Nurse Life Wellness: 5 Simple Habits That Keep Me Going 👩‍⚕️💪💧🧴🥗💤

Let’s face it—nurse life is go-go-go, with a side of “did I even pee today?” If you’re a fellow nurse, you already know the hustle. And if you’re not, welcome to a peek inside the caffeine-fueled, compression-sock-wearing world we live in. As a wound and ostomy care nurse in my 40s (aka Team Skin & Poop Forever), I’ve learned that if I don’t intentionally care for myself, I’m basically a wound waiting to happen.

So here it is: my five non-negotiable wellness habits that help me stay sane, energized, and skin-glow ready—even after back-to-back shifts, charting marathons, and the occasional code brown 💩.


1. Hydration Like It’s My Job 💧

You’ve heard it before—but are you actually doing it? I used to tell patients to hydrate while nursing a 5-hour-old iced coffee. Now, I keep a big, straw-top water bottle with me always. Dehydration doesn’t just mess with energy—it slows digestion, dries out skin, and increases fatigue (aka nurse Kryptonite). Bonus: well-hydrated skin heals faster. Yes, even Grandma’s elbow knows.

Pro tip: Add electrolytes for long shifts or hot units.


2. Magnesium = My Gut MVP 🧠💩

Stress + inconsistent meals = gut drama. And let’s not even talk about night shifts. Magnesium glycinate or citrate helps keep my motility on point and my poops regular without being too harsh (especially helpful for ostomy folks too!). My skin even looks calmer when my gut’s happy.


3. Skin Care: The 3-Minute Nurse Version 🧴✨

Here’s the deal: you don’t need a 15-step Korean skincare routine. I swear by this trio:

  • Gentle cleanser (because hospital air = yuck)
  • Vitamin C serum (brightens, boosts healing)
  • Mineral sunscreen (for that hospital parking lot sun)

Even after a 12-hour shift in a mask, your skin can bounce back with just a little consistency. Don’t skip sunscreen, even if you never see the light of day during your shift. That fluorescent lighting still ages you, friend. 😏


4. Meal Prep That Loves My Gut (and Skin) 🥗

I try to prep 2-3 gut-friendly meals/snacks that are easy to grab. Think:

  • Greek yogurt + chia + berries (probiotics + fiber)
  • Roasted veggies + quinoa + salmon (skin fuel!)
  • A stash of almonds and dark chocolate in my locker (don’t judge, it’s balance)

I avoid overly processed snacks that mess with my gut (and cause breakouts) and aim for meals that keep my blood sugar steady and my mood less hangry.


5. Sleep, Even If It’s Weirdly Scheduled 😴

I know, I know—night shift ruins everything. But I treat sleep like medicine. Eye mask. White noise. Magnesium at night. No scrolling before bed. When I’m well rested, I’m kinder, quicker on my feet, and my skin isn’t screaming “fatigue” from across the nurse’s station.


Bonus: Laugh Often & Poop Regularly 😄💩

Listen, I talk about poop for a living—might as well have fun with it. Nurse burnout is real, but wellness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s about building realistic habits that keep your gut happy, your skin glowing, and your energy up. You don’t need perfection. Just progress.


⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy.


Wellness Without Woo: 💙 A Nurse’s Guide to Real Self-Care 👋

Hey there, fellow wellness warriors! 👋 As a nurse in my 40s who’s spent 22 years diving deep into skin, gut health, wounds, and all things wellness, I’m here to give you the real tea ☕ on self-care — minus the fluff, the “energy vortexes,” and those crystal elixir vibes that make you wonder if you’re on a reality show. Let’s talk wellness without the woo.


What Is “Wellness Without Woo,” Anyway?

In a world where detox teas promise a miracle cleanse and magic powders claim to fix your skin overnight, I’m here to say: nah. Real self-care isn’t about chasing the latest fad. It’s about science-backed habits that actually make a difference for your skin, gut, and overall health. Think hydration, balanced nutrition, sleep, and a dash of movement (yes, even those nursing shifts count as cardio sometimes! 🏃‍♀️).


