Energy Budgeting/EN-er-jee BUJ-it-ing/
Planning activities around available energy using a structured, proactive plan.
Andy says:
Your calendar and your body are on the same team—budget for both.
Detailed Explanation
Energy budgeting turns the spoon theory metaphor into a practical system: estimate energy costs, schedule recovery, and adjust with real‑world feedback. It helps prevent boom‑and‑bust cycles and reduces burnout risk.
Community Context
Used widely in chronic illness and ND communities. Works best when paired with accommodations and supportive environments.
Quick Tips
- Start with a weekly template (high/medium/low energy blocks)
- Reserve recovery slots before booking extras
- Track patterns; adjust costs for noisy spaces, long meetings, travel
Do / Don't
- Do: plan buffers; coordinate with pacing; protect sleep
- Don't: spend future energy today; avoid back‑to‑back high‑cost blocks
Scientific Context
Aligned with pacing and energy conservation strategies; self‑monitoring plus structured plans improve participation and reduce crashes.
Language Notes
Related: pacing, spoon theory, accommodations.
Related Terms
Spoon Theory
A metaphor where daily energy is represented as a limited number of spoons. Each activity costs spoons, and when they're gone, you're done—no amount of willpower creates more. Created by Christine Miserandino to explain living with lupus, now universal disability language.
Pacing
Balancing activity and rest to avoid overwhelm, burnout, or crashes.
Autistic Burnout
Complete physical, mental, and sensory collapse from the cumulative cost of existing in a neurotypical world. Skills disappear, speech vanishes, and previously automatic tasks become impossible—not tiredness but neurological system failure.
Accommodations
Changes to environment, tools, timing, or expectations that remove barriers so people can participate equally. Not special treatment or lowered standards—just different paths to the same destination.
Community Contributions
Your contributions help make definitions more accurate and accessible.