Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Life— Mindset Shifts for Healing

If I could tell every nurse reading this one thing, it would be this:

Learn from my past struggles, but also remember that no one will take better care of YOU…. than YOU.

Somewhere along the way it has been said that because nurses do so much caring for others, that we often forget to care for ourselves.

I have experienced this firsthand, as I am sure you have too.

Now, I know you probably aren’t familiar with my story, so let me give you a quick synopsis.

For nearly a decade, I struggled with chronic issues that stemmed from the state of my gut. I am talking bloating, constipation, acne, eczema, brain fog, anxiety, and food sensitivities.

Throughout my life, I was on multiple rounds of antibiotics, ate a diet that consisted of highly processed foods, and had a ton of surmounting stress. (Hello, nurse life!)

So it only made sense, that as time went on, I struggled more and more.

Not to mention, during most of that time, I chose to rely on restrictive diets, supplements, and even various medications to help relieve my all of my ailments.

Instead of truly dealing with my issues, I chose to cover them up.

Until enough was enough.

Fast forward to now, a time in my life where not only am I healed, but I also help women do the same.

I believe that every woman, including yourself deserves to know what it feels like to wake up and feel good in her mind, body, and spirit.

Taking the steps to get there may not be easy, but it can be simple.

So with that, here are my top 3 mindset shifts to help you start healing not only your gut issues, but all of your chronic health issues.

And in turn— healing your entire life.

1. Work to change things little by little. Like many of you reading this, I was also keen to jump on the next best diet, dive in head first, only to let go of it all a few weeks later. So start slow. I am talking REAL slow. Add in one change for 2-3 weeks, then another. Maybe this week you start to incorporate more fermented foods in your diet. Then in another 2-3 weeks you add in movement that feels really good to you.

2. Let go of the “all or nothing” mentality. I mean actually relinquish it. Allow yourself grace and flexibility. I can’t tell you how many times I would go all in on a protocol, only to end up feeling defeated, stressed, and like a failure when everything wasn’t working out exactly like I had planned. Life will have bumps, maybe even roller coasters. Learn to ride them, rather than go against them. You will have a lot less stress this way.

3. You do not have to do it all alone. I received lots of what I thought was guidance over the years. When in reality, much of it was another provider giving me medications to help band-aid what was actually going on internally. Health and healing can be lonely, but it does not have to be. Find a community, a coach, or even a trusted friend, and let them assist you in your journey.

Nursing is probably one of, if not THE most stressful yet selfless professions that one can think of. Caring for yourself allows for you to take better care of others. It isn’t, and will never be a one way street.

Start looking at tending to your health and own healing as a form of self respect. Once you do, it will make your journey that much easier.

If you found value in this post and are currently striving to better your gut health and overall wellness, you can find me on Instagram: @lindseytheholisticmama and on TikTok:@theholisticmama. I am a holistic health practitioner and coach who strives to empower women to see not only the benefit, but the beauty in true health and healing.

My signature program; The Gut Health Roadmap, is foundational in helping women who are frustrated and ready to get to the root of their struggles associated with bloating,IBS, fatigue, and other digestive issues. I work with clients 1:1 to develop a plan that is not only unique to you, but that helps you solidify the mindset, movement, and nutrition habits needed to obtain and maintain a version of you that feels her best. No band-aids here— all healing.

Lindsey Walker, RN, BSN, HWNC-BC, HHP

© 2023 The Supported Nurse