BoldJourney Interviews Gina about Self Care & Advise for Overwhelm

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina M Barrett a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Gina M, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?

Some may think I do too much self care, but for me it’s absolutely necessary for my mental health, creativity and most of all my mood.

My first jobs were working outdoors and exercising. I led nature hikes for a living. When I got my first office job in my late 20s, I had an hour lunch break. Knowing what my body needed, I used this time to take walks in nature, swim at the nearby pool or ice skate at the park. My coworkers sat at their desks for lunch. I always came back fresh and in a great mood for an afternoon of work.

Now, my self care includes horses, hot springs and skiing. I have had health issues most of my adult life due to allergies and a carbon monoxide exposure in my home that led to chronic pain and fatigue.

When living in New England, I coped with the cold weather with regular exercise and also spent several winters working in the tropics. After about 15 yrs, I grew tired of travel, so I soul searched for the best place in the US to live. I had lived in Colorado before and traveled to hot springs regularly in CO and N.CA. I knew how healing they were. I also recalled that I was happiest when living in CO and it is rated one of the best places to age. It also has excellent holistic health care. So here I am, now 8.5 yrs, living off grid in remote CO with 3 hot springs nearby. I have two horses and I am within a reasonable driving distance to an independent ski area. My weeks revolve around training or riding my horse, doing laps and aqua yoga, walking my dogs and cooking healthy organic meals. I squeeze work in between all that. I also alternate days on the computer, as I find it drains me. I struggle with the increased need to be online for work. I do my best to minimize my time on line.

My work involves being fully present for other’s mental health. I am also often in a mentor or leadership role. My intention is to be as clear and as kind as possible when doing this work. I find that doing just as much, if not more, self care than I give to others is required for the work I do and to do it well and effectively.

I am often complimented for looking much younger than I am, for how healthy I look and for my presence. Most people can usually tell I do healing arts for a living. I do believe I walk the talk and I feel it’s absolutely necessary in order to attract and be effective.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Author of Trauma-informed Yoga Therapy for Supporting Asylum Seekers, Refugees and New Immigrants (release date is April 21, 2025)

2022 International Association of Yoga Therapists Seva Award for Trauma-informed Yoga Programs at the Border of Texas and Mexico

Trauma-informed Yoga Therapy for Marginalized Communities Online Training February 7 – 9, 2025 (YA and IAYT CEs available)

Founder and Volunteer Acting Director of Casa de Paz SLV

Book Tour speaking engagements coming up in 2025


There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Pursue your unique talents and gifts and find ways to fit those into what is needed without compromising or giving up.

Get clear on your vision for your life, embody it and pray for it daily.

Express gratitude daily.

Always do what brings you joy. If you are not happy, you will not attract.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

I think many people are experiencing overwhelm right now. I think we have peaked as a society and expectations are high. Perhaps unachievable for most. Many are doing this naturally because they are unable to function otherwise. Withdraw, rest/sleep and spend time in nature to find your natural rhythm. Eat food that is nourishing. Reset.

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Reprinted with permission from BoldJourney



Gina Barrett