Each person has a specific set of needs that must be met in order to function at their best. Basic needs like food, water, and sleep are universal, but the amounts we need depend on body types and other factors. Other needs are not always as tangible, but they need to be met just the same. For example, psychological needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs are important for overall health and well-being.
Many times, the reasons my needs don’t get met is because I haven’t taken the time to get to know what I need in a specific area. Here’s a good example: I’m an introvert who needs time alone to process life and recharge. Too much time with other people will make me feel frazzled and unfocused. Now that I know about this need, I am quick to recognize when I need to take a time out by myself.
The Hierarchy of Needs created by Abraham Maslow depicts a triangle divided into levels. He theorized that we have five different levels of needs: physiological, safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. According to Maslow, once the basic needs at the bottom of the triangle are met, then we move on to the second tier and work to meet those needs, and so on.
The important thing is to become aware of our needs in the many facets of life and be sensitive to them. Ignoring our needs will leave us frustrated and tired, running on empty. The first step is taking stock of what you need.
- How much water do you need to drink daily?
- What foods give you energy?
- How much sleep do you need to feel rested?
- Are you regularly too hot or too cold?
- What helps you think clearly?
- What distracts you?
- How do you manage stress or anxiety?
- What makes you feel safe?
- Where or with whom do you have a sense of belonging?
- How do you process your emotions?
- What makes you feel happy or satisfied?
- What activities or relationships give you emotional energy?
- What activities or relationships drain your emotional energy?
- What do you do to grow spiritually?
- What is it like when you feel spiritually vibrant?
- When have you felt spiritually dry?
- How do you go deeper in your faith?
Answering these questions will get you thinking about your individual needs and whether or not they are being met on a regular basis. Remember, your needs may be different than your friend’s needs. For example, if I answer, “How do you process your emotions?” I would say writing in my journal but a friend of mine would answer going for a run. The key is to learn what you need to be your best then pursue those things.
I invite you to comment with your own lessons learned about what you need to thrive. How do you get what you need?