Have you heard of spoon theory? It’s the idea that pain, whether emotional or physical, and chronic illness impact a person’s ability to do different daily activities and that each activity costs a certain amount of “spoons”.

Healthy people have unlimited spoons each day and don’t need to think twice about how to use their spoons. But people experiencing pain, chronic illness, or infertility have to be aware of how many spoons they have each day and plan accordingly.

This might look like saying no to Chanukah parties in order to save spoons for making and eating dinner that night.

Spoon theory empowers people to set boundaries to safeguard their mental and physical wellbeing. It’s a reminder to save some spoons to take care of yourself.

We have a limited amount of spoons each day - don’t use any on people or situations that bring you down and wear you out.

Do you think spoon theory is a helpful tool for you? What are some “spoons” you chose to do this time of year?

Spoon theory, self-care, boundaries, infertility, fertility treatment, workplace culture, worklife balance, pregnancy loss, stillbirth