6 Ways to Use a Spatula to Boost Your Mental Health: How SpongeBob and the Gang Took Flippin’ Action

It all started when I was strolling past the town square and heard the unmistakable sound of uncontrollable sobbing mixed with oceanic squeaks. I turned the corner and there they were — SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy and even Mr. Krabs — huddled around a picnic table, looking like the cast of a post-apocalyptic seafood drama.

SpongeBob saw me first. “BRUCE! We need help!”

“Current events are killing our vibe,” Patrick moaned. “It’s like doomscrolling... but in real life.” Even Squidward looked mildly more miserable than usual. “I used to be able to ignore the world, but now even my clarinet sounds stressed.”

They already knew my story. SpongeBob once held a surprise intervention-slash-bubble party to get me to talk about it.

“Bruce struggled for 20 years with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD,” Sandy said solemnly. “Then he hit rock bottom, tried to end it all... but in that dark time he realized something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenges!”

“That’s right,” SpongeBob sniffled. “And armed with that knowledge, he created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge — so you can take charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want!”

“It’s like the Krabby Patty formula,” added Mr. Krabs, “but for your brain.”

I smiled. “You’re all Mental Health Warriors now too. So, what brings you here?”

“We need something to help us,” SpongeBob said. “Something easy. Something... unexpected!”

The Secret Weapon

“You want the secret weapon?” I asked.

SpongeBob leaned in dramatically. “Bruce… what tools have you been saving for a rainy day?”

I reached into my tote bag and pulled out a shiny, slightly battle-worn SPATULA.

Squidward groaned. “A spatula?”

“Oh, but it’s not just a spatula,” I said. “It’s a Mental Health Warrior Tool — found in every kitchen, ready to serve up more than just Krabby Patties. And today, you’re going to learn how to use it — in six powerful, oddly effective ways.”

Action 1: The Flip-and-Release Technique

When stress starts to tighten its grip, I grab my spatula — yes, an actual one — and step into what I call the Flip-and-Release Technique. I take a deep breath, name whatever’s weighing on me and then I flip an imaginary pancake into the air while shouting, “I RELEASE YOU!”

It may sound ridiculous, but that’s the point. Saying the stress out loud pulls it out of the mental fog and the act of flipping becomes a physical declaration that anxiety isn’t running the show.

What starts as a goofy moment ends up creating space in my head and calm in my body. It’s an instant reset button that helps me laugh, breathe and move forward stronger.

SpongeBob’s Plan:

When I showed the technique to SpongeBob and the gang, they dove in like it was a Krabby Patty cook-off.

“Patrick and I are doing daily double flip-offs anytime we feel overwhelmed!” SpongeBob announced proudly. “Bonus points if we yell, ‘YOU’RE NOT IN CHARGE, STRESS!’ mid-flip.”

Even Squidward gave it a reluctant try. “It’s still ridiculous,” he muttered, “but my clarinet solos sound slightly less tragic now.”

And that’s when it clicked for all of them — the power wasn’t in the spatula itself. It was in releasing what they couldn’t control, moving their bodies and laughing while doing it.

Action 2: The Stirring Solution Shuffle

When I’m stuck in a spiral of overthinking or anxiety, I grab my trusty spatula and start the Stirring Solution Shuffle. I picture myself mixing a giant pot of courage, resilience and calm — the kind of internal recipe only a Mental Health Warrior could whip up.

I plant my feet, stand tall, and stir like my sanity depends on it. Some days it’s a slow, steady mix. Other days it’s a full-on whirlwind — complete with dramatic battle music in the background. The movement helps my body release tension while my mind locks onto a sense of forward motion.

By the time I’m done, I’m breathing deeper, standing tall and ready to face whatever’s next — one spoonful of courage at a time.

SpongeBob’s Plan:

When I showed this one to SpongeBob and the gang, they went all in — aprons, ladles and full Krusty Krab choreography.

“We’re starting every day at the Krusty Krab with a Courage Stir!” SpongeBob beamed. “Even Squidward joined in — as long as he can stir slowly and scowl dramatically. That still counts!”

Patrick called his version ‘The Confidence Soup Special’ — mostly because he spilled half of it on himself — but by the end, even he admitted he felt lighter.

What they discovered was simple but powerful: when you move your body with intention and visualize building strength, your brain follows.

Action 3: The Sizzle Dance Reset

When stress hits hard or my mood starts to flatline, I grab my spatula, crank up a song, and launch into what I call The Sizzle Dance Reset. I pretend the spatula is my dance partner and start moving — awkwardly, enthusiastically, or both. I add sizzling sound effects for dramatic flair, because why not?

It’s not about skill; it’s about state. Physical movement changes brain chemistry and even a silly dance releases endorphins that melt away stress and lift your mood. The more ridiculous the moves, the better the results. Laughter is part of the medicine.