1. Hydration: Your Skin’s BFF 💧

Your skin and gut thrive on water. Drinking enough H2O is the cheapest, easiest, and most effective anti-aging trick you can do. It keeps your skin plump, helps your digestive system flush out toxins, and supports wound healing. Plus, it prevents that “dehydrated nurse face” look after a 12-hour shift.


2. Eat Real, Not Magical 🍎

Forget the powders and potions. Your gut (and skin!) want whole foods — think colorful veggies, fiber-rich fruits, healthy fats, and protein. These nourish your microbiome, support digestion, and help your skin maintain elasticity. Pro tip: your gut health shows up on your face, so feed it well.


3. Move Your Body — Even If It’s Just a Walk 🏃‍♀️

You don’t need a gym membership or 2-hour yoga sessions. Moving daily — walking, stretching, or chasing toddlers — helps circulation, reduces stress, and supports skin cell turnover. Plus, it’s great for your gut motility (translation: better poop, less bloating — yay! 🚽).


4. Sunscreen Is a Must ☀️

No self-care routine is complete without sun protection. UV rays age your skin faster than stress does. (And trust me, nursing stress is real.) A broad-spectrum SPF shields your skin and lowers your risk for skin cancer — because glowing skin should last a lifetime.


5. Sleep Like Your Skin Depends on It 💤

Spoiler: it does. Sleep is when your body repairs skin damage, balances hormones, and resets your gut health. Aim for 7-9 hours and watch those wrinkles and digestion issues chill out.


6. Listen to Your Body, Not the Hype 🧘‍♀️

With ostomies, wounds, and skin issues in the mix, personalizing self-care is key. What works for one person may not work for another — especially when it comes to gut and skin health. Always chat with your healthcare providers before starting any new routine.


Final Thoughts

Self-care doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. It’s about consistent, science-backed habits that nurture your body and mind — no crystals required. So ditch the “woo,” grab your water bottle, put on your sunscreen, and embrace wellness that’s real, reliable, and nurse-approved. 💙


⚠️ Disclaimer: Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist — especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or medical devices like an ostomy. What works for one person might not work for another.


Want more practical tips without the fluff? You’re in the right place. Let’s keep it real, together. 💪✨

🥩🍠 Dad Bod, But Make It Glowing: Gut-Healthy Foods for the Father Figure in Your Life

Let’s be honest—dad bods are in, but bloated dad bods with breakouts? Not exactly the Father’s Day glow-up we’re going for. Whether you’re married to one, raised by one, or are one—this one’s for the fellas. 👨‍🦱💪

As a nurse (and a card-carrying member of the Skin-Gut-Health Fan Club), I see firsthand how what we eat affects our poop, skin, mood, and energy. And yes—this applies to dads, too. Even the ones who claim “I don’t need moisturizer” as they rub their face raw with Irish Spring.

So this Father’s Day, let’s talk about gut-friendly foods that can reduce inflammation, support digestion, and bring that subtle glow (no bronzer required).


🍳 The Dad Bod Diet Glow-Up

Here’s what we’re swapping into the diet—without taking away his beloved BBQ.


1. Salmon or Sardines (a.k.a. Dad’s Omega-3 Boost)

🐟 Omega-3s = less gut inflammation + clearer, calmer skin.
Grill it. Smoke it. Toss it on a salad. Just skip the deep fryer, please.

Bonus: Great for heart health and joint pain. Who says you can’t age like a fine whiskey?


2. Sweet Potatoes

🍠 Complex carbs with beta-carotene, a skin-loving antioxidant.
Swap the fries for roasted sweet potato wedges. Air fryer optional, but encouraged.


3. Greek Yogurt or Kefir

🦠 Packed with probiotics that keep the gut happy and skin clearer.
Want a real treat? Add some berries and honey. Call it “man parfait.”


4. Kimchi, Sauerkraut, or Pickles (fermented, not fake)

🥬 A crunchy way to fuel the microbiome.
If it smells funky, it’s probably working. Just don’t mix with beer pong.


