Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, a theory proposed by Abraham Maslow in 1943, includes physical needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
“Sometimes, it can be tempting to think of indulging in something that you want to do as self-care, when indulging in an urge that comes from depression or anxiety usually just serves to reinforce the emotion it came from,” Julia Koerwer, LMSW, director of people at Brooklyn Minds Psychiatry, tells Woman's Day. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure how to care for yourself, Maslow’s hierarchy can point you in the right direction.
Are you eating, drinking, and sleeping enough? If not, start there. If you’re struggling to feel safe — especially when it comes to housing or income — look into what options are available to you for added security. For love and belonging, run an inventory on who you can reach out to for connection, or what you can do to create new bonds, Koerwer says. For esteem, spend time doing something that makes you feel masterful — maybe a favorite recipe, if you’re a baker, or time with an instrument, if you’re a musician. Lastly, with self-actualization, spend time evaluating your values, goals, and the steps you can take to get closer to them.
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