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Learn how the enneagram and self-care go together for a more holistic approach to personal growth and well-being.
As we all know, taking care of ourselves is crucial for our mental, emotional, and physical health. However, the way we practice self-care can differ depending on our enneagram type.
In this post, we’ll explore some self-care tips that are tailored to each type.
If you are unsure which enneagram type you are, you can check out my posts on how to find your enneagram type and how to confirm your enneagram type to help figure things out.
The Enneagram And Self-Care
Self-Care For Type 1s
For type 1s, self-care can often be about letting go of the need to control everything.
- Practice mindfulness to help you stay present and release your attachment to perfectionism.
- Try doing something creative, like painting or writing, to get out of your head and into a more relaxed state.
- Remember to take breaks and give yourself permission to rest, instead of constantly pushing yourself to be productive.
- Take a walk in nature to calm you and allow you to see nature’s perfect imperfection.
Self-Care For Type 2s
As a type 2, you may find it hard to prioritize your own needs over the needs of others. Remember that self-care is not selfish, but essential as filling your own cup will allow you to love others more.
- Take time to do something that makes you happy, whether it’s reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk in nature.
- Practice setting boundaries and saying no when you need to.
- Make sure to check in with yourself regularly and give yourself permission to feel all of your emotions.
- Do something creative. It doesn’t even have to be solo; you could do one of those paint & sip classes with your friends.
Self-Care For Type 3s
For type 3s, self-care can mean letting go of the need to constantly perform and achieve.
- Take time to do things that you enjoy just for the sake of doing them, without any expectation of success or recognition.
- Practice self-compassion and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned, people will still find you valuable even if something failed.
- Remember to rest and take breaks, instead of always pushing yourself to be productive. Burnout is real!
- Journal. Journaling is a way that you can tap into what you are actually feeling instead of setting those feelings aside so that you can be what you think others want you to be.
Self-Care For Type 4s
If you are a type 4, you’ll find that self-care can be about embracing your unique qualities and expressing your creativity.
- Take time to pursue your passions and hobbies, and don’t be afraid to be different.
- Make a gratitude list. Write out not just the things you are grateful for like health but ways aspects of yourself and others that you are grateful for.
- Remember to connect with your support system, whether that’s through therapy, friends, or family.
- Get moving. Whether its yoga, walking, running, or dancing getting active will help you connect with your body.
Self-Care For Type 5s
For type 5s, self-care can mean stepping out of your comfort zone and connecting with others.
- Practice mindfulness to help you stay present and connected to your body.
- Take breaks and give yourself permission to rest, instead of constantly pursuing knowledge and information. (hint odds are you actually have enough information already)
- Remember to reach out to others for support and connection when you need it.
- Take a walk while listening to music. This will get you connected to your body and the music will help you get out of your head a bit.
Self-Care For Type 6s
If you are a type 6, self-care can be about managing anxiety and fear.
- Practice grounding techniques, like deep breathing or visualization, to help you stay present and calm.
- Take time to connect with your support system, whether that’s through therapy, friends, or family.
- List all the times your own advise was correct. This will help train your mind to remember that there’s another side to worse-case scenarios.
- Unplug from social media and the news. It likely feeds your fears.
Self-Care For Type 7s
For type 7s, self-care can mean embracing stillness and being present in the moment.
- Practice mindfulness to help you stay grounded and connected to your body.
- Remember to take breaks and give yourself permission to rest, instead of constantly seeking out new experiences and adventures. Perhaps stay home for a day.
- Journal how you are actually feeling (even if it’s the “yucky” emotions) and allow yourself to feel all of your emotions, instead of always trying to stay positive.
- Clean your room, declutter the living room, tidy up the bathroom. Is it mundane, yes? Will it help your mental health because now that area is clean, yes.
Self-Care For Type 8s
If you’re a type 8, self-care can be about managing your anger and intensity.
- Practice mindfulness to help you stay present and centered.
- Remember to take breaks and give yourself permission to rest, instead of constantly pushing yourself to be in control.
- Workout. Taking care of your physical body is not only standard self-care but it allows you to burn off some of that excess energy that you constantly have.
- Journal your feelings. No need to fear weakness in your journal, only you have to know about this. Feel free to delete or burn your journal when you are done.
Self-Care For Type 9s
For type 9s, self-care can mean finding your voice and learning to express your own opinions.
- Connect with your passions. Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy.
- Voice your opinions. It doesn’t have to be earth-shattering opinions; it can simply be that you want Chinese food for dinner.
- Reconnect with your body by taking a walk or run. This can be particularly relaxing if done in nature.
- Practice saying no to requests that don’t align with what you truly want or believe. You can still be connected with others while still maintaining your own boundaries.
Want more info on each type?
I have full posts for each type: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, Type 4, Type 5, Type 6, Type 7, Type 8, Type 9
