Self-Care, the Living with Dana Way
When I talk about self-care, I’m not talking about perfection or pressure. I’m talking about the small (and sometimes not-so-small) choices we make on purpose to support our bodies, minds, and hearts.
Sometimes it’s a deep breath or a step outside. Other times, it’s journaling, spending time in nature, or finally saying no to something that drains you.
Tiny choices. Big impact.
You can follow along with this year’s challenges in my new book “Habit + Home” which is available on Amazon. 
You can find it here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6WTH3R2
Quick & Simple Self-Care (5–15 Minutes)
Perfect for those “I only have a sliver of time but I need a reset” moments.
Download a free PDF to help you work on your self-care items.
- Breathe: Slow belly breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Instant calm.
- Move: Stretch, dance to one song, or sneak in a 10-minute walk.
- Refresh: Splash water on your face, change your shirt, or tidy one tiny spot.
- Soothe: Calming music, a cup of tea, or a candle that smells like your happy place.
- Reflect: Write down three things you’re grateful for — or say something kind to yourself out loud.
January & February Self-Care Project: Reclaim Your Calm
Think of this as a use-anytime project. Sometime in January or February, give yourself seven days — in a row or sprinkled wherever they fit — to focus on gentle self-care moments.
No overhauls. No pressure. Just small resets.
Your Low-Stress Checklist:
- ☐ Create a 5-minute morning ritual (coffee in silence, a stretch, prayer, sunlight — your choice)
- ☐ Freshen your personal space (make the bed, open a window, swap your pillowcase)
- ☐ Do a one-song reset (tidy for one song only)
- ☐ Choose a comfort item (cozy socks, a blanket, special tea)
- ☐ Set one small boundary (simplify or say no)
- ☐ Take a 10-minute unplug break
- ☐ Finish with something kind (a nap, a shower, an early bedtime)
Why This Works: It grounds you. It fits anywhere. And it sets the tone for a year built on calm, not guilt.
You can find all my cleaning, organizing, and creating new habits posts in my blog here: CLICK.
Are you just joining the Home + Habit challenge? You can start at any time! Let me know what works best for creating new habits! xoxo, Dana
