Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs1 remains a timeless framework for understanding human motivation and fulfillment. In the context of the modern world in 2024, where societal norms and technology continue to evolve rapidly, Maslow's pyramid offers invaluable insights into our innate desires. In this article, we explain Maslow's framework, integrating the often-overlooked role of breathwork. Furthermore, we delve into the factors that contribute to the sensation of being "stuck" according to the theory, and provide actionable steps for navigating through such moments.
Simple Explanation of Maslow’s Theory
Maslow's Theory of Needs explains that human beings have different needs to be happy. These needs are arranged like a pyramid, with the most important ones at the bottom. The theory says you can only focus on the higher-level needs when the lower ones are fulfilled. So, once you have things like food and shelter, you can start thinking about love and feeling good about yourself.
Understanding Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs in 2024
Maslow's Hierarchy consists of five levels. Let's unpack those and adapt them to the realities of modern life.
1. Physiological Needs:
However, while these standards may be met in many Western countries, they are not universal. In developing nations, the challenge of meeting basic physiological needs persists. With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, ensuring a healthy work-life balance and adequate sleep is paramount.
2. Safety Needs:
In addition to physiological survival, feeling safe is a fundamental human need. Safety in 2024 extends beyond physical security to include cybersecurity and data privacy. Protecting personal information, ensuring secure online transactions, and maintaining financial stability are crucial components of meeting safety needs.
3. Love and Belonging:
In an age dominated by social media and virtual communities, the longing for genuine connections and meaningful relationships remains strong. Platforms facilitating shared interests, online support groups, and virtual events play a significant role in fostering a sense of belonging in the digital era.
4. Esteem Needs:
In today's digital landscape, validation and recognition take on new dimensions. Social media influencers, online creators, and digital entrepreneurs seek affirmation through metrics like likes, followers, and engagement. However, true self-esteem is cultivated through inner confidence and a sense of self-worth that transcends external validation.
5. Self-Actualization:
With access to online learning platforms, skill development courses, and remote work opportunities, individuals have unprecedented avenues for personal growth and self-actualization. Pursuing passions, exploring creative outlets, and embracing lifelong learning are central to fulfilling this tier.
The Role of Breathwork in Maslow's Hierarchy:
Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, breathwork serves as an anchor for well-being. When we are able to master tools, such as Active Breathwork , Pranayama or breath awareness, we are able to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness.2 By prioritizing breathwork, individuals can optimize physical and mental health, laying a foundation for higher-level needs.
Unlocking Progress: Exploring the Layers of Maslow's Hierarchy
According to Maslow, individuals must fulfill lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level ones. The hierarchy starts with basic physiological needs like food and shelter and progresses through safety, love/belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Feeling stuck can occur when individuals perceive barriers or challenges in meeting their needs at various levels of the hierarchy. For example:
- Physiological Needs: If someone lacks access to adequate food, water, or shelter, they may feel stuck in their ability to fulfill these basic requirements for survival.
- Safety Needs: Feeling insecure in one's environment, whether due to physical danger or financial instability, can create a sense of being stuck in a state of vulnerability.
- Love/Belonging Needs: Difficulty forming meaningful connections or experiencing loneliness can lead to feeling stuck in a cycle of social isolation.
- Esteem Needs: Struggling to gain recognition or feeling undervalued can contribute to a sense of being stuck in a state of low self-esteem or self-worth.
- Self-Actualization: If individuals feel unable to pursue their passions or fulfill their potential due to external constraints or internal barriers, they may perceive themselves as stuck in a state of stagnation.
By understanding how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs intersects with feelings of being stuck, individuals can identify the underlying factors contributing to their sense of stagnation and take proactive steps to address them, thereby progressing toward greater fulfillment and self-actualization.
What to do when you are feeling stuck?
Feeling stuck in today's rapidly changing world is not uncommon. Here are actionable steps to overcome this state:
- Reflect:
Set aside time for introspection and self-reflection. Journaling, meditation, or digital wellness apps can aid in gaining clarity and insight into underlying challenges.
- Set Goals:
Define clear, achievable goals aligned with personal values and aspirations. Utilize digital tools and productivity apps to track progress and stay motivated.
- Embrace Change:
Embrace uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and adaptation. Be open to what happens next on your journey.
- Practice Breathwork:
Incorporate breathwork into daily routines to reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote emotional resilience.3 Utilize guided meditation apps, breathwork exercises, or virtual wellness classes for support.
- Seek Support:
Connect with friends, family, or digital communities for support and encouragement. Virtual therapy sessions, online support groups, and telehealth services offer accessible avenues for seeking professional help.
The Foundation of Well-Being: Breath, Sleep, Food.
In our everyday hustle, it's easy to overlook the significance of breathwork—the silent force that keeps us going. While we meticulously plan meals and prioritize rest, we often forget to give attention to something as basic as breathing. But as Maslow's pyramid reminds us, without proper oxygenation, everything else pales in comparison. It's time to bring awareness to our breath. By incorporating simple breathing exercises into our daily routines, we can lay a strong foundation for overall well-being and personal growth.
Just as exercising without sleep doesn't make sense, having the best job won't benefit you if you're stressed.
This serves as a reminder to set some time aside to practice a basic human function: breathing. Just as exercising without sleep doesn't make sense, having the best job won't benefit you if you're stressed. Regular practitioners of breathwork often notice subtle shifts in their breathing patterns, reflecting their mental and emotional states. Conversely, they also learn to modulate their emotional well-being through conscious breathing techniques. And interestingly, also able to control their emotional state through the breath. If you are curious to learn more about your breath, join us for a Live Breathwork Session.
1 Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review, 50(4), 370–396.
2 Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2003). The benefits of being present: mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848.
3 Jerath, R., Edry, J. W., Barnes, V. A., & Jerath, V. (2006). Physiology of long pranayamic breathing: neural respiratory elements may provide a mechanism that explains how slow deep breathing shifts the autonomic nervous system. Medical Hypotheses, 67(3), 566–571.