Welcome back to The Hygge Nurse podcast! In today’s episode, we explore how your kitchen can become more than just a cooking space—it’s the heart of your home, a hub for connection, and a powerful tool for your health. This episode is inspired by my upcoming workshop, Five Steps to a Wellness-Centered Kitchen (happening live on December 4th).

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why is your kitchen a wellness hub, and how does it influence your behaviors?
• Simple decluttering tips to reduce chaos and decision fatigue.
• Strategies for creating zones that make healthy choices easy and accessible.
• The connection between gut health and overall well-being includes actionable tips for incorporating probiotics, prebiotics, and nutrient-dense foods into your meals.
• How mindful eating and mindful food preparation can transform your relationship with food.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Workshop Registration: Sign up for the Five Steps to a Wellness-Centered Kitchen workshop on December 4th at 12 PM EST. Learn practical strategies for redesigning your kitchen for health and wellness. Register here!
2. Decluttering Starter Guide: Download my free guide to help you take the first steps toward an organized and intentional kitchen.
3. Books on Gut Health:
   • The Mind-Gut Connection by Dr. Emeran Mayer
4. Recommended Products:
   • Glass storage containers for meal prep and reducing waste.
   • Herb garden kits for small spaces.
   • Sustainable kitchen tools from Hygge Abode, like our hand-carved utensils and jute placemats.
5. Recipe Inspiration:
   • Add variety to your meals with these gut-friendly foods:
     • Probiotics: Yogurt (with live cultures), kimchi, sauerkraut, miso
     • Prebiotics: Garlic, onions, bananas (slightly green), asparagus
     • Snack ideas: Roasted broccoli, veggie-packed smoothies, hummus with pre-cut veggies

Ready to take the next step? Join me live on December 4th for the Five Steps to a Wellness-Centered Kitchen workshop. Together, we’ll:

• Create a decluttering action plan tailored to your needs.
• Design purposeful kitchen zones that make wellness a priority.
• Share easy, nutrient-dense recipes to incorporate into your weekly routine.

Don’t miss out! Click here to register now and transform your kitchen into a space that supports your health and well-being.

If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Please share and leave a review—it helps others discover the show!
• Subscribe to my email list for updates, resources, and exclusive access to the workshop details.

Let’s nourish your body, mind, and spirit together.

In this episode of The Hygge Nurse Podcast, Dr. Rachel Zimmer explores the transformative power of gratitude—not just as a fleeting feeling but as a practice that can enhance your well-being and your home's atmosphere. Learn about the fascinating science behind gratitude, how it rewires your brain for positivity, and discover five simple, actionable tips to make gratitude a part of your daily life and physical space. From gratitude journals to creating a cozy gratitude nook, this episode is packed with ideas to inspire you this holiday season.

What You’ll Learn:

• The neuroscience of gratitude and its impact on happiness, stress, and sleep.
• How your home environment can amplify the benefits of practicing gratitude.
• Five actionable tips to weave gratitude into your everyday life and surroundings.
• Practical ideas for making gratitude a family tradition and a personal practice.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Gratitude Journals: Start your gratitude practice with our curated selection of beautiful, sustainably made journals at Hygge Abode. Perfect for reflecting on what you’re thankful for each day.
2. Books on Gratitude:
   • The Gratitude Diaries by Janice Kaplan: A fantastic read about how focusing on gratitude can transform your life.
   • The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking. Discover how the Danish practice of hygge intertwines with gratitude, leading to a happier, more balanced life.
3. Mindfulness Resources: Explore gratitude meditations and prompts through the Insight Timer or Calm apps.
4. DIY Gratitude Practices: Create a gratitude jar for your family.
5. The Hygge Abode Blog: Visit our blog here to find inspiration for creating cozy, gratitude-filled spaces in your home with simple, intentional touches.

Connect with Rachel: If you enjoyed this episode, tag me on Instagram @HyggeAbodeLife and share how you're cultivating gratitude in your space!

Thank you for listening. Remember: a grateful heart leads to a joyful home. Stay cozy, stay warm, and be loved, my friends!

Welcome back to The Hygge Nurse Podcast, exploring wellness, coziness, and finding balance in a chaotic world. In this episode, your host, Dr. Rachel Zimmer, nurse researcher, and wellness enthusiast, dive into the transformative power of the mind-body connection. Learn how breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movement can help you manage stress, foster resilience, and find moments of peace—all with a touch of Hygge warmth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Breathwork Basics: Discover how intentional breathing activates your parasympathetic nervous system, creating calm and grounding.
• Mindfulness Practices: Simple ways to bring mindfulness into everyday life, from savoring your morning coffee to grounding techniques.
• Gentle Movement for Stress Relief: Why activities like walking or stretching are powerful tools to calm your nervous system and reconnect with your body.
• Creating Your Wellness Nook: Tips on designing a small, intentional space in your home to practice rest and mindfulness.

Free Resource:

Are you seeking a practical first step toward creating a more serene, wellness-centered home? Download my free guide: “Declutter for Wellness: 5 Health Benefits of a More Organized, Eco-Friendly Home”. Learn how simplifying your space can transform your mental and emotional well-being.

Stay Connected:

Have you tried one of these practices or have thoughts to share? Let’s connect!

• Find me on Instagram: @HyggeAbode
• Leave a comment on the blog: www.hyggeabode.com

Wellness isn’t about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about small, intentional choices that bring you closer to yourself. Take a deep breath, sip your tea, and take one mindful step at a time. Stay cozy, and I’ll see you in the next episode!

