Self-care is something we all need, but depending on where you land on the Enneagram spectrum, what constitutes self-care may look different. We all recharge and grow in varied ways and we thrive under certain circumstances. So, read on, find your Enneagram type, and indulge in some practical, crucial acts of self-care.
Type 1: The Perfectionist
Ones are a body-based type with an emphasis on personal integrity and self-control. Their attention goes toward seeing and correcting what is wrong and doing the right thing. They are known for their honesty, dependability and common sense.
Self-care ideas:
- Unplug from social media for the weekend and put your phone on do not disturb mode.
- Do a fun online dance class that allows you to let loose and break a sweat.
- Participate in an early morning meditation where you focus on releasing all judgement and self-doubt.
Type 2: The Helper
Twos are a feeling-based type with a focus on relationship. They excel at making connections and empathizing with the needs and feelings of other people.
Self-care ideas:
- Take an early morning wrap 'n' walk each morning to ground yourself before diving into helping others.
- Try Morning Pages—a practice where you spend the first 30 minutes or so of your day writing long-form, stream-of-consciousness thought.
- Make yourself your favorite breakfast. The kids can eat cereal, it's fine 😜.
Type 3: The Achiever
Threes are feeling-based types, but they channel their emotional energy into getting things done. They take the initiative and work hard to accomplish their goals.
Self-care ideas:
- Write a letter to a friend. It helps you take a break from your to-do list and just chill for a bit.
- Start a breathwork practice. Threes typically struggle to really take a break from the hustle and bustle. A quick breathwork routine will help ground you.
- Do a cool, funky puzzle. If you have little humans this may feel daunting, but even just 15 minutes before bed is better than nothing!
Type 4: The Romantic
Fours are feeling-based types who often experience a sense of longing and melancholy. Something is missing for them, which can lead to a quest for wholeness through romantic idealism, healing or aesthetics.
Self-care ideas:
- Take an “Artist Day” where you go to a record store or an art exhibit. Anywhere works as long as it gets you new ideas.
- Go for a nature walk.
- Visit your local bookstore and leisurely stroll through the aisles.
Type 5: The Observer
Fives are cerebral types who focus on intellectual understanding and accumulating knowledge. They are often scholars or technical experts because of their keen perception and analytical ability.
Self-care ideas:
- Savor a long coffee date with your best friend. Find a spot that's kid-friendly and let the littles roam together while you catch up.
- Binge-listen to a podcast about a topic or story that intrigues you.
- Check out a book from the library that intrigues you and aim to sneak in 15 minutes of reading during naptime.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Sixes are phrenic types who use their perception and intellect to understand the world and the people around them. They focus on guarding the safety of the group, project or community.
Self-care ideas:
- Volunteer for a cause that’s important to you. Deliver groceries, write letters to your senators, etc.
- Try a virtual kickboxing class to help strengthen and empower yourself.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Sevens are forward thinkers and forward movers. They usually bring an optimistic and positive attitude to all of their activities.
Self-care ideas:
- Put on your favorite record that invokes a strong feeling in you and listen to it from start to finish without interruptions or multitasking.
- Buy yourself a new planner to fill out and embellish.
Type 8: The Challenger
Eights tend to take charge of situations and step into a leadership role. They are energetic and intense, but in a completely caring way.
Self-care ideas:
- Write thank-you notes to mama friends who have made your world better recently.
- Take a sunset hike and drink in the view.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Balanced at the top of the Enneagram, nines are the most basic and most numerous personality type. They are the “salt of the earth” and the “glue” that holds the community together.
Self-care ideas:
- Try a restorative, gentle yoga class or online video. Bonus points for doing it by candlelight.
- Buy a new cookbook and try out a couple of the recipes for dinner this week.
