6 Quirky Ways to Use a Spoon to Build Mental Health Resilience: The Minions and Me

The other day, I found myself in the middle of something I never thought I’d experience — putting away dishes with a team of Minions. Yes, the Minions. It all started when I made a casserole so good that these little yellow chaos machines insisted on paying me back.

Their idea of “paying back” wasn’t bananas or their usual antics but helping me with household chores. Hey, I wasn’t about to complain.

So, there we were, surrounded by clean dishes, utensils, and a mountain of spoons that seemed to multiply every time we blinked. And that’s when it hit me: What if these spoons weren’t just kitchen tools… but mental health tools? 

A perfectly normal thought when you’ve got Minions around and a spoon in your hand.

But First, the Warrior Story

Okay, I got a little ahead of myself there. The truth is, the Minions only became Warriors after they heard my story — how for 20 years I struggled with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD from my time as an EMT during high school and college. Those battles left me feeling so powerless that I even tried to end my life. But out of that darkness, I discovered something life-changing: mental health is the key to overcoming any challenge.

Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program — a bold new SELF-HELP approach that puts YOU in charge! With it, you can take control of your emotions, triumph over challenges, and build the life you really want.

Now Back to the Spoon

As soon as I said it aloud, the Minions lit up with excitement. They started bouncing around, chattering in their hilarious gibberish, and before I knew it, we had brainstormed six surprisingly effective ways a Mental Health Warrior could use a spoon to build resilience.

Yes, it sounds ridiculous — but trust me, the Mental Health Warrior Program I created (from my own battles with Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD) is all about finding practical, even playful, tools to triumph over life’s challenges.

These spoon “tools” aren’t just silly — they’ll bring a smile to your face and strengthen your mental health.

So grab a spoon — here are six ways to turn it into a tool for resilience!

1. Spoon Meditation: Focus on the Details

The first Minion, holding a spoon up like a magic wand, squeaked, “Spoon… meditate!” He plopped down cross-legged, balancing the spoon on his head.

Another Minion tried to copy him but kept peeking to see if anyone was watching, while a third promptly fell asleep mid-chant, snoring so loudly the spoon rattled.

How it Works and Helps:

Grab a spoon and sit quietly for a minute. Hold the spoon in your hand and focus on its texture — the smoothness of the metal, the weight, and how the light reflects off it. Take slow, deep breaths and really immerse yourself in the sensation of holding the spoon.

This simple spoon meditation helps you practice mindfulness. Focusing on the present moment, even on something as mundane as a spoon, quiets the mental clutter. Instead of spiraling into worry about the future or replaying mistakes from the past, you’re anchored in the present.

And let’s face it — who ever thought a spoon could make you feel Zen?

2. Spoon as a Sensory Reset Tool

One particularly clever Minion darted to the refrigerator, grabbed a spoon, and pressed the cold metal against my forehead. “Cool down!” he squeaked, clearly proud of his quick thinking.

Another Minion immediately copied him, holding two spoons to his cheeks and shouting “Brain freeze!” while the others scrambled to the fridge like it was a contest.

How it Works and Helps:

When you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, a cold spoon from the refrigerator can serve as a sensory reset. The sudden chill interrupts racing thoughts and snaps you back to the present. It’s like hitting an emotional refresh button — helping you pause, refocus and regain control.

And let’s be honest, a spoon is way more convenient than splashing cold water on your face (and much less messy).

3. The Spoon Mirror Trick: Positive Affirmations

At some point, one of the Minions flipped the spoon over, saw his distorted reflection, and burst into laughter. Soon, another was flexing like a bodybuilder, another was blowing raspberries just to see the face warp, and Kevin stood solemnly declaring, “Banana warrior!” into his spoon.

That’s when it hit me — why not use the back of the spoon as a fun mirror?

How it Works and Helps:

Look into the spoon’s reflective side and tell yourself something positive. Try: “I’m a Mental Health Warrior!” or “I’ve got this!” The Minions were all over this, lining up to say silly affirmations while their reflections warped like a carnival mirror.

Positive affirmations are a powerful way to boost your mood and mental resilience — but adding a spoon mirror makes it fun. Seeing your distorted reflection while speaking positivity creates a light-hearted moment that lifts your spirits. Humor and resilience go hand in hand and the spoon mirror trick is the perfect combo.

4. Spoon Breathing Exercise

One Minion — the same one who had been balancing a plate on his head — suddenly held a spoon to his mouth and announced, “Breathe… on spoon!” He demonstrated with an exaggerated puff, fogging it up until he could doodle a lopsided smiley face.

Another Minion tried to outdo him by breathing so hard he nearly toppled over and soon they were all lined up, spoons pressed to their faces like some kind of weird Minion breathing choir.

How it Works and Helps:

Hold a spoon up to your mouth, breathe in deeply through your nose, and as you exhale, let your breath hit the spoon. Focus on the warmth of your breath against the metal. Repeat this a few times, each time slowing your breathing just a bit more.

Deliberate, slow breathing is a proven technique for calming anxiety and helping you center yourself. By focusing your breath on the spoon, you add a tactile element to the exercise, making it easier to stay in the moment.

It’s a quick way to reset when emotions run high — and let’s be real, it’s way more portable than yoga mats or meditation apps.

5. Spoon Balancing Act: Building Focus and Patience

One adventurous Minion stuck a spoon on his nose and shouted, “Steady… steady!” Naturally, the rest of us had to try. Soon the room was filled with wobbling spoons and Minions chanting like it was an Olympic event.

One Minion managed to balance two spoons at once and strutted like a champion — until he sneezed and sent them flying across the room.

How it Works and Helps:

Balancing a spoon on your nose might seem like pointless silliness, but it’s actually a great way to practice focus and patience. As you work to keep the spoon steady, your mind has no choice but to stay in the present moment.

It’s a playful reminder that life’s challenges often require patience — and that a little focus can go a long way, whether you’re balancing spoons or handling daily stress.

6. Spoonful of Gratitude: A Journaling Prompt

As we neared the end of our dish duty, one of the Minions raised a spoon high above his head and declared, “Spoon… thank you!” like it was a sacred artifact.

Another Minion immediately followed by thanking the salt shaker, the sink, and a random banana peel, while Bob grabbed a marker and wrote “thank you” across his forehead just to make it official.

How it Works and Helps:

This sparked a quirky gratitude exercise: every time you take a spoonful of something during a meal, think of one thing you’re grateful for.

Write these down in a journal throughout the day. By the time you finish your meal, you’ll have a list of small joys that made you smile. Gratitude journaling has been shown to improve mental health and by linking it to something as routine as eating, you turn it into a habit.

The spoon becomes a trigger for appreciation, helping you shift from stress and worry to positivity and strength.

A Spoonful of Mental Health Wisdom

By the end of our dish-washing session, the Minions and I had discovered more about spoons than I ever thought possible. Who knew they could double as powerful tools for a Mental Health Warrior? From mindfulness to sensory resets to gratitude, these quirky strategies prove resilience can be built in the most unexpected ways.

As the Minions piled into their car (half the spoons clattering to the pavement as they slammed the doors), they promised to use their new tricks in their chaotic, adventure-filled lives.

Honestly, if the Minions can find value in these spoon hacks, I’m confident anyone can.

So the next time you pick up a spoon, don’t just think about cereal. Think about strength. Think about resilience. And remember — you already hold the power to reset, reflect, and rise as a Mental Health Warrior! ⚔️🥄

Bruce Schutter

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