Taking Charge of your Life the Maslow way

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It’s a pandemic! You are trying to find every way to stay calm and remain productive. When things seem out of control the human mind tends to go into defense mode. They are tons of self-improvement content out there. Which can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Normally, it would be right to say seize the moment. The current Coronavirus is affecting everyone. The best way to stay afloat is to mind your mental health.

So, working from home has become a new normal. Finding ways to maintain home life and work life in the same space, that’s tough. It’s going to feel uncomfortable and unsettling simply because of its uncharted territory.

Social media trends have made it apparent that this is the time to grab the bull by the horns and improve yourself. Upskill, mind map, and brainstorm during this time as a way to maintain your sanity.

The one thing we have control over in this ever-morphing world is what’s going on with us: How we treat ourselves. Better known as self-care, but not the spa day type of self-care. Think more of “are my basic, psychological needs being met” kind of care. Let’s instead call it self-compassion?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs

Abraham Maslow had a great hierarchy of needs that you can focus on to get yourself invested in a new self-compassion routine. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a motivational theory in psychology comprising a five-tier model of human needs, often depicted as hierarchical levels within a pyramid.

Basic Needs

Physiological Needs

These are at the foundation of the hierarchy of needs and include survival needs such as the need for sleep, food, and air.

Have you had a good meal? Are you hydrated? Go drink some water; this blog will be here when you are done. Are you warm/cool enough? And, likely harder to say “yes” to – are you rested? Are you taking time away from your screens, away from the news?

These are all things you probably took for granted or never bothered understanding why they are so important to your overall wellbeing. It’s ok to take a break, it’s ok to take some time out and relax.

If these needs are not satisfied the human body cannot function. Maslow considered physiological needs the most important as all the other needs become secondary until these needs are met.

If your physiological needs are met – Great! Many people are struggling to meet these needs, so as you sail through the days remember to be kind and patient. Treat others the same way you would want to be treated, and approach peers with the grace and kindness you expect from them.

Safety Needs

Do you feel safe and secure?

Not just physically, but hopefully, you’re in a very safe and secure place emotionally, too. The economy and constantly changing stock market are giving many businesses a scare, which even with the best leadership is leading to widespread job insecurity.

This insecurity, lack of safety is the easiest place to just get stuck in fear and anxiety. In an effort to have some self-compassion, there are a few things you can do to get past this passivity.

First, if you think it’d help, try an online therapy app, like TalkSpace. Talking about your fears and feelings has a great way of getting you unstuck. Reach out to your teammates or boss, see how you can become a better team player. Being an introvert in these situations can be difficult but find someone you can open up to and talk about what’s going on in your head.

Psychological Needs

Belongingness + Love Needs

Humans are a creature of habit. Our biggest habit is fostering relationships, no matter how much of an introvert you are. You’ve been preparing for physical distancing your entire life, just be sure you’re still feeling connected to the world around you, beyond just social media. Reach out to your loved ones, check-in to see how they are doing. Fond ways you can stay connected, play online games, have book club meetings via Zoom.

Do consider that even if you’re around your roommate/partner/family all day doesn’t mean it’s quality, connected time. Make time for that. If you stay alone have online dates with friends.

Esteem Needs

Maslow classified into two categories: (i) esteem for oneself (dignity, achievement, mastery, independence) and (ii) the desire for reputation or respect from others (e.g., status, prestige).

Maslow indicated that the need for respect or reputation is most important for children and adolescents and precedes real self-esteem or dignity.

  • Take a professional development course– so many are free right now and can assure you a sense of security about your job-related skills. Udemy has plenty of courses on sale. Learning something new is exciting and can open up a portal of new opportunities.
  • Exercise– many gyms are offering free online workouts. Your body will thank you for keeping it healthy and fit. Exercise releases endorphins the happy chemical that your body will be grateful for.
  • Do something for someone else– donate to a cause you’re passionate about
  • Get creative about your business– take a look at the skills and resources you have to help your organization do good stuff. Make yourself useful, get active on LinkedIn, share your organization’s ideas.

Self-fulfillment

Self-actualization

This is the realization of a person’s potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth, and peak experiences. Maslow (1943) describes this level as the desire to accomplish everything that one can, to become the most that one can be.

Individuals may focus on this need very specifically. For instance, one individual may have a strong desire to become an ideal parent. In another, the desire may be expressed economically, academically, or athletically. For some, it may be expressed creatively, in paintings, pictures, or inventions.

Maslow was ambitious, but he didn’t create his hierarchy in the uncertain times of a global pandemic. Give yourself a break, cut yourself some slack, and don’t worry about that right now. You have enough on your self-compassion checklist to keep you hydrated, educated, and attending to your very real, basic needs.

Remember none of this is permanent, and soon your life will be back to normal. Take care of yourself and those around you. Allow your organization to flourish at this time.

If you need your organization to stay afloat give us a shout and we will help you out.

We Support Ministries is a leading Texas-based insourcing company that provides virtual assistants and administrative support for Churches and Non-profit organizations. Moreover, we provide both short and long term virtual outsourcing services customized to suit your business process needs. We provide trained and qualified personnel to help you scale your Non-profit organization.

Contact us today.

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