Relationship Between Enneagram and Physical Health: Practical Tips for a Wholesome Balance

Conversations around Enneagrams and other personality types often end with how they affect our emotional well-being and mental health.

However, it goes beyond that, and with recent studies, we now know they can also affect our physical health and well-being. 

Highlighting the nine Enneagram personalities, we explore how each unique character trait not only shapes our view of life but also our bodies. We get real on some health and wellness struggles you will likely encounter based on your personality type and practical tips on leading a healthier life without changing who you are. This information can be another layer in your holistic approach to wellness.

If you are new to Enneagram personalities, check out our beginner's guide to these nine personality types and what they say about you.

Let's dive into each Enneagram type, how they affect your physical health, and tips for healthy living.

Enneagram 1 Health Tips — The Perfectionist

As a Type 1 Perfectionist, your responsibilities come first, and everything else comes later— including your health (sadly). But this isn’t your fault; you have naturally high standards and a strong work ethic that often makes you deprioritize rest and self-care.

But here's the thing — Type 1 perfectionism can cause stress, muscle tension, and sleep deprivation. Enneagram 1’s share a lot of traits with Type A personalities when it comes to stress and burnout.

Here’s how to prioritize your health to counteract the negative impact of stress — even with your strict routine:

• Use a hydration reminder app. Set a timer that reminds you to drink water now and then. Staying hydrated improves your metabolism and helps you stay productive.
• Structure your day into focus time blocks. Allocate specific time slots for your work, and dedicate the rest of your day to resting.
• Take physical activity breaks. Set out a time each day to take a walk in your neighborhood or perform some light stretching.

Enneagram 2 Health Tips — The Helper

As a natural empath and nurturer, caring for others is your forte. As a Type 2, you are that friend who doesn't mind babysitting or going out of their way to do grocery shopping for others. Acts of service are definitely one of the ways you show others your love.

While these traits are exceptional qualities, you often tend to put yourself second to others, which is detrimental to your health. Compassion fatigue is a real risk for caregivers like yourself.

Here are some tips for a Type 2 to help you take care of yourself without guilt:

• Form a self-care list. Write out five activities you genuinely enjoy and commit to doing them— start as soon as possible!
• Create an “unavailable” day. Choose a special day in the week when you are unavailable for errands and last-minute favors except in emergencies. Make this a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
• Indulge in mindful eating. When eating your next meal, savor and enjoy your food as it helps you reconnect with your body.

Enneagram 3 Health Tips — The Achiever

As a Type 3, you are known for your ambitious and success-driven traits. The downside? You often push yourself too hard and may handle failure poorly. 

While your drive is admirable, it makes you susceptible to high levels of work stress and even burnout. Unlike what you think, you don’t have to forgo your health for a successful career, so balance is key. 

Instead of skipping breakfast next time for an important meeting, here’s what you should do:

• Plan your meals. Make meal preps to help you maintain healthy feeding habits even on a tight schedule.
• Use time management and productivity techniques to help you stay efficient without sacrificing other aspects of your life.
• Outsource and delegate tasks that don't require your expertise so you can have more time to rest. While doing it all is a badge of honor, your body will thank you for reducing your workload.

Enneagram 4 Health Tips — The Individualist

As a Type 4 Individualist, you bring emotional depth and introspection to your relationships. You are that person who prefers deep conversations over small talk because of your sensitive nature. As a result, you are more likely to experience emotions more intensely than others. You see beyond the surface, and no one truly understands this part of you, which leaves you constantly feeling stressed and wanting to isolate.

Since your emotional health plays a significant role in your physical well-being, here's how to take charge of your emotions and maintain a healthier life if you are a Type 4:

• Explore meditation, journaling, yoga, and other stress-reducing techniques.
• Get quality and consistent sleep as it regulates mood and reduces stress.
• Have social days to reconnect with friends and explore the outdoors.

Enneagram 5 Health Tips — The Investigator

Curiosity is the most distinct trait of the Type 5 Enneagram. If you have this personality type, you are most likely drawn to activities that expand your knowledge. As an intellectual, your mind is your greatest asset, such that you are so in tune with your thoughts that you forget to care for your body.

Here are some tips for maintaining physical wellness without forgoing your intellectual interests:

• Learn about nutrition and how it impacts your ability to deal with stress. The more you learn about healthy living, the likelier you’d want to practice it.
• Explore audiobook workouts so you don’t have to sacrifice study time for workouts.
• Have a standing workstation that allows you to stand, stretch, and move periodically, even while working.

Enneagram 6 Health Tips — The Loyalist

As a Type 6, one of your significant traits is skepticism. You worry about things going wrong and struggle with trusting people, ideas, and even practices that may be good for your health.

While your personality heightens your perception of danger and prevents situations from catching you unaware, it also negatively impacts your health. Your skepticism may result in anxiety, chronic stress, and even sleep deprivation.

Here's how to manage anxiety while also maintaining your physical well-being if you are a Type 6:

• Replace coffee with herbal teas, as caffeine can heighten stress levels.
• Have a bedtime routine that encourages quality sleep. Turn off the lights, put away your phone, listen to calming music or ASMR.
• Practice grounding techniques when you feel your anxiety escalating. It helps you calm your nervous system and reduce the physical effects of stress.

Enneagram 7 Health Tips — The Enthusiast

As a Type 7 Enthusiast, you love life but struggle with staying disciplined regarding your health. Your bold and adventure-loving personality tends to make you favor immediate pleasure over long-term health.

Now, instead of forfeiting your physical well-being for some feel-good adventure and vice versa, here's a more practical approach to taking care of your body if you are a Type 7:

• Explore adventure workouts. Join outdoor fitness classes, discover new hiking trails, or go cycling with friends.
• Use habit stacking to build fitness habits into your daily routine.
• Plan downtime periods just as you would for your adventures. It can range from days to weeks dedicated solely to resting.
• Practice mindfulness through meditation and yoga. It helps you stay in touch with your body and environment.

Enneagram 8 Health Tips — The Challenger

As the assertive and self-confident Type 8, you are very self-aware. You know your needs and don't struggle with setting boundaries. However, you are often rigid about adopting lifestyle changes that could benefit your health.

Here’s how to channel your strength and assertiveness toward better health if you are a Type 8:

• Hop on fitness challenges so exercising can feel like a game.
• Set specific dietary goals, such as consuming a certain amount of protein daily. The more specific the goal, the more challenged you are to accomplish it.
• Engage in healthy competition with others that share your health goals.

Enneagram 9 Health Tips — The Peacemaker

Your peace-loving and harmony-seeking personality as a Type 9 gives you a sense of tranquility. While this quality is excellent for your mind and body, sometimes you become complacent and neglect your physical well-being.

Here’s how a Type 9 can be more motivated about taking care of your body:

• Use a health and wellness app. Explore fun workout activities and join an online community of people who share the same goals.
• Visualize your health goals and have a plan to achieve them. Create a vision board with images, quotes, and graphics that inspire you to take daily action toward better health.
• Join accountability groups where you can get motivated, share progress, and celebrate wins together.

Physical Health and Wellness is a Lifelong Journey

In the end, the Enneagram helps you understand yourself better and grow. When applied to your health journey, it's like a secret weapon for balancing your inner and outer well-being, leading to a healthier, happier life.

Learn to take better care of yourself according to your Enneagram type. Try out tips from other Enneagram types if they apply to you.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to lead a wholesome and healthy life regardless of your Enneagram type.  

You may also want to read How Your Enneagram Type Affects Your Relationships