5. Avocados

🥑 Healthy fats that help absorb fat-soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, and K—yes, those are skin MVPs).
Put it on toast, burgers, or just hand him a spoon.


6. Blueberries

🫐 Antioxidant powerhouses that fight oxidative stress (aka skin damage + gut inflammation).
Also pairs well with dad jokes.


7. Beans & Lentils

🥣 Full of fiber = regular poops = less bloat = better skin.
Trust me, if you’re constipated, your face knows. So does your mood.


🚫 Foods That Wreck the Glow (Sorry, Dad)

Here’s what might be contributing to bloating, sluggish digestion, or random “angry forehead zits”:

  • Highly processed meats (hello, nitrates)
  • Too much added sugar (hello, belly fat + breakouts)
  • Excess alcohol (sorry beer gut, your glow is gone)
  • Dairy (for some, this = skin flare-ups and gas attacks)
  • Fried foods (gut inflammation’s favorite snack)

💩 Bonus Tip: Poop Watch = Skin Watch

Constipated? Bloated? Passing gas like it’s a talent?
Yeah, your skin will reflect that. The gut-skin axis is real. When your gut is sluggish, so is your glow.


💧 Hydration Station: Real Men Drink Water

Tell him hydration isn’t just for marathon runners or skincare influencers.
Water helps:

  • Digestion
  • Skin plumpness
  • Wound healing
  • Energy (and better workouts)

Start with half his body weight in ounces per day.


🧴 Skin Care for the Dad Who “Doesn’t Need It”

Keep it simple:

  • Gentle cleanser (not the 3-in-1 body wash)
  • Moisturizer with SPF
  • Hydrating balm for dry hands, elbows, or dad knees

Tell him: “If you can take care of a car, you can take care of your skin.”


🧠 Glow Up the Gut = Glow Up the Mood

Gut health doesn’t just show up on your face—it affects energy, mood, and even motivation. Help your favorite dad feel better, not just look better.


🛒 Grocery List: The Glowing Dad Starter Pack

  • Salmon fillets
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Greek yogurt
  • Kimchi or sauerkraut
  • Avocados
  • Blueberries
  • Canned beans/lentils
  • Herbal tea or lemon water

⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)

This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy. What works for one person might not work for another (especially if we’re talking ileostomy vs colostomy vs urostomy—big differences, folks!).


Final Thought 💬

This Father’s Day, let’s go beyond grilling gear and gift cards. Give the dad in your life a little gut glow-up—his skin (and his poop) will thank you. 💩✨


💧 Hydration Habits: Why Water Is a Free Anti-Aging Tool

Let’s talk about the real MVP of your skincare routine—plain ol’ water. Not a fancy serum. Not a $150 cream with a name that sounds like a European vacation. Just H₂O—available from your tap, your bottle, or that emotional support water tumbler we all carry around now. (I see you 👀)

As a nurse with 22 years under my belt—and as someone deep in the trenches of wound and ostomy care—trust me when I say: hydration is not optional. It’s the unsung hero behind healthy skin, better digestion, and smoother poops (yep, we’re going there).


🧴 Water = Skin’s Natural Moisturizer

Dry skin isn’t just about what you slather on. If you’re dehydrated, your skin will show it. Think dull, flaky, fine lines that suddenly look less “fine” and more like “deep concerns.”

Hydration helps:

  • Improve skin elasticity
  • Reduce the appearance of wrinkles
  • Keep your skin barrier happy (hello, fewer breakouts and irritation!)

💡Pro Tip: Drinking water won’t erase your crow’s feet overnight—but it will give your skin a fighting chance. Plus, hydrated skin heals better. And if you’ve got a wound (or even just a stubborn zit), healing matters.


💩 Gut Check: Water Keeps Things Moving

Constipated? Crampy? Bloated like a balloon at a toddler’s birthday party?

You might just need more water.

Your digestive system needs hydration to keep food moving, absorb nutrients, and keep your poop from turning into bricks (especially for folks with an ostomy—output consistency is key 🔑).

