How I’ll Avoid Spoon Debt This Summer

With traveling and warmer weather affecting my energy levels, I have to be mindful of my spoons to make the most of summer festivities. Here are 10 ways I plan to avoid spoon debt.

Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means a lot more than joint pain. For me, fatigue and low stamina are not only unpredictable, but when they hit, they can be relentless.

I’ve always been an overachiever, a go-getter, a do-until-I-drop kind of person. Once I was diagnosed with RA, I had to march to a different tune or be left with no energy and no ability to function day to day.

The worst time of year for overdoing things is always summertime. In the summer months, my children are out of school, my family usually travels, we visit more friends and loved ones, and we definitely stay up later than usual celebrating around barbecues and pools.

Additionally, the summer months are much hotter than other times of year, and this can affect my RA symptoms in new ways. The heat and summer activities deplete my energy quickly if I’m not careful about keeping cool and staying hydrated.

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Knowing about spoons this summer season

If you’re living with RA or any chronic condition, you probably know about the spoon theory. It was created by Christine Miserandino (a lupus warrior) as a way to help others understand what it’s like to live with a chronic illness.

The spoon theory is a metaphor used to explain the limited energy and the challenges faced by individuals living with chronic illness or other disabilities where each spoon is equivalent to a certain amount of energy.

Someone living with a chronic illness only has a finite number of spoons (aka a finite amount of energy). If you use too many spoons, there are consequences of overuse, usually resulting in exhaustion and being in spoon debt the next day or even weeks.

I can always tell when I’ve overdone it because I feel more fatigued the next day, almost like I’m running on empty. This is what I call spoon debt, and it takes some time to build my reserves back up.

10 ways to avoid spoon debt

This summer, I promise myself and my family that I’ll try to avoid spoon debt so that I can make the most of this season. I’m going to do this in the following ways:

1. Keep cool

Since heat seems to use up my spoons faster than normal, I’m going to keep my house and other environments cool. I use fans, air conditioning, and even ice packs when needed.

2. Stay hydrated

I try to drink a gallon of water a day. If I’m outdoors, sweating a lot, or exceptionally active, I drink even more. I try to eat more “wet foods” during the summer, too. I keep melons, berries, and popsicles in the house all summer long. 

3. Wear appropriate clothing

I wear loose-fitting, sweat-wicking, and comfortable clothing during the summer. Sometimes, this means my workwear is more casual than usual, but it helps me conserve spoons.

4. Schedule activities

I schedule my strenuous activities and errands for the coolest parts of the day (early morning), and I try to stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

5. Find time for rest

I schedule rest days when traveling. Even if my family has packed plans for our holiday, I prioritize my rest and let them continue with other activities. Although I might miss out on some plans, I know it will be worthwhile in the long run.

6. Use assistive devices

If necessary, I use assistive devices and accessible furniture to conserve spoons. Whether it’s designated parking or a motorized wheelchair, assistive devices help a lot.

7. Ask for help

I definitely ask for more help in the summer months. From household chores to child care and even caring for myself, I rely on others more than usual this time of year to save my spoons.

8. Eat lighter meals and snack

I stick with healthy, lighter meals through the summer, too. I have more energy when I don’t feel overly full and sluggish.

9. Spend time on self-care

I make an extra effort to manage stress during the summer months to save my spoons. This usually involves practicing more self-care, including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. I love doing yoga on the beach when we travel!

10. Stick to your treatment plan

I stick with my regular medical routines and don’t miss doses of medications or appointments during the summer. Staying on track helps me to have less flares and more predictable days, which in turn conserves my spoons.

My summer spoons

Warmer weather and summer activities can affect your energy levels and your spoon reserve.

I’ll be implementing these 10 strategies to try and avoid spoon debt this summer. I hope they work for you, too!