I was on a walk recently, one of my favorite self-care practices, enjoying the scenery of a beautiful summer day.
The birds were chirping. The trees were blowing in a gentle breeze. Ahh. It was so relaxing.
On this particular walk, I decided to leave my headphones behind and let my mind wander. It was meditative and soothing to be on my own in those 15 minutes and take a break from the day’s craziness.
I believe self-care is critical for everyone. Making sure to take time for yourself during the day is essential in maintaining mental health. Taking even just five minutes daily to breathe or reset can be helpful in the long run.
It got me wondering how other Enneagram types practice self-care. I posed this question in an Enneagram Facebook group and was fascinated by everyone’s answers.
The responses run the gamut from having dance parties with friends (does it surprise you to know this was said by a Type 7? 
) to setting boundaries (I loved this answer said by a Type 6. It’s a self-care practice we should all be implementing.).
I’ve compiled everyone’s answers by type, which can be found below.
Self-Care Practices of the Head Types
How Type 8s Practice Self-Care
- Spending time in nature, either walking or kayaking
- Being creative
- Being at home doing whatever I want
- Doing something nice for someone else
- Following a routine
- Dancing or listening to music
- Breathing exercises/meditation
- Making pros and cons lists to organize thoughts and emotions
- Learning/reading
- Running or spin classes
How Type 9s Practice Self-Care
- Going to the gym
- Nature walks (with a friend makes it even better)
- Camping
- Yoga
- Long walks or drives listening to music
- Reading
- Naps
- Spending time with the people I’m most comfortable with
- Creative expression
- Closing my eyes and pretending I’m somewhere else
How Type 1s Practice Self-Care
- Watching mindless TV
- Crocheting
- Reading
- Baths
- Camping in a place of solitude
- Being in the quiet
- Watching movies
Self-Care Practices of the Heart Types
How Type 2s Practice Self-Care
- Being outdoors
- Hiking
- Bubble baths
- Being with friends
- Reading
- Listening to music
How Type 3s Practice Self-Care
- Scheduling self-care in my diary so I remember to do it
- Getting a massage
- Journaling
- Walking
- Hiking
- Meditating
- Yoga
- Reading self-development books
- Saying “no” and staying in to rest
- Resting despite the temptation to work
- Organizing my life, so it’s less stressful
- Brand new experiences
- Listening to music instead of books and podcasts
How Type 4s Practice Self-Care
- Meditating
- Taking solo hikes
- Listening to podcasts
- Growth and development books
- Deep talks with friends
- Driving alone while listening to music
- Being in nature
- Treating myself extra kind to combat my inner critic
- Dressing up a bit to make myself feel attractive
- Watching my favorite comfort show
- Resting/taking a nap
Self-Care Practices of the Head Types
How Type 5s Practice Self-Care
- Nature walks
- Listen to music
- Reading
- Getting my nails done
- Going to therapy
- Cooking alone
- Grabbing dinner with a close childhood friend
- Lay in bed and ignore the world for a bit
- Play guitar
- Going to the beach
- Spend time with my kids
- Plot and scheme how to take over the world…Just kidding!
How Type 6s Practice Self-Care
- My love language is receiving gifts
- Taking baths
- Meditation to calm my anxiety
- Relaxing
- Reading
- Sayin “no” on occasion
- Setting boundaries
- Taking mental health days from work
- Going out with my partner
- Exercise/kickboxing
- Going to church
- Color and draw
- Get myself a coffee
- Pamper myself
- Take my time shopping in a store I love
How Type 7s Practice Self-Care
- Going to the gym
- Any fun activity, game, etc.
- Travel
- Eat
- Reading
- Massage
- Facials
- Getting my hair and nails done
- Going to a fun social event
- Retail therapy!
- Something active
- Creating something artsy (i.e., collage, dance, photo editing)
- Hikes
- Podcasts/reading to learn more
- Treat myself to something fun. I can make anything fun, so that’s not too hard!
- Dance parties for one. Or multiple!
- Snuggles with my little
I loved learning about the different self-care practices of each type. It shows that there is no right or wrong way to show yourself some love.
Did any of the answers surprise you?
Do you agree with your type’s answers?
Let me know how you practice self-care in the comments.
"Taking care of myself doesn't mean 'me first,' it means 'me, too.'"
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