Parkinson's Disease. I was diagnosed in 22 and am 49.
I had an OT who had me map out activities and color code them like a stop light. Red activities like appointments are very tiring. Yellow activities like grooming or folding a load of laundry take energy, but if followed by some rest, I can recharge. Green light activities are the things that recharge me like cuddling with my dog or a nap.
Each day it seems I do well if I keep things at one red light activity 2 -3 yellow light activities, and unlimited green light activities.
On Sunday, I make a list of what has to be done in the coming week and what I would like to get done. I color code these items and then map out my week.
I had always been a planner. I still like to have a plan in mind, but have learned to allow for the flexibility of an off day.
Thanks for sharing the spoon theory.
Jamie Askari
Hi Angie,
I love this idea to map out your activities, what a brilliant idea. I am a planner too, so this would work great for me as well. Thanks so much for sharing and reading.
Best,
Jamie
John Cahill
I didn't know it had a name, but that's exactly what we do. Only one "Thing" allowed per day. There are a few low-energy exceptions, although not always.
Funny how it's always so encouraging to read of someone else's experiences that mirror one's own. So we're not the Lone Ranger after all!
Cheers,
-John-
Jamie Askari
Hi John,
Glad to hear that we are also not alone in our one "thing" per day! Thanks so much for reading!
Best,
Jamie