Sometimes a smart person creates a model that resonates and creates a useful framework. Abraham Maslow, a psychology professor at Brandeis University, came up with a “hierarchy of needs” that models what humans need to survive and be fulfilled. It is a handy tool for thinking about wellness.
The hierarchy is a pyramid based on fundamental survival needs. We all need air, water, and food in that order to live. Once we have the basics covered, we can work our way up the pyramid to address our psychological and self-fulfillment needs.
This model informs my coaching practice. It also serves as a good reminder to put on one’s oxygen mask first. You may have heard about being hangry, just like those Snickers commercials. Obviously, it’s best to address the basics whenever one is feeling out-of-sorts. Dehydration is a tricky one, in my experience. It leads to mood drops just as readily as hunger does. Yet, it’s a bit trickier to tell if you’re dehydrated. There are subtle signs that you might experience before your mouth and throat feel parched.
Maslow’s model reminds us that a drink, a snack, and a nap can work wonders.