Maslow Was Right: Why Your Basic Needs Matter

All too often in my practice, I often meet people who feel anxious, low, overwhelmed, and deeply confused about why. They’re trying their best, but nothing seems to help.

What I see time and time again is this: many of us are running on empty. And the things we’re missing aren’t complex, they’re basic. We’re skipping meals. Sleeping poorly. Living with constant stress. Feeling disconnected but pretending we’re fine. These aren’t minor things- they’re our foundation.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a well-known psychological model, reminds us that before we can thrive, grow, or heal — we need to feel safe, fed, rested, and connected. In his pyramid, the bottom layers are things like:

• Food, water, and sleep

• Safety and security

• Love and belonging

  
  

Yet in modern life, those are often the first things to slip — especially when we’re busy, caring for others, or putting ourselves last.

At Annie Best Counselling, I gently bring people back to this truth:You are allowed to meet your own needs. In fact, you can’t heal or feel well without them.

So if you’re feeling off, stuck, or low — pause and ask:

👉 Have I eaten?

👉 Am I rested?

👉 Do I feel safe?

👉 Am I connected to anyone right now?

The answers to these questions matter more than you think. Meeting your basic needs isn’t a luxury.It’s the starting point for everything else. Counselling can be a great way to assess your needs & learn how to put yourself first. Message me if you're looking for counselling in Basingstoke.