The Ultimate Self-Care Checklist for Enneagram Ones [The Improver]

Save this post for the next time a you're feeling sad, griefy, or just "off". Making space to take care of yourself can help reduce stress, increase resilience, boost your mood, and improve your overall quality of life.

Self-care is a powerful tool that goes beyond occasional treats or material indulgences; it is about making small yet meaningful changes in your daily routine to nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

For Enneagram type Ones, also known as the Improver, self-care is crucial to navigating your personal journey of healing and growth. By understanding your unique personality type and tailoring your self-care practices accordingly, you can create space for profound transformation and start to embody a life that feels joyful, balanced, and aligned with how you trying want to feel. 

In this ultimate self-care checklist, we will explore five essential practices specifically designed for the wellness, healing, and growth of Enneagram Ones.

1. Daily Mindfulness: Embrace the power of living in the present moment. For Enneagram Ones, whose minds often tend to drift towards perfectionism and the desire to fix everything, practicing mindfulness can provide a much-needed anchor. Engage in activities that bring you into the "now," such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walks in nature. By cultivating mindfulness, you can become more attuned to your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to respond to situations with greater clarity and intention.

2. Self-Compassion: If your personality is an Enneagram type One, you might be your harshest critic. However, it's essential to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to others. Embrace self-compassion by acknowledging that no one is perfect, and it's okay to make mistakes. When faced with challenges or setbacks, offer yourself words of encouragement and support, just as you would to a dear friend. Remember, self-compassion is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for healing and growth.

3. Done > Perfect: The first thing I tell all my Enneagram Ones is: 'You will not be able to do this perfectly. Try to accept that from the start.'" While your striving for excellence is admirable, Enneagram One, it's essential to recognize that perfection is an unattainable goal. Embrace the mantra "Done is better than perfect" and focus on progress rather than flawlessness. Allow yourself to take calculated risks and try new things without the fear of making mistakes. Embracing imperfections not only reduces unnecessary stress but also opens up opportunities for creativity and innovation.

4. Stillness: As an action-orientated enneagram body type in the gut triad (types 8, 9, 1) who filters their world through gut feelings, stillness is vital for Enneagram Ones. Be sure to carve out time for stillness daily, a quiet reflection, away from distractions and the pressure to constantly make things better. Stillness allows you to recharge, gain clarity, and reconnect with your inner self. Consider integrating practices such as journaling, spending time in nature, or simply sitting in silence to find peace and balance within.

5. Embracing Wabi-Sabi: Derived from the Japanese philosophy, Wabi-Sabi is the art of finding beauty in imperfection and embracing the natural cycle of growth and decay. As an Enneagram One, you can benefit from incorporating this concept into your self-care routine. Appreciate the beauty in things that are aged, weathered, or asymmetrical. Allow imperfections to exist without the need to fix or control them. Embracing Wabi-Sabi can teach you valuable lessons about acceptance and letting go of the need for constant order and rigidity.

These self-care practices can help Enneagram Ones find healing, growth, and fulfillment in their journey towards embodying more joy and creating a life that feels good to you. By nurturing their nature, they can unlock their true potential and lead more balanced and harmonious lives.

Unsure of your Enneagram Type? Take the Enneagram Typing Quiz to learn more about your personality type and gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for development.

Take the Next Step: This ultimate wellness checklist for Enneagram 1 is informed by this type's growth point and inner compass. Discover how your Enneagram type 1 patterns are showing up in your life and learn  specific ways to nurture your nature in my Intro to the Enneagram Course, where you'll explore the nine personality types, discover your unique path to growth, your types inner compass for navigating the world, and uncover the tools for a more fulfilling life.

Remember, self-care is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of compassion and understanding. Embrace the power of self-care, and let it guide you towards wellness, healing, and the realization of your true potential as an Enneagram One.