By the time the “sizzle” fades, my heartbeat is steady, my brain’s lighter and my focus is back. It’s proof that joy can be a deliberate act — one goofy shuffle at a time.

SpongeBob’s Plan:

When I showed SpongeBob and the gang, they didn’t hesitate. “Dance party in the kitchen anytime someone feels overwhelmed!” SpongeBob announced.

Even Mr. Krabs approved a five-minute Sizzle Break — as long as it didn’t interrupt the lunch rush. Patrick turned it into a full performance, Squidward grudgingly added interpretive clarinet and Sandy claimed it doubled as cardio.

By the end of it, they all agreed on one thing: moving together made the stress lighter.

Action 4: The Scrape-Away the Junk

When my head feels cluttered with negativity — the kind of self-talk that whispers “you’re not enough” or “you’re stuck” — I grab my spatula and do a quick Scrape-Away Reset. I imagine all that mental gunk coating my arms, chest, or shoulders, and I physically scrape it off.

Out loud, I’ll name it: “This is doubt.” “This is fear.” “This is yesterday’s junk I don’t need today.” Then I toss it away like I’m clearing the griddle of my mind.

The movement signals the body to let go and the mind follows. It’s mental health spring cleaning in motion: scrape, toss and make space for something better.

SpongeBob’s Plan:

When I showed this one to SpongeBob and the gang, they turned it into a daily ritual.

“Patrick and I are starting every morning with a Scrape-Off Session!” SpongeBob announced. “We’re scraping off Doubt, Fear, and any leftover Monday energy.”

Patrick, of course, took it to another level. “I’m a pro,” he said proudly. “It’s all that jellyfish goo experience.” He even named his spatula: Sir Scrapes-a-Lot.

By the end of the week, they swore their moods were lighter and their minds clearer — proof that even in Bikini Bottom, a good scrape can change the day.

Action 5: The Warrior Reflection

At the end of the day, I grab my spatula, tap it lightly on my palm, and name one thing I did well. Just one. Then I say out loud, “That’s enough for today.”

It’s simple, but powerful. Celebrating small wins rewires your brain to focus on progress instead of problems. The physical tap gives that thought a home — like a punctuation mark for your effort. It’s the Warrior’s version of a mic drop: a moment that says, I showed up. I fought through. I made progress.

Over time, this practice trains my mind to see victory in the everyday moments — not because the day was perfect, but because I didn’t quit.

SpongeBob’s Plan:

When I told SpongeBob and the gang about this one, they turned it into a nightly ritual.

“Every night before bed, we’ll have a Team Tap Session!” SpongeBob declared. “We’ll go around the room, say one win and whisper, ‘That’s enough.’ Even if the only win is, ‘I didn’t launch a tray of Krabby Patties at someone today.’”

“Which,” I said, “is huge progress for Squidward.”

They laughed, but they got it — reflection isn’t about perfection. Because real Warriors know: every small win counts.

Action 6: The Gratitude Grill-Down

When life starts to feel like a pressure cooker, I grab my spatula and do a Gratitude Grill-Down. I imagine I’m grilling up something awesome, then for 30 seconds, I call out everything I’m grateful for — no matter how small.

“Clean socks.” “That jellyfish didn’t sting me.” “I remembered deodorant.”

It might sound funny, but it works. Gratitude literally changes your brain chemistry. It boosts serotonin and lowers cortisol — your stress hormone — which means you’re cooking up better mental health with every thought.

SpongeBob’s Plan:

SpongeBob loved this one immediately. “We’ll do it every morning during the breakfast shift — Gratitude Grill-Down over seaweed toast!” he said.

Patrick started shouting, “I’m grateful for naps! For pickles! For not exploding the fryer today!” while Sandy wrote her thank-you’s on napkins and stuck them to the fryer for inspiration.

“Unless they catch fire,” Squidward muttered. “Then we’ll just… read them quickly.”

Even with the occasional smoke alarm, the result was the same: more laughter, less stress and a shared reminder that gratitude keeps your mental grill from burning out.

Wrap-Up

By the time we finished, everyone was holding their spatulas like swords. Mr. Krabs had already tried to monetize the idea. Sandy was sketching out tactical spatula holsters. Even Squidward looked… slightly less annoyed.

SpongeBob gave me a jellyfish hug. “Thank you, Bruce. Who knew a spatula could stir up so much joy?”

I smiled. “That’s the Warrior Way! You can find a whole arsenal of tools and ways to take action when you embrace the Mental Health Warrior Program and show up for yourself each day.

Because sometimes, strength isn’t loud — sometimes it’s shiny, flat and hiding in your kitchen drawer.”

So if the world feels like it’s flipping you upside down, grab your spatula and flip it back. Because Mental Health Warriors rise… one flip at a time!

Bruce Schutter

Every day is a chance to choose strength — because YOU'RE IN CHARGE!