Self Care Looks Different For Eve…. Each ENNEAGRAM Type!
Enneagram Inspired Self Care
We’ve never needed self-care more than we do now. Anxiety, fear, overwhelm, loneliness – it can all get to be too much if we don’t stop and give ourselves some much needed TLC. Self-care and coping strategies aren’t one size fits all, and what works for you, may not work for me.
I’ve turned to the enneagram to see what self care practices might work best for each type!!
Enjoy, and let us know in the comments if you have other MUST DO rituals for your type!
Type One: Tap into Your Creativity - Practical, responsible, logical and virtuous, type ones or “Reformers” often suppress their true desires. They’d benefit by tapping into their creativity and just letting loose. Try a virtual dance class on YouTube or spend 30 minutes painting just for fun. Forget the rules and give yourself permission to be completely carefree!
Type Two: Reconnect with Yourself – Type twos or the “Helpers” are friendly, loving and eager to help others. However, twos need to remember that they can’t give away all their energy to others and ignore their own needs; you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take some time to be alone and really check in with yourself through journaling or meditation.
Type Three: Slow Down – Constantly on the go, the “Achievers” are always striving to do just that. Threes are all about succeeding and getting things done, and the majority of the time, they do. However, life is about balance, so give yourself the gift of a pause. Take a break from your screen and go outside. Take a calming walk through nature or sit with yourself and journal all the things you are grateful for in your life and about yourself.
Type Four: Ground Yourself – Known as “Individualists,” fours are creative, artistic and spiritual; however, they are the most emotional of the enneagram and feel things deeply, with a tendency to sometimes withdraw from others. When you start to feel detached, take time to ground yourself through a yoga flow focused on the root chakra or by connecting with friends for a socially distanced picnic or Zoom. Wherever you are, just be in the present moment, focusing on the here and now.
Type Five: Nourish Your Mind – Fives live to learn and problem solve. Intellect and competency are core values for our “Investigators.” It’s easy for fives to get caught up in solving all the world’s problems, especially with everything going on today. Channel this energy in a positive way by learning a new skill through an online class – maybe cooking or the instrument that you’ve always wanted to play. Get lost in a good book or pour yourself a cup of tea and watch a documentary on a topic that interests you.
Type Six: Declutter – This time is especially tough on our “Loyalists” as they desire security and stability above all, which can sometimes manifest as anxiety. Get rid of the clutter in both your mind and space by finally tackling that organization project; maybe it’s a bookshelf, closet or entire room. Manage your anxious thoughts by journaling. Jot down all your fears and worries (yep, every single one, get ‘em all out!) And then ask yourself how likely are those things to really happen? And if they do, how likely is it that you’ll actually recover stronger than ever?! See how much grace you can give yourself and make space in your mind for hope and positivity.
Type Seven: Establish a Routine – Excitable and vibrant, “Enthusiasts” crave freedom and spontaneity but can also become scattered. Use this time to create a routine that brings intention to each day and helps you feel content with exactly where you are. Maybe it’s a morning walk you take every single day or a facemask and candlelit bath each night. A mindfulness meditation may also be really useful to keep you out of your head and in your body. Find what works for you and stick with it.
Type Eight: Breathe and Retreat – It sounds simple, but breathwork and meditation can immensely help the “Challengers” let go and release their need for control. Find a safe space where you feel comfortable and can recharge, and try a guided breath work practice for releasing stagnant energy! Alternate nostril breathing is a great place to start!
Even a practice as simple as envisioning yourself grounded to the earth, and taking 15-20 slow deep breaths in the morning to balance your energy- could be very useful for the rest of your day!
Type Nine: Get Moving - Nines are our “Peacemakers” and tend to avoid conflict and go with the flow. In stress, they can rely on sleep & rest a little too much. We need nines’ peaceful energy out in the world now more than ever. Get your body moving and heart pumping every day. Make sure that this feels rejuvenating – whether it’s a walk or a virtual Pilates class – find an activity that lights you up and doesn’t feel like a burden! Then balance all that movement with a peaceful end to the day… light some candles, dim the lights and put on your favorite chill playlist.
I hope this was helpful to you!!
Let us know any of your other favorite self care rituals!!