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What a year this has been. We all know how challenging 2020 has been on so many levels, so we won’t take a deep dive into all of that. But it’s worth mentioning that we need to get intentional about self care. With that and my obsession with the Enneagram, I decided to throw together a couple of self care ideas for each Enneagram personality type.
I’m not an expert, but I’ve studied the Enneagram a LOT over the last year or so. I have a pretty good grasp on every type. Learning the Enneagram has helped me not only figure out some of my own issues and things to work on, but it’s given me a very good understand of the people around me as well. And especially in 2020 when the whole world feels crazy… that’s been really helpful.
Self Care Is Important
We are so prone to putting ourselves on the back burner. Life is so busy, and crazy, and it’s easy to get caught up in other things. But self care is so important if we’re going to feel well. And feeling well is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves!
This will just be a quick post, so feel free to scroll to your type and read about it, or take suggestions from any of the other types, because self care can be whatever you need it to be.
If you’re still trying to determine your Enneagram Type, you can start by taking a test and then going from there! Here’s a free one to try. After you’ve gotten your initial results, take a deeper look into the core motivations and core fears of all the type and then simply choose which resonates with you the very most! Sometimes finding your type is a journey in itself.
Without further ado… here are some simple self care thoughts for each Enneagram Personality Type:
Enneagram Self Care For Type One: The Reformer
As an Enneagram type one, your inner critic is strong. You like things done well, and done thoroughly. Everything around you should be just as it should be, and you’re willing to step up to the plate to ensure that it happens that way. But with such incredible attention to detail and rightness, you can sometimes get pulled into a relentless cycle of doing and thinking in overdrive! In order to combat burnout, try getting lost in a good book or movie. This can help distract your mind from focusing so heavily on getting things done, and it can ease the inner critic that tends to run wild in your head. You might also head to the spa for some pampering. This can help relax those tense shoulders, so you can ease back into everyday life. And if you just need to do something, head out for a leisurely jog! Don’t worry about how far or fast you go. Just throw your running shoes on and head out the door with a really good playlist!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Two: The Giver
As an Enneagram type two, you never stop wanting to help the people around you. You can see a need and jump right in to meet that need with ease. But after a while of having the constant urge to help and give, you run low on steam yourself. While it’s really difficult for an Enneagram type two to see their own needs, it’s equally as important for an Enneagram type two to take good care of themselves as well. When the energy is running low, and you start to feel unappreciated and irritable, try doing the very thing that energizes you. Head out for a coffee date with a good friend. The connection and conversation will have you feeling better in no time! If you’re not ready to go anywhere, dive into a nice, long phone conversation with someone you love! That’ll do the trick as well. And if you just need to get up and moving but don’t feel the need to be around anyone, put on a great podcast or audiobook and get into a good old cleaning spree. Your home will feel fresh and new, and so will you!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Three: The Achiever
As an Enneagram type three, your to-do list is never-ending. Even your to-do list has a to-do list if you’re an Enneagram type three! You do an incredible job at getting things done, and since you’re in the aggressive stance, your energy level keeps you going for days, weeks, or even months without taking a break. But this can make burnout a very real and intense thing for you as an Enneagram type three. Because when you do get weary, it hits you hard. To avoid that plummet to the bottom, do something that keeps your mind engaged, but on things that are not stressful. Planning a getaway trip might make you feel free and excited while also giving you that much-needed opportunity to make a list and check it twice. If you want to stay in your own town, head out the door for a long run. This will help clear your head and give you a sense of accomplishment while also doing something that’s good for the body, soul, and spirit. And if all else fails, just hide your to-do list. Or commit to spending a whole weekend (or day, if you need to) completely list free. It will be hard to remain present without being “productive” but press past that and learn to sit in the discomfort a bit. Because afterwards you’ll be refreshed and ready to take on the world again!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Four: The Individualist
As an Enneagram type four, you love being your own person. You love to pave your own way, and can creatively find ways to do just that. You like taking on new endeavors, even if you don’t always have the full-steam-ahead mindset to carry them out completely before moving on to the next. You’re great at seeing the opportunity to do something new! As an Enneagram type four, your energy can sometimes feel hard to muster up. Unless you’re super motivated to do something, it can feel mundane and tedious. That feeling in itself is one that’s no fun. So in order break away from feeling unmotivated or burnt out, try tapping into some ideas that preserve your energy and spark your creativity. Embrace a slow Saturday morning, with zero plans, and lots of warm and delicious coffee. Grab a new journal and go to town. Get swept away in a good read, or head to the craft store and do something artsy. Any of these things can help you pause, reflect, and get right back to being the incredible and irreplaceable YOU!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Five: The Observer
As an Enneagram type five, you love information. You’ll study every single detail of a thing, unlike any other number on the Enneagram. You don’t mind spending time alone, as it gives you the much-desired time to think. Thinking and processing things energizes you, and helps you to embrace life with a positive and realistic outlook. But as an Enneagram type five, sometimes your energy level is in short supply. When you’re running low, do the things that energize you. Spend time alone, or with a friend you really cherish. Make time for an afternoon nap. Sleep is underrated, and will energize you so you can get back to all that investigating you love so much! And if you really want to use that incredible brain of yours, and you don’t just want to check-out completely, then grab a good novel and devour every word! Before you know it you’ll be feeling better than ever so you can face the day with a smile.
