16/08/2021
Does this sound like an obvious question?
Of course you know what you need!
Or do you?
It's common to feel out of touch with our own needs, especially when we've put others needs first or have become used to not listening to inner needs.
Needs are essential to our survival and vary from the physical to the emotional to the mental.
The degree to which we 'need' a need also varies from person to person.
Fundamental needs include food and sleep - both of which we ALL need but which will vary between individuals.
Abraham Maslow categorised the hierarchy of needs as follows with 1 being the most fundamental.
1. Physiological - food, water, shelter, sleep, warmth
2. Safety - personal, financial, employment, property
3. Love/Belonging - friendship, intimacy, connection
4. Esteem - respect, self-esteem, freedom, status
5. Self-actualisation - achieving full potential, growth
(this isn't an exhaustive list)
The theory goes that you must fulfil lower needs before progressing onto higher needs (1 to 5 in this case).
For example, you might find it difficult to develop a sense of self-worth (4) if your financial security (2) is at risk.
This is a SUPER simplified overview of Maslow's Theory but it can provide a really helpful illustration and reminder of what your needs might be.
For example, you might feel like you're a rubbish human with nothing going for you (4) but is that really the case or do you need to fulfil a need lower down the scale? e.g. social connection (3), budgeting (2) or a few good nights' sleep (1)!! I bet addressing any of those needs would help ease the feeling of being rubbish!
So with all that in mind, do you know what you need this week to feel as best you can? Even if your best this week is being well slept with food in the fridge?
How will you fulfil your needs this week?
📌Save this post for when you want to check in with your needs!
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