When you’re chronically ill, neurodivergent, or a super fun combination of the two, there are days when even the softest routine feels impossible, and the idea of self-care sounds more like a chore. If you’re a fellow spoonie, you know exactly what I mean. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still deserve care. We just need a toolkit full of low-spoon comfort items!
What is the spoon theory, anyway?
The information in this blog post is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read online. The author of this post is not a licensed medical professional and does not assume any liability for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.
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Warming Eye Masks
These OKI warming eye masks are sort of like a soothing hug for your face. When you’re fighting migraine, anxiety, or eye strain, these self-warming masks can help signal to your body that it’s okay to relax.
Warming Eye Masks
Guided Journals
If you’re someone who likes to write out their feelings, guided journals make the practice an even better source of low-spoon comfort—the prompts are right there waiting for you (giving Richard Marx a run for his money)! Here at AIL, we offer a 30-Day Self-Care Guided Journal and a 30-Day Chronic Illness Guided Journal…so far.
Warm Drinks
There’s just something so grounding about the ritual of making tea, coffee, or cocoa. Whether you reach for a mothman mug with a bold Harney flavor or a to-go cup filled with an herbal blend, we have a whole list of cozy picks to choose from.
Coffee & Tea Faves
Affirmation Cards
When brain fog makes your favorite mantras harder to recall, having a physical reminder helps! Our printable decks are tailored for spoonies, ADHDers, autistics, and those living with chronic pain. Print them out in advance and you can simply pick a card for low-spoon comfort.
Affirmation Cards
Cozy Games
Low-pressure and high-comfort, cozy games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing don’t ask much of you. They’re gentle, repetitive, and often full of the kind of small wins that feel big when your energy is gone.
My Cozy Gaming Essentials
Books
If you have the spoons to read even just a few pages, books can offer an escape, a distraction, or a simple reminder that you’re not alone. build your TBR or return to old favorites with our bookish picks!
Books & Bookish Finds
Bonus: I share my current reads in each edition of our monthly newsletter!
Premade Vision Boards
Creating your own vision board can take energy you just don’t have. Our premade digital boards come ready to use with affirmations and themed visuals ready to soothe and inspire. Set one as your wallpaper and let it do the work!
Premade Vision Boards
Fidgets
On edge? Dissociating? Need something for your hands? A stim toy can offer a subtle source of sensory input.
Shop Stim Toys
Sensory Coping Cards
Another low-spoon comfort item that’s great for our neurodivergent friends! Overstimulated? Numb? Anxious? Sensory coping cards offer practical, proven grounding techniques, each with a visual cue for easier access.
Sensory Coping Cards
Crystals
You don’t have to be a witch to find comfort in crystals! Whether you connect with them spiritually or just find comfort in their textures and aesthetics, my go-to Etsy shop Heart of Garnet offers wearable reminders of protection, grounding, and love.
Heart of Garnet
Pregnancy Pillow
No I’m not but you should see your faces?
For anyone with chronic pain, a U- or C-shaped pillow can help support your joints, spine, and muscles in ways standard pillows just can’t. While these pillows are intended for support during pregnancy, they also make great low-spoon support items for those of us with chronic illness!
Pregnancy Pillow
Mindfulness Bingo Cards
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be super serious—these bingo cards make it a little more playful! Each square is a gentle activity you can try on your own terms.
Mindfulness Bingo Cards
Squishmallows
What could make offer low-spoon comfort more than something cozy and huggable? Whether you’re snuggling in bed or just need a little friend to hold, Squishmallows are soft, simple, and sweet. They’re perfect for low-energy moments!
Squishmallows
Daily Self-Care Checklist
When you can’t remember what helps, this checklist has your back. Think of it as a list of possibilities, not necessarily a to-do list. You don’t have to check every box every day—just see what might help and go from there.
Free in the Subscribers’ Resource Library
Compression Socks
Compression socks have come a long away from the clinical pairs of old. Brands like Wellow make them stylish and genuinely helpful, especially if you deal with dysautonomia, swelling, or circulation issues. They offer low-spoon comfort from your toes on up.
Wellow Compression Socks
DIY Self-Care Films Jar
Decision fatigue hits hard on low-spoon days. having a jar filled with comforting film suggestions takes away the guesswork. Pull a slip, press play, and settle in for some familiar low-spoon comfort. Our list of films for self-care days is one of the all-time most popular AIL blog posts!
Free in the Subscribers’ Resource Library
Gratitude Journals
Low-spoon comfort items can offer a bright spot in that cloud of brain fog, pain, or overwhelm, and gratitude journals are no exception. Our 30-day and year-long journals give you the scaffolding to shift your perspective.
Gratitude Journals
Self-Care Menu
Put together your own custom comfort menu! Instead of trying to remember what low-spoon comfort habits help when everything feels overwhelming, you can pick from gentle, pre-chosen options, turning decision-making into something a little more manageable.
Free in the Subscribers’ Resource Library
Candles
Candles offer cozy ambiance on days where everything feels raw or fragile. Whether you find a soothing aroma or a sensory-friendly option, a candle can make any old room feel something like a sanctuary. My candle collection is mostly from Aldi or Zoet Studio!
Zoet Studio
Accessory Pouches
Keeping the essentials close at hand is one of my biggest low-energy hacks—that’s why I created our toolkit pouches! They’re perfect for holding meds, lip balm, swim tools, or anything else you might need from bed or the couch.
Accessory Pouches
Flowers
Some days, you need a little beauty to come to you. A simple bouquet, whether you send it to yourself or someone else, can brighten a room and lift the spirit, especially when leaving the house feels impossible.
1-800-Flowers
However you’re feeling on any given day, you deserve care that meets you exactly where you are. Whether that’s sipping tea, curling up with a Squishmallow, or just opening a journal for two quiet minutes, these low-spoon comfort items are here to remind you that ease is enough.
What are your favorite low-spoon comfort items? Share in the comments so we can try them, too!