Enneagram Self Care For Type Six: The Loyalist
As an Enneagram type six, you’re always prepared for any and every situation you might encounter. You are incredible at thinking things all the way through in advance, so that you and your most loved humans are protected and safe at all times. You’re person who has everything any of us could ever need hiding out in her handbag. You can make a plan like no other Enneagram type! But as an Enneagram type six, your anxiety can run high with thinking through every what-if scenario for every situation. You need time to put your mind at ease. To do that, try distracting yourself from anxious thoughts, and centering yourself. Take a yoga class, or try another calming practice like meditation. Grab a book and get lost in it. Or, it might help to go to your favorite store and treat yourself! You’re always prepared, and have all the things that are needed, so flip the script a bit and try buying yourself something you want!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Seven: The Enthusiast
As an Enneagram type seven, you’re always ready for some fun! You work lots of experiences into you life to keep things fresh and exciting. No boredom where you are! Enneagram type sevens have lots of energy and that fuels their need to explore, enjoy, and engage. But every Enneagram type needs to slow down and do what refuels them from time to time. Maybe you want to do something big and amazing! If so, plan a weekend getaway for yourself, your family, or your group of besties! This will rev you up and help get your mind away from the mundane tasks of the day-to-day. If you’re wanting to keep things simple, just grab (or make) yourself a fancy latte. Scroll through Pinterest and find a fun something to make, and enjoy it! Take a group fitness class, like cycle or Zumba! This will let you draw from the energy of being around lots of people. Or keep things really simple. Do something crafty that involves getting your hands dirty. Do the fun things, but find the value in embracing the calm as well!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Eight: The Challenger
As an Enneagram Type eight, your energy supply is nearly unlimited. You have more energy than any number on the Enneagram. You’re passionate, strong, and have a huge heart for justice in any capacity. You work hard, you’re focused, you’re diligent. You don’t mind stepping up and leading the way and doing it well. As an Enneagram type eight you have an intensity about things. So for you, channeling your intensity and anger is important. You have it, so use it productively! Try doing a really tough workout like a strong, fast, run or dropping into a CrossFit class. This will utilize that energy toward something that is good for the body and mind. Another way to implement some self care is to set aside time with your family. After working hard, you’ll enjoy spending quality time with the people you love. And if you need some time to yourself, go get a massage! This will work out those tense muscles while helping you to recharge so you can go out and change the world again!
Enneagram Self Care For Type Nine: The Peacemaker
As an Enneagram type nine you love to feel comfortable, relaxed, and calm as much as possible. The funny thing is, you use so much energy trying to stay in harmony with others and unbothered by life, that you actually run out of energy quicker than any other number on the Enneagram! Your energy supply operates like a silo. You’ve got it for a while, but when it’s gone it’s gone. And when that happens you’re at absolute zero. It’s really hard to disengage and make yourself relax before getting to this point, but if you try some self care, it will help! Remember, your needs are important, even though as a nine you forget that. Getting away from people (even amazing people that you love) is very helpful to an Enneagram type nine because when you’re around others your energy goes straight toward keeping things conflict-free at all times. Try heading out for a leisurely nature walk. Nines love the outdoors more than any other number! Spend some times alone, reading a magazine or taking a bubble bath. Wake up slowly on a Saturday morning and sip some warm coffee while reading a book or doodling. Any of these will help center your thoughts so you can keep the peace within.
Well there you have it, friend! If you want to learn more about the enneagram find me on Instagram (@jenniferwagner.co) or go through some of my other blog posts, such as this one about fitness motivation and the enneagram! See ya soon!
