Print Knowing how to take care of yourself starts with understanding what you want and what your needs are. This is the foundation of self-acceptance.
Below, you will find some questions that can help you become more aware of your needs.
You may feel a variety of emotions when you answer these questions, such as anxiety or sadness. You might feel impatient, because you can’t think of anything, or because you feel empty. Try to make room for these emotions and leave them be. They are very normal reactions that are part of becoming aware of your needs.
Physical needs (such as hunger, fatigue, pain or tension)
- Are you aware of the signals that your body gives you? Do you pay attention to them and do you respond to them?
- Do you eat when you are hungry?
- Do you cook for yourself?
- How is your sleep? Do you stick to a regular sleeping pattern?
- If you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, do you act on it or do you ignore the signal?
- Do you go to the doctor or dentist when you need to?
- Do you rest when you are tired?
- Do you think you have a right to be well and lovingly cared for?
- Do you think that you deserve relaxation?
- Do you think that you deserve warmth?
Mental needs (such as self-esteem, self-image, self-compassion and self-confidence)
- Do you consider yourself valuable? Just as valuable as others?
- Do you think you deserve as much care as others do?
- What are you most proud of?
- Do you have a self-interest; are you interested in your goals, plans, desires and dreams?
- What gives you energy?
- What costs you a lot of energy?
- Do you think you have the right to grieve and mourn?
- How do you react when you feel sad or down?
- Are you able to indicate your limits/boundaries to others?
- Do you have the courage to say ‘no’ when someone else asks you for a favour?
Social needs (the ability to share experiences, give or receive support)
- Are there people who you trust and who support you?
- Are you satisfied with your social circle?
- Are you aware of your social needs?
- Do you have the courage to ask for help or support from others?
- Are you able to indicate what kind of help you are in need of?
- Who would you call if you needed support?
- What qualities do you value in the people you trust?
- Do you have the courage to end a relationship when you no longer feel connected to the person or don’t trust them anymore?
Meaning (belief, meditation or other spiritual needs)
- What does the word ‘meaning’ evoke in you?
- Do you have a religious or spiritual side?
- Would you like to develop yourself in the field of spirituality or religion?
- Do you have people close to you with whom you can discuss issues such as ‘sense of purpose’ or other philosophical questions?
Exercise
Take your time to answer each of the questions and write them down.
