Explaining our energy levels can be tough. We share three alternative metaphors to help you share when you feel like you are running out of energy – physically and mentally

For many people with chronic illnesses and for neurodivergent people, spoon theory has been a common way to talk about our energy levels since the early 00s. It's a way of visually explaining how much energy you have throughout the day and to explain when you are getting low on spoons (running out of energy), and how different tasks or interactions might cost a different number of spoons. While some people can rest and recover spoons, giving them a seemingly unlimited supply, other people might have a set number that has to last them all day; when they are gone, they are gone.

If you’re familiar with spoon theory, it can feel like an easy enough thing to talk about. But trying to explain it to others can be tricky, especially if you aren’t able to use physical props to help demonstrate as you explain. While spoon theory resonates with many people, it doesn’t resonate with everyone, and that’s OK! There is never a one-size-fits-all solution – or explanation – for everything. There are plenty of other alternatives out there to help communicate your energy levels.

Finding a metaphor to help explain your own energy levels in a way that feels right can be helpful when you are struggling to explain how you are feeling and how much energy you have left to do some tasks but not others. Metaphors can help others understand something complex and personal (how your physical or mental capacity for new tasks or experiences is in the moment) in a way that is more tangible and easier to conceptualise. 

Here are three simple alternatives to spoon theory:

Arcade theory

Also known as ticket theory, arcade theory works on the idea that we have different amounts of tickets or tokens each day to spend. Have you ever been to an arcade or an amusement park? Some days, you might have an abundance of tokens (more energy) to spend on all the different games and rides available. Other days, you might have a limited budget of tokens (less, low, or very low energy), and will have to be more selective about which activities you do. 

Just as different arcade games cost different amounts of tokens, different tasks require different energy levels. And while some games (tasks) may seem simple to others who have the time and tokens (energy) to practice over, and over, and over again, when you have limited tokens, that same task may not be possible, or could cost more tokens than it would a friend.

Arcade theory helps explain your varying energy levels from day to day. You aren't always going to have the same budget (energy level), so being careful how you spend those tokens is important.

Battery theories

There are two variations on battery theory. One compares your energy to that of a mobile phone. Sometimes, you have a full battery and can get a lot done. You might start approaching half your battery, and find yourself feeling the need to slow down to save energy. Or you might find your battery is low and you need to pause and conserve energy, being more selective over what you can and can’t do.

An alternative battery theory, sometimes called the battery life conundrum or ‘broken battery theory’, can be a useful metaphor for those with chronic illness. While everyone’s body is a rechargeable battery, if you have a chronic illness, that battery life may be shorter, it might take you longer to recharge, or you might need to recharge more frequently. 

Just like you wouldn’t go out with low or no phone battery, battery theory helps explain the need to rest, recharge, and carefully manage energy reserves when they start to get depleted. It can also be helpful to explain that you don't feel charged enough (you don't have enough energy) to go out in the first place, and need more time to rest.

Plant theory

Also referred to as cup theory, this metaphor works with the idea that your life can be represented by different plants that need to be watered or cups that need to be filled (tasks to complete). You have a limited amount of water (energy), and need to distribute it carefully. Some plants (tasks) may need daily watering (e.g. you may need the energy to shower every day, or to cook dinner), while others can be neglected for a while without too much risk (e.g. doing laundry, dusting).

This can be particularly helpful to explain how careful you have to be to prioritise more important tasks to conserve your energy levels. If you aren't careful, some plants (tasks) may end up requiring a lot more time and attention later, or may feel like they aren't salvageable (they have become too overwhelming) at all.

Using metaphors can be a great way to help ourselves and others better understand our energy levels. Once you have the language to help you explain how you are feeling and how draining different tasks can be, it can help to expend less energy when trying to explain to others in the future, helping you to feel more prepared and to conserve those dwindling spoons (or tokens, or low battery level).