🌀 Fun nurse fact: Even your colon has feelings—when it’s dehydrated, it holds onto water like it’s prepping for a desert trek. That means slower motility and, you guessed it, poop problems.


💥 Dehydration Looks Like…

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Dull, saggy skin
  • Funky breath
  • Cranky gut (gas, constipation, sluggish digestion)
  • And yes… more pronounced wrinkles 😬

🥤 Hydration Habits That Actually Work

Let’s keep it simple, nurse-style:

  1. Start your day with water before coffee. Your gut will thank you.
  2. Aim for 8 cups a day—but adjust for activity, climate, and personal needs.
  3. Add fruit or cucumber for flavor if you’re bored (hydration doesn’t have to be bland).
  4. Track it if you’re forgetful. (We all are. Nurses are chronically dehydrated from shift life.)
  5. Eat your water – cucumbers, watermelon, lettuce, and bone broth all count!

🧪 For My Ostomates:

Hydration is CRUCIAL, especially for those with an ileostomy, where water absorption is reduced. Low hydration = thicker output, which increases the risk of pancaking, leaks, and skin issues. Not fun.
💡 Electrolyte balance matters too! Consider low-sugar oral rehydration drinks when needed.


👵 Bonus: Hydration & Aging Gracefully

Water won’t stop time—but it can soften its effects:

  • Hydrated skin = plumper appearance
  • Better digestion = fewer breakouts, more glow
  • Fewer UTIs, better circulation, more energy—what’s not to love?

Basically, water is the Botox of the gut-skin connection… but cheaper and with fewer needles.


⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)

This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy. What works for one person might not work for another (especially if we’re talking ileostomy vs colostomy vs urostomy—big differences, folks!).


Now go refill that water bottle, friend. Your gut, skin, and nurse-brain will thank you. 💦🧠✨


Constipation Crisis: Why Nurses Don’t Poop Like They Used To 💩🚽

A gut-check from a wound & ostomy nurse who knows the struggle is real (and real slow)

Let’s talk about something near, dear, and backed up—our bowels.
If you’re a nurse (or anyone in healthcare), you already know: Nurses don’t poop like they used to. Somewhere between the 12-hour shifts, too much caffeine, too little hydration, and holding our bladder until it feels like a personal achievement… our guts have thrown in the towel.

As a nurse, (most of them spent talking about poop more than most people talk about the weather), I’ve seen it all. From chronic constipation to stress diarrhea, to the poor soul who swore she hadn’t pooped since the last full moon—gut health is no joke. And it’s way more connected to our skin, mood, energy, and wound healing than most people realize.

So today, I’m diving deep into the constipation crisis, nurse edition.


🚫 Why Nurses Are the Constipation Poster Children

Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. We Never Sit Still (Except on the Toilet, Praying for a Movement)

On our feet all day, running from room to room, charting while standing… we burn calories but somehow forget to drink water or even breathe properly. Hydration? Fiber? Regular meals? LOL.

2. Caffeine Is Our Blood Type

Coffee to wake up. More coffee to stay awake. Maybe an energy drink for the night shift. That much caffeine can dehydrate you AND slow digestion, even though it’s technically a stimulant. Betrayal.

3. We Ignore Our Bodies

Feel the urge to poop at 9 a.m.? Sorry, you’re in wound care rounds until noon. By the time you’re free, your colon has emotionally shut down and decided to store that stool indefinitely.

4. Shift Work & Stress = Gut Confusion

Your body loves a rhythm. Your schedule? Absolute chaos. Add stress, skipped meals, no sleep, and your microbiome starts googling “How to apply for early retirement.”


💩 Constipation Isn’t Just Inconvenient—It’s a Skin + Gut Issue

This is where my love of gut health and skin care nerdiness collide. Constipation isn’t just a plumbing problem—it impacts:

  • Detoxification: If you’re not pooping, you’re reabsorbing toxins meant to exit. That can show up as acne, dull skin, breakouts, and more.
  • Inflammation: Sluggish bowels can increase systemic inflammation, which slows down wound healing and messes with your skin barrier.
  • Hormone Balance: Estrogen is excreted via the gut. If you’re not going, hormones recirculate. Hello, mood swings and breakouts.
  • Mood + Energy: Your gut helps make neurotransmitters. A backed-up colon can lead to foggy thinking, fatigue, and straight-up irritability.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse Truth: If you’re constipated and cranky, it’s probably connected.


