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Health and Wellness

Our Hierarchy of Needs

In a time led by friendships and relationships, it is critical to have a proper viewpoint on yourself and to know if your desires in life originate from yourself or from what those around you expect from you.

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Our Hierarchy of Needs

Belongingness vs Safety

Everyone wants to love and to be loved. It is human nature to urge intimacy. Frighteningly, this is why there is such a common rate of people in abusive relationship who against all odds remain with someone who causes pain. This is shown in the "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs" diagram below. Belongingness and love stand above security and safety. Quite shocking due to how logical it may seem to remove your self from a situation like that. Psychologically, us a humans, tend to subconsciously make decisions that defy what we might hear from family and friends in search of being wanted.




Esteem

Winning an award or accomplishing something in life may seem like something only destine for some, when in reality we all need it. To push through hard times, to try new things and be successful, to make an effort into something that may seem like it's not in your future go against reaching high self esteem. Who we affiliate with can greatly pave the way you head towards. Being around ambitious people can not only motivate you but to make you hold a higher standard for yourself. For me personally I never liked being outsmarted, as most people probably dislike. But meeting this girl, who didn't give off any "nerdy" kind of aura to her, motivated me to strive to work hard. This girl ended up being the valedictorian for the class of 2020 in my local high school. Esteem is something that is commonly overshadowed. But retaining high self-esteem and esteem for those around you can transcend your ideals greatly.

Self-Actualization

By far the most prestigious of all the needs is self-actualization. According to psychologist Abraham Maslow, he defines it as an individuals person desire to reach the most ideal version of them self. Having a personal drive with no exterior push. Possibly being one of the most purest human desires, having a set path for yourself gives you the self preservation that you may need during times you feel lost.


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Self Reflecting

Through all the needs listed within Maslow's pyramid it remains a necessity to reflect on what you do from time to time. To reflect on choices you've made and will make. I find an individuals state of mind to me the most important aspect ahead of physical and emotional. This is due to your mind state ultimately being the dictator in how far you push your self in your weekly exercise or how you express love to someone. Mentally you must be in the right place to do these two examples in a positive way.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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