Rest, Your Way: An Enneagram-Inspired Guide to Recharging

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We talk a lot about rest as a leadership practice at Henley. But here's something we’ve been reflecting on lately: not all rest is created equal.

Rest isn’t just about taking time off; it’s about tuning in. And what feels restorative for one person might feel draining to another. 

That’s where the Enneagram can help.

Below, you’ll find prompts and reflections loosely based on each core Enneagram type. But this guide isn’t meant to be prescriptive. We are more than just our core type. You might see yourself in your core number, but also in others. You might relate to parts of your tri-type. You might find that different seasons of life call for different kinds of rest.

So take what resonates. Stretch into new insights.

Type 1 – The Improver

You carry a quiet weight of responsibility. Rest may feel indulgent or unjustified when there’s still “work to be done.”

Try asking:

• What if rest was part of doing things well?

• Can I let something be “good enough” today and choose ease instead?

Type 2 – The Helper

You give generously. But you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Try asking:

• Can I recognize that asking for help from others is a gift to them, an act of trust?

• Can I give myself the kindness I offer so freely to others?

Type 3 – The Achiever

Your drive to succeed is powerful, but rest is not failure. It’s fuel.

Try asking:

• What might emerge or be possible if I took a rest?

• Can I be proud of taking rest, too?

Type 4 – The Individualist

You feel deeply and often need rest that honors your emotional world.

Try asking:

• What kind of rest lets me feel seen and soothed?

• Can I let rest be simple, even if it’s not inspiring?

Type 5 – The Observer

Solitude restores you, but true rest also includes the body, not just the mind.

Try asking:

• Have I let my body and mind rest today?

• What helps me feel safe enough to truly let go and be nourished?

Type 6 – The Loyalist

Your mind is always scanning for risk. Rest may feel unsafe or unproductive.

Try asking:

• What helps me feel secure enough to let go of my vigilance so that I can rest?

• Who or what can I lean on while I take a real pause?

Type 7 – The Enthusiast

Ideas and experiences fuel you, but slowing down can deepen joy.

Try asking:

• What would rest look like if I didn’t need to chase what’s next?

• How might I stay in one moment and let it fully satisfy me?

Type 8 – The Challenger

You protect your energy fiercely and act decisively. But softening is strength, too.

Try asking:

• What does it feel like to rest without needing to stay “on” and doing it all?

• Can I allow myself to be held, rather than hold it all?

Type 9 – The Peacemaker

You seek ease, but may forget to claim rest for yourself.

Try asking:

• What kind of rest helps me reconnect with my priorities?

• Am I resting to avoid, or to restore?

A Final Thought

Rest isn’t something you have to earn. It’s something you get to trust. Whatever your type, whatever your rhythm, may your rest bring you back to yourself.

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Want more Enneagram-inspired leadership resources?

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