🚽 What Can You Actually Do (That Doesn’t Involve Quitting Your Job)?

Yes, we’re busy. But your gut deserves more than a once-a-week courtesy flush. Here’s what I suggest:

Hydrate Like It’s Your Side Hustle

Keep a giant water bottle at your station. Chug during charting. Add electrolytes if plain water bores you.

Fiber Up—But Gently

Start with chia seeds, flaxseed, oats, or berries. Don’t go from 5g to 30g in one day, unless you enjoy bloating and regret.

Magnesium Is Magic

Magnesium citrate or glycinate helps move things along and eases muscle tension (which we ALL need). Just start low and go slow.

Move It, Even Just a Bit

Desk job? Stretch. Walk the hallway. Do squats in the breakroom (bonus: coworkers think you’re fitness goals).

Poop Routine = Gut Gold

Try to poop at the same time each day. Sit. Breathe. Do not scroll. Your colon deserves your full attention.

Probiotics + Prebiotics

Balance your gut flora with fermented foods (yogurt, kimchi, kefir) and prebiotic-rich foods (onions, garlic, bananas).


🧻 Final Flush: Nurses Deserve Smooth Moves, Too

Let’s not normalize constipation. Let’s normalize talking about it—and doing something about it. Because regular poops aren’t just about comfort. They’re about whole-body health—from your skin to your stress level to how well that surgical site heals.

So here’s to fiber, hydration, and pooping like a nurse who finally remembered she has a digestive system.


Need help getting your gut back on track?
Stick around. I share real talk, skin tips, gut-loving recipes, and more—straight from a nurse who’s seen the (bowel) light.

💩 Because constipation may be common, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal.


Skincare in Your 40s: A Nurse’s Guide to Glowing Skin and a Happy Gut ✨🧴

Discover a nurse-approved skincare routine for your 40s that heals below the surface. Learn how the gut-skin connection, hydration, and real ingredients can help you glow—inside and out.


Welcome to your 40s—where your smile lines say, “I’ve lived,” and your forehead creases whisper, “I’ve worried (a lot).”

👉 Skincare in your 40s is a whole different ball game.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated—or cost as much as your first car.

Let’s break it down nurse-style: science-backed tips and a gut-skin wellness twist that your face (and your microbiome) will love.


🧼 Step 1: Cleanse Like You Mean It (Without Stripping Your Barrier)

Forget those 15-step influencer routines. In your 40s, it’s time to get serious about protecting your skin’s barrier.
Your oil production has slowed, your skin is thinner, and your wound-healing abilities aren’t what they used to be. That’s why your cleanser matters—a lot.

Look for:

  • pH-balanced formulas
  • Creamy, non-foaming textures
  • Ingredients like glycerin, oat extract, or aloe

If it sounds like something you’d feel safe using near a surgical site, you’re on the right track.

🧠 Bonus tip: Your skin microbiome needs TLC too. A stripped barrier can mess with both your skin and gut health—yes, they’re connected!

🔗 Related read: How a Healthy Gut Can Transform Your Skin and Hair Naturally


🍊 Step 2: Brighten + Protect with Vitamin C

Vitamin C is your daytime BFF. In your 40s, environmental stress starts to leave its mark—pollution, UV exposure, and (ahem) years of cortisol spikes from shift work and parenting.

💥 Enter: L-ascorbic acid (aka the most effective form of Vitamin C).

It:

  • Boosts collagen
  • Brightens dark spots
  • Protects against free radicals
  • Pairs perfectly under sunscreen

✅ Choose a serum with 10–20% concentration, and apply before your moisturizer in the morning.

🌿 If you’re sensitive, try magnesium ascorbyl phosphate instead. It’s gentler on skin that’s been through the trenches.


