Here’s What to Add to Your Wellness Routine, Based on Your Enneagram

The new year is a great opportunity to review your wellness routine and determine how you can best care for your most valuable asset, your well-being. Whether you set resolutions or not, this time of year serves as an important reset for identifying what your mind and body actually need to be healthy—and what better way to find out than by asking your Enneagram? In other words: rDo not add everything to your self-care checklist (a recipe for burnout).), we’ve narrowed down what may resonate best based on your Enneagram type for further personalization.

With this added layer of awareness, you can nourish your needs on a deeper level and give yourself the self-care you’ve been craving. I believe that the Enneagram Type can provide a lot more insight into your mind, body, and soul. Giselle Wasfie is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Find out which wellness practice to try in 2022, based on your Enneagram. 

You can indulge in more massages, or you can try your hand at self-massage.

Type Ones are organized, disciplined, and hardworking. They place a lot of pressure upon themselves to do the right thing and do it well. Their perfectionistic tendencies can cause them to have trouble relaxing and may feel tight shoulders and neck muscles. Massages and cupping are great ways to release tension. Cupping is an ancient therapy that can prove to be particularly beneficial for Ones. “It takes the weight off your shoulders both literally and spiritually, allowing you to let go of pressure and move through the world with more ease and lightness,” Wasfie explained. Regular massages not within your budget (because it is the same). Do you want to do a self massage? Pick your favorite essential oil, and work on any tight areas in your neck or shoulders before you go to bed.

Be more mindful when you eat

Twos are caring and generous, and tend to put others’ needs before their own. Twos will be more mindful about their eating habits, which will help them prioritize their own health and provide nourishment for others. We’re all guilty of scarfing down a quick lunch when there are important things going on, and Twos might find themselves doing this quite often or might overindulge in sweets and comfort foods because they’re not giving themselves comfort in other ways. It’s possible to eat mindfully and enjoy every bite. You can also try other principles of intuitive food, such as eating as self-care and recognizing ingrained food rules.

When you feel stressed, do some breathing exercises

Threes are capable of being flexible and ambitious. While they are pursuing their many goals, they can also be overworked and seek approval. Taking a (literal) breather from the hustle helps this fast-paced type stay grounded and connect with themselves so they can make sure they’re pursuing what’s right for them. There are many breathing exercises that you can do throughout the day. You might want to try this before a big presentation or meeting. 4-7-8 breathing techniqueOr Alternate nostril breathingto relax and slow down your body. Or if you’re in the midst of a stressful situation or frustrated by something, Box breathingThis can help you calm down and not react. 

Try crystal healing for yourself

Four Types are sensitive and self-aware. They can become lost in their own emotions. Crystal healing not only appeals to their love for aesthetics, but it also helps them to find balance and peace when things seem overwhelming. Crystals can be used in many ways. You can hold them in your hands for support, or place them on your desk or yoga mat to benefit from their healing properties. “Crystals can be an expression of emotions and desires, so they can especially help Type Fours express their emotions or find balance,” Wasfie said. As for where to start if you’re a newbie to crystals, she recommended clear quartzes, as they don’t retain any negative energy and can help Fours see the big picture more clearly. 

Improve your sleep-care

Fives are intelligent and curious, but they also need to be alone to recharge their batteries. Because they can get “in their heads” and over-rely on facts and logic, self-care is all about recharging and relaxing, and quality sleep can help them not only feel their best but also find balance. You can focus your energy on sleep-care and stick to a regular sleep schedule. Have a bedtime routine that helps you unwind after a busy day. This could include a bath, yoga stretches or a lighthearted book.), and check in with your doctor if you’re having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling well-rested during the day (because being an active patient is a key part of your wellness routine too!). 

Get more confidence-boosting exercises

Sixes are hardworking, loyal, and hardworking. However they tend to worry about the future a lot. A confidence-boosting workout can help them feel more control and overcome their worst-case scenarios thinking. Confidence can look different for everyone. But, think of a workout that challenges you while still making you feel good.Exercise has been proven to increase self-esteem and resilience, as well as mental clarity. Sixes can be indecisive so this can be a positive way to help them step into their power. Loyalists also love the comfort of a routine, so it’s important to pick an activity that makes you feel good that you can do consistently.

Aromatherapy can be incorporated

Sevens are optimistic and spontaneous. This makes it difficult for them to focus, slow down, or stay present. Sevens can re-connect with the present moment by incorporating aromatherapy into their wellness program. They love to indulge and can find great joy in trying out different scents. Aromatherapy is a great way to relax and check in with your emotional state. “Inhalation activates our sense of smell. The energy that is scattered into a vivid emotion, or a therapeutic moment, helps us to ground and center.” Wasfie said. You can use a diffuser while you work or sleep or keep your favorite essential oils on hand for a quick inhale in the morning, before bed, or when you’re feeling stressed.

Try acupressure

Eights are assertive, confident and assertive. They are determined and confident, but they can be controlling and defensive when stressed. Acupressure can help Eights feel calmer and clear away any anger-producing emotions. “If anger festers in the body, it generates heat and inflammation, which only makes a Type Eight more on edge,” Wasfie explained. “Among many other benefits, acupuncture helps the body relax to release the need for control or defensiveness.” Ask your doctor for a local acupuncturist near you, or try a practice like ear seeding for acupressure you can do from the comfort of your own home. And if you’re looking for a totally free wellness practice, you can still tap into the powers of acupressure. For a variety stress-relief and health benefits, apply gentle pressure on specific areas.

Set goals and objectives

Nines are calm and adaptable, and they want to avoid conflict and any disruptions in their environment. They can get too comfortable and let their priorities and goals slip away. It’s important for Nines to stay “alert” to themselves and identify what they really want so they can take action on the things they want. While setting wellness goals isn’t always beneficial for everyone, clear intentions and structured timelines can help Nines avoid getting too comfortable and foregoing self-care. Here are 60 resolutions that will help you achieve your healthiest body, and your happiest mind.