The Different Ways to Explain Energy Levels in Chronic Illness-ep53

The Different Ways to Explain Energy Levels in Chronic Illness-ep53

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from instagram follower @_super_brain: “How do disabled people balance out their spoons?”


“It can often be hard to explain something we don’t always understand ourselves.” ~ Sarah Reid


In this episode, we unpack what it's really like to live with limited energy while managing chronic illness. From common metaphors like the Spoon Theory and Penny Theory to the often-overlooked Battery Life Theory, we explore how energy depletion affects daily life—and how different frameworks can help you better understand and communicate your limits.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The difference between Spoon Theory, Penny Theory, and Battery Life Theory
  • How invisible activities—like digestion or even just breathing—can drain energy
  • Why seemingly simple tasks (like unloading the dishwasher or taking a shower) can feel overwhelming
  • How mobility aids can help conserve energy for essential or meaningful tasks

Takeaway:
There’s no single “right” way to describe energy struggles with chronic illness—whether you relate more to spoons, pennies, or battery levels, the most important thing is finding a system that helps you advocate for your needs.



Episoder(56)

The Double Life of Living With a Chronic Illness-ep47

The Double Life of Living With a Chronic Illness-ep47

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from a Spotify listener who asked, “What book are you currently reading?” (Check below for a link to the book!) “It’s hard to know who you are when you feel...

10 Sep 202419min

The Struggle of Resting-ep46

The Struggle of Resting-ep46

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Spotify listener who asked, “if you could have any superpower what would it be?”  “Resting is a struggle when you want to do all the things.” ~ Sarah ...

13 Aug 202418min

Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month

No Q&A today - just an update on exciting things happening! Disability Pride Month is for celebrating all those in the disability community, the progress we’ve made, and the awareness we’ve spread! A...

2 Jul 202412min

How to Find Hope When Life Makes You Feel Hopeless-ep44

How to Find Hope When Life Makes You Feel Hopeless-ep44

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Instagram follower @noahs_chronicallychanging who asked, “Are you hopeful for the future? And when did you realize something was ‘wrong’?” “If you have...

18 Jun 202415min

Exciting News You Don’t Want to Miss-ep43

Exciting News You Don’t Want to Miss-ep43

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from an anonymous Instagram follower who asked, “What are your favorite salty snacks?”  Over here doing my best to create community, help others find their...

4 Jun 20248min

Mobility Aids and Internalized Ableism-ep42

Mobility Aids and Internalized Ableism-ep42

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Instagram follower @wheelaroundtheworlditd who asked, “Will I ever be able to have children, or is it wrong/selfish when I’m chronically ill?”   Using...

21 Mai 202417min

How I Got My Custom Wheelchair-ep41

How I Got My Custom Wheelchair-ep41

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from an anonymous Instagram follower who asked “How do I handle emotional fallout from not being able to take care of myself/be independent?” Even if you c...

7 Mai 202416min

1 Year Podcast Anniversary Episode-ep40

1 Year Podcast Anniversary Episode-ep40

Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Instagram follower @chroniclly.Izzy:   “How do you recover from a flare?”  Thank you guys so much for your love and support! ~ Sarah Reid In todays ...

23 Apr 202417min

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