Self-care is something we all need, no matter where you land on the Enneagram spectrum. We all recharge and grow in different ways and thrive off different circumstances, but we all need to set aside time for self-care. 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 solo 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.

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.

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:

• Play hooky and take an “Artist Day”.
• Go for a nature walk.
• Visit your local bookstore and leisurely stroll through the aisles.

Type 5: The Observer

Fives are mental 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:

• Go on a long coffee date with your best friend.
• Indulge in a guided reiki energy practice.

Type 6: The Loyalist

Sixes are mental types who use their perception and intellect to understand the world and figure out whether other people are friendly or hostile. 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.
• Take a weekly kickboxing class to help strengthen and empower yourself.

Type 7: The Enthusiast

Sevens are mental types who 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 multi-tasking.
• Buy yourself a new planner to fill out and embellish.

Type 8: The Challenger

Eights are a body-based type who tend to take charge of situations and step into a leadership role. They are energetic and intense, and they can be intimidating at times to other people.

Self-care ideas:

• Write thank you notes to friends or colleagues who have made your world better recently.
• Take a sunset hike and drink in the view.
• Treat yourself to an hour-long hot stone massage.

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:

• Plan a last-minute weekend getaway with your partner or best friend.
• 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.