Episode 42: Spoon Theory — Understanding Your Energy (and Protecting It) — Quick Bite

Have you ever wanted—or needed—to do something, but just… couldn’t?

Not because you didn’t care. Not because you were lazy. But because you simply didn’t have the capacity.

In this Relish Quick Bite, Alyssia Sheikh introduces Spoon Theory, a metaphor created by Christine Miserandino to describe living with limited, variable energy. Each “spoon” represents a unit of capacity, and every task costs spoons. Once they’re gone, they’re gone—and not everyone starts with the same number.

While Spoon Theory originated in the chronic illness community, Alyssia explores how it’s also deeply helpful for understanding neurodivergence, burnout, executive functioning, sensory overload, and everyday nervous-system limits. Many of the most depleting activities—decision-making, transitions, social interaction, screen time—are invisible, yet profoundly costly.

Through personal examples and practical reflection, this episode reframes capacity as information, not a moral failing. Spoon Theory offers language to reduce shame, stop comparison, and relate to your energy with honesty and compassion.

✨ In this episode, you’ll explore:

• What Spoon Theory is and where it comes from
• Why capacity is finite and variable
• How comparison fuels unnecessary shame
• Why some tasks cost more energy than others (and that’s okay)
• How Spoon Theory supports boundaries and communication
• Gentle questions to help you plan and recover sustainably

💭 Reflection: What tends to cost you the most spoons—and what actually helps refill them?

This episode is an invitation to meet yourself where you are, work with your energy instead of against it, and protect your capacity without guilt.

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• The Hoffman Institute (Alyssia is a Hoffman Process teacher; podcast is not affiliated)

Relevant Episodes: 

• Episode 40 — The Power of Self-Talk: How Words Shape Your Brain
• Episode 36 — Shame (Part 2): Separation — Why Shame Feels Like Who You Are

Relevant Links & Resources:

• Christine Miserandino — “The Spoon Theory”