Protect Your Kettle: A New Take on Self-Care

Liz Plowman
Sep 4, 2024
4 min read

We’re all familiar with the saying, "You can't pour from an empty cup." It serves as a gentle reminder that you can't give to others when you have nothing left yourself. But I recently came across a fresh perspective that I find even more fitting:

"You can't boil an empty kettle."

Why This New Adage Matters

Think about it: pouring from an empty cup leaves you with nothing, but it doesn’t necessarily cause damage. On the other hand, trying to boil an empty kettle can lead to real harm—damaging the kettle, cracking it, or even starting a fire. For those of us living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG), this adage rings especially true. When we push ourselves beyond our limits, it’s not just a matter of having nothing left to give; we risk serious harm to our health and well-being.

Boiling an empty kettle is a metaphor for what happens when we continue to push ourselves even when we're already running on empty. It's more than just exhausting; it's dangerous. We can end up causing more damage to our bodies, potentially leading to increased symptoms, flare-ups, or other health complications.

Understanding Your Limits

Living with MG means that our energy levels fluctuate, and some days, even the simplest tasks can feel monumental. It’s important to recognize and respect these limits to avoid the metaphorical “boil.” Here are a few practical tips to help protect your energy reserves:

Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Understand that rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Incorporate rest breaks into your daily routine and listen to your body’s signals. If you’re feeling fatigued, it’s okay (and a good idea) to pause and take a break.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to activities or requests that feel overwhelming. Whether it's a social event, a work task, or even household chores, setting boundaries can help protect your energy. Remember, sometimes saying no to others is saying yes to yourself.
Plan and Pace Yourself: When you have activities or tasks that need to be done, try to space them out throughout the day or week. For example, instead of cleaning the entire house in one go, break it down into smaller tasks spread over several days. (Better still, delegate!)
Use Energy-Saving Strategies: Consider using tools and techniques that make daily tasks easier. For instance, sitting while you cook, using a stool in the shower, or using a rolling cart to move items around the house can save energy and reduce strain.
Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's friends, family, or community resources, there’s no shame in reaching out. You don’t have to do it all on your own.

Examples of How to Apply This Mindset

Let’s look at a few scenarios where the “empty kettle” analogy applies:

Work Commitments: Suppose you're feeling particularly drained, but you have a looming deadline at work. Instead of pushing yourself to meet the deadline at the expense of your health, consider talking to your manager about extending the deadline or delegating part of the work. Overexerting yourself could lead to a flare-up, making it even harder to perform in the long run.
Social Obligations: Maybe you have plans to meet friends for dinner, but you're already exhausted from the day. Instead of forcing yourself to go and risking further fatigue, consider rescheduling for a day when you're feeling better or suggesting a less strenuous activity, like a video call or a quiet coffee date.
Daily Chores: If you’re feeling fatigued but notice the laundry piling up, instead of doing multiple loads in one day, try spreading them out over the week. Use energy-saving techniques like rolling laundry baskets to avoid carrying heavy loads or a folding board to preserve your arm strength. And learn to be okay with a little mess. Rest first. I promise it will still be there when you've recovered.

Protecting Your "Kettle"

Living with MG means you have to be mindful of your energy reserves. Just like a kettle can’t boil when it’s empty, you can’t keep giving when you’re depleted. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about being smart with the limited energy you have. Protect your “kettle” to ensure you can function at your best and avoid unnecessary harm.

Final Thoughts

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish. It’s about maintaining your well-being so you can continue to show up for yourself and those you care about. Let’s embrace the idea that you can't boil an empty kettle and take the steps necessary to ensure we’re always filled up and ready to go. Because in the end, taking care of yourself is the most valuable gift you can give to both yourself and those around you. 💙

Stay mindful, protect your energy, and keep taking care of yourself. You’re doing great!

Dr. Liz Plowman, PT, DPT, is an MG-specialized Physiotherapist, speaker, educator, and author of the #1 Amazon Bestseller, Some Spoons Are Worth Spending: Practical Energy Conservation Strategies to Live Your BEST LIFE with Myasthenia Gravis (available direct, from Amazon, and most major book retailers).