Daily Self-Care Guide (especially through the holidays) 🫶🏼❤️🥾

Written By Dana Martin

Self-care comes with a belief (even if fleeting) that you matter. It comes with a belief that your well-being matters. Oftentimes we get caught up in self defeating thoughts or wrapped up in the external world, whatever that might look like for you. Setting intentions for self-care, then embedding them into your daily routine, can lead to showing up as your best possible self.  Once self care is embedded into everyday life it feels like less of a chore.


  1. Inventory of self every morning through yoga or meditation…this is a time to focus inward on what’s happening spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally. Use these areas as your guide to contemplate and set intentions for your day. To carve out this time is such an act of self-love.  

  2. Exercise or some form of movement especially in nature is known to bring clarity, emotional balance and to decrease anxiety. Even just walking outside and feeling the sunshine can lift your mood especially if you are inside most of the day. 

  3. Keep a journal for artwork and to spark creativity. Journals can be used to express gratitude, track mood and to write down intentions. 

  4. Stay connected with friends. Define your village.  I had also learned at a conference a few years ago to pretend you are president of your board. Then to imagine who your team or your board is helping you through. Stay in touch with those you trust and feel comfortable with. Healthy boundaries may be tested during the holidays, soooooo being mindful of this is a must. 

  5. Eat, sleep and be merry…I know for myself what foods (and quantity) make me feel yucky and can ruin quality time with others. Keeping a consistent sleep routine keeps mood in check as well. 

  6. Give yourself permission to get what you need and when you need it. Trust yourself and what your body and mind are telling you. 

  7. Communicate expectations with your partner. Talk openly about how you want the holidays to play out.

At DHP, we will continue the mission of women in nature, which only empowers us to be great in our homes and communities.

Dana Martin

Dana has her Bachelor’s in Psychology from James Madison University and her Master’s in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. She has her licensure in Clinical Social Work and has been a practicing psychotherapist for the last 13 years. Prior to that she was home raising her two daughters. During that time she volunteered teaching English as a second language to native Spanish speakers. She also volunteered teaching Spanish at a Montessori school and directed a project to fund and build a five senses garden at a local elementary school. 

Dana has spent the last 13 years providing psychotherapy to adolescents and adults.  She has specialized over the years in resilience and growth following traumatic events. Dana has also used journaling and mindfulness as modalities.  Women’s empowerment has been at the forefront of her practice given the unique challenges they face.  

Dana began hiking and trail running 6 years ago.  She found this time to be healing and therapeutic. Dana now endeavors to provide opportunities for growth and healing in nature.

Dana and Mary have combined their efforts and passion to provide women’s empowerment programs in nature through hiking, camping, backpacking and retreats.

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