By Anastasia Adaeze
You probably do not think much about breathing or blinking, or where your next glass of water will come from. But what if I told you that your entire lifestyle, from your mood to your relationships to your success at work, begins and ends with these most basic, often overlooked needs?
Abraham Maslow (1908–1970) was an American psychologist best known for developing the Hierarchy of Needs, a theory of human motivation. He is often regarded as one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century and a founding figure of humanistic psychology.
Welcome to the first floor of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Psychological Needs. Often referred to as “physiological” needs in academic texts, we are calling them what they truly are: the psychology of survival. Whether you live in a New York high-rise, a bungalow in Nigeria, or a London flat, your lifestyle is only as stable as your most fundamental needs.
In Maslow’s original model, the first level is technically called “physiological needs”, but these serve a deeper psychological purpose: they are the biological minimums required not just for survival but for a sense of safety and presence in our lives. So for this lifestyle conversation, we are going to refer to them as psychological needs, because that’s truly how they function in our lived experience.
Think of these needs as the invisible forces quietly governing your energy, mood, focus, and even your capacity for love, ambition, or creativity. Without them, nothing else works: breathing clean air, drinking enough water, eating nourishing food, getting restorative sleep, having a warm, safe place to rest, and feeling physically secure and healthy. In a world of influencer lifestyles and curated digital dreams, we’ve become experts at chasing the next: the next milestone, the next upgrade, the next version of ourselves. But we should pause and ask: when was the last time you drank water before you felt thirsty? When did you last wake up feeling rested, not just not-tired, but genuinely restored?
True luxury is a body that functions well because it is well-fed, well-rested, and cared for. It is the quiet dignity of warm socks on a cold morning. The confidence that stems from a solid night’s sleep and a full belly. It is being able to breathe deeply and feel your shoulders relax.
Consciousness is not basic. It is profound. A “lifestyle” is about a consistent rhythm of your day-to-day life, what you eat, how you sleep, where you live, and how safe you feel in your own body.
When these psychological needs are unmet, the effects ripple through every part of your life: Lack of sleep mimics anxiety and depression. Poor nutrition impacts decision-making and patience. Chronic stress from food or housing insecurity shuts down creativity and motivation. Dehydration alone can trigger headaches, fatigue, and irritability.
What we call “bad moods” or “burnout” are often just our bodies waving red flags.
So maybe it is time we reframe self-care not as indulgence but as maintenance. The same way we gas up our cars or charge our phones, our bodies deserve the same level of base-level attention.
Living intentionally involves designing a life that supports your psychological needs:
Prioritise Sleep Like Your Future Depends on It (Because It Does): Sleep is not optional; it is the foundation of mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical health. Create a sleep ritual. Make your bedroom sacred. Think of your bed as a daily reset button, not just a place to collapse.
Eat to Nourish, Not Just to Fill: You do not need to be a gourmet chef. But learn to listen to your body. Eat foods that fuel you. Do not skip meals in the name of productivity. Balance is underrated.
Hydration is the Real Glow-Up: That dull skin, low energy, or sluggish focus? Often solved with a few extra glasses of water a day. It is not a trend but biology.
Create Shelter, Not Just a Space: Whether it is a one-bedroom apartment or a shared dorm, make your space feel safe and soothing. Add plants, cosy lighting, and textures that calm you. Make it a refuge, not just a place to crash.
Breathe—Literally: Step outside. Open windows. Burn incense. Use air purifiers. Breathe deeply and often. Oxygen is your original life coach.
That clarity you have been chasing through endless self-help books or retreats? It begins here.
Maslow was not just drawing a triangle. He was giving us a map back to ourselves. Before we can reach for love, esteem, or transcendence, we must first root into our bodies, our breath, and our basic well-being.
Because when you give yourself what you need, not just what you want, you unlock a quiet, unshakeable strength. A foundation so firm, no storm can shake it, and from that foundation, you can build anything.
So the next time you scroll past someone’s perfectly curated morning routine or envy their “balanced life”, remember: none of that works without meeting your psychological needs first.
Start with water. With sleep. With food. With warmth. Start with the essentials, and everything else will rise more naturally from that solid ground. Set a recurring water reminder on your phone. Pre-plan healthy, comforting meals once a week. Create a bedtime playlist to trigger your wind-down mode. Keep your space tidy; clutter increases stress. Make your bed every morning; it signals care and order.
In a world that praises the exceptional, dare to honour the essential. Understanding and prioritising your psychological needs according to the first floor of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a lifestyle choice.
Stay grounded. Stay nourished. Your pyramid starts here.