🌞 Step 3: SPF = Aging Insurance

Look, I love a good anti-aging cream—but sunscreen still reigns supreme. It’s your #1 defense against wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. And yes, even when it’s cloudy. Even if you’re just going to Target.

🔬 As a nurse, I’ve seen firsthand what lack of SPF does to healing and collagen. Trust me—you want to keep that skin protected and supported.

🧴 Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, preferably mineral-based if you’re sensitive.

💡 Pro tip: Reapply every 2 hours if you’re outside, even if you’re just sipping iced coffee and reading skin blogs (like this one 😉).

🔗 Related: Sunscreen for Dads Who Think They’re Invincible


💧 Step 4: Hydrate Like It’s Your Job (Because It Kinda Is)

Hydration = glow + gut support + smoother skin

Aging skin tends to be drier, thinner, and more prone to transepidermal water loss. Add in night shifts, coffee habits, or not enough water (you know who you are), and your skin is begging for hydration.

What your 40s skin craves:

  • Hyaluronic acid (draws water in)
  • Ceramides (seals the deal)
  • Peptides (tells your skin to keep repairing)

🥤 And yes, drink that water! Your gut bacteria thrive in hydrated environments—and when your gut is happy, your skin usually glows in gratitude.


🥦 Step 5: Feed Your Face (From the Inside Out)

Want clear, vibrant, bounce-back skin in your 40s? Your gut microbiome needs to be part of your beauty regimen.

What to eat for better skin:

  • 🐟 Omega-3s: Fatty fish, chia seeds
  • 🥬 Leafy greens: Anti-inflammatory + antioxidant-rich
  • 🥣 Bone broth: Collagen and gut-healing amino acids
  • 🥛 Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi = happy gut flora
  • 🧄 Prebiotics: Garlic, onions, bananas (fuel for good bacteria)

🦠 The gut-skin axis is real: poor digestion, leaky gut, or dysbiosis can all show up as acne, rosacea, dullness, or inflammation.

🔗 Related: The Surprising Link Between Rosacea and Your Gut Microbiome


💊 Step 6: Use Smart Actives (One at a Time, Please)

In your 40s, you’ve earned the right to target your skincare concerns—but don’t overdo it. More isn’t better. It’s just… inflamed.

Choose actives based on your needs:

  • Retinol or retinaldehyde: For fine lines, collagen loss
  • Peptides: For firmness and repair
  • Niacinamide: For redness, barrier support, and pigment
  • Glycolic or lactic acid: For texture and tone

👩‍⚕️ Nurse tip: Introduce one active at a time. Start 2x per week, then work up. If your skin feels tight, dry, or angry—it’s time to back off.


🛏 Step 7: Sleep + Stress = Skin Care (Seriously)

Let’s talk cortisol. When stress hormones spike:

  • Collagen breaks down faster
  • Skin becomes more reactive
  • Inflammation increases
  • Digestion slows = gut chaos = skin chaos

😴 Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep.
🧘‍♀️ Add daily decompression rituals: deep breathing, journaling, light stretching, or just watching trash TV without guilt.

🔗 Need help resetting your gut? Check out Anti-Aging from the Gut: https://gutglow.blog/2025/06/14/anti-aging-from-the-gut-what-to-eat-to-reduce-wrinkles-and-hair-loss-naturally-%f0%9f%8c%bf%e2%9c%a8/What to Eat to Reduce Wrinkles and Hair Loss Naturally 


👩‍⚕️ Final Thoughts from Your Favorite Nurse

Aging is a privilege—and so is caring for your skin with intention. You don’t need fancy tools or a drawer full of serums. You just need to:
💛 Understand your body
💧 Feed your gut
🌿 Support your barrier
😴 Sleep more
☀️ Wear SPF
🧠 And trust the process

In your 40s, your skin can still glow—it just needs a little more love and a lot more support.

So hydrate, exfoliate, meditate—and celebrate that beautiful face of yours.

Now go glow, beautifully and biologically. ✨🧠💪