Welcome to The Hygge Nurse Podcast! In today’s episode, Rachel Zimmer dives into the powerful impact of a veggie-forward diet and the transformative effects of mindful eating. Drawing from her Fresh Food RX program, she shares research-backed insights on how increasing access to fresh, nutrient-rich foods has positively impacted participants’ physical and mental health, reducing symptoms like fatigue and improving overall mood.

Episode Highlights:

- The Fresh Food RX Program: How weekly produce boxes and community sessions improved food security and encouraged a shift toward plant-rich diets.

- Why Vegetables?: Dr. Zimmer discusses the science behind leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and root vegetables, highlighting essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and fiber that play a crucial role in our overall health.

- Mind-Body Connection: Discover the link between diet and mental health, and why incorporating more fruits and vegetables can reduce stress, fatigue, and even symptoms of anxiety.

- Practical Tips for a Plant-Rich Diet: From starting small with a veggie addition to every meal to batching roasted veggies for easy meal prep, Dr. Zimmer provides simple ways to make eating more vegetables easy and enjoyable.

- Mindful Eating Practices: Learn how slowing down to savor each bite can improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and stress levels. Plus, Dr. Zimmer shares tips for creating a mindful eating environment that feels both nourishing and grounding.

- Creating a Wellness-Driven Kitchen: Tips on setting up your kitchen to support healthy habits—from visible produce displays to a dedicated prep area, these changes make cooking and healthy eating easier and more inviting.

Tune in for a wealth of insights and practical tips to help you integrate more plants into your diet, transform your kitchen, and embrace a more mindful approach to mealtime. As Dr. Zimmer says, “You either pay for your health now or you pay for it later—but if you’re going to pay for it now, enjoy it!”

Connect with Dr. Rachel Zimmer

For more tips on wellness and hygge living, sign up for her email list at www.hyggeabode.com and follow along on social IG@hyggeabodelife. Let’s keep nourishing our bodies and creating spaces that support a joyful, balanced life!

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Elimarie Caballero, a clinical psychologist focused on trauma-informed care and mental health advocacy for immigrant communities. Dr. Caballero shares her journey into psychology, rooted in breaking generational cycles and promoting culturally competent care. We discuss the mental health challenges faced by immigrant families, how trauma affects physical health, and simple wellness tools that help manage them.

We highlight the resilience of immigrant women, the balance they maintain between cultural traditions and new environments, and how small gestures in healthcare can prevent re-traumatization and build trust. Dr. Caballero also introduces Plenitud Colectiva, her empowering new platform for immigrant women, offering wellness tools, community, and skill-building workshops.

Recommended Resources

Dr. Quinones suggests several powerful reads for those interested in healing, trauma, and women’s wellness:

• "Break the Cycle" by Dr. Marie El Buque – A deep dive into generational trauma and healing, available in English and Spanish.
• "The Pain We Carry" by Natalie Gutierrez addresses complex trauma and the search for wholeness amidst life’s burdens.
• "Rise Sister Rise" by Rebecca Campbell – A guide to reconnecting with feminine wisdom, wellness, and empowerment.

Key Quotes

• “It’s okay not to be okay.” — Dr. Caballero on breaking the silence around mental health in immigrant families.
• “Food is often a language of love and kindness in immigrant communities, a way of showing care and gratitude.” — Dr. Caballero on cultural expressions of love and resilience.

Closing

Thank you for joining us for this meaningful conversation. To learn more about Dr. Cabarello's work and upcoming projects, follow Plenitud Colectiva online. Be sure to subscribe to The Hygge Nurse Podcast and sign up for our newsletter for more wellness, resilience, and community care discussions.

In this episode of The Hygge Nurse Podcast, Dr. Rachel Zimmer is joined by Dr. David Docusen, author, speaker, and founder of the Neighborliness Center, to dive deep into the importance of community engagement, interconnectedness, and building genuine relationships. Dr. Docusen shares his journey of starting nonprofits and churches, explaining how true transformation comes from listening to the lived experiences of the communities we serve. Together, they explore how creating equitable access to education, housing, economic development, and healthcare fosters stronger, healthier communities. Dr. Docusen also talks about the importance of patience, vulnerability, and curiosity in community work, and how these values help build trust over time. Whether you're involved in community work or simply want to deepen connections in your life, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of community work is rooted in patience, listening, and building trust.

- Understanding the lived experiences of others is essential to making meaningful, long-lasting change.

- Dr. Docusen’s framework at the Neighborliness Center focuses on equitable access to four key areas: education, housing, economic development, and healthcare.

- True community engagement isn’t about rushing in to fix problems—it’s about slowing down and allowing relationships to develop over time.

- Vulnerability and curiosity are foundational to creating authentic connections within communities.

About Our Guest:

Dr. David Docusen is the visionary behind the Neighborliness Center, an organization focused on creating equitable access to education, housing, economic development, and healthcare. With over 15 years of experience starting nonprofits and churches, Dr. Docusen has dedicated his life to community engagement and empowering others to foster healthier, interconnected communities. He is the author of Neighborliness: Love Your Neighbor, the Way You Love Yourself.

Resources Mentioned:

- Neighborliness: Love Your Neighbor, the Way You Love Yourself by Dr. David Docusen

- [Neighborliness Center Website](https://www.neighborlinesscenter.com)

- How to Kill a City by Peter Moskowitz

- Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond

- The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

- Prophetic Lament by Soong-Chan Rah

Connect with Dr. David Docusen:

- Website: neighborlinesscenter.com

- Instagram: @daviddocusen

Connect with Rachel Zimmer & Hygge Abode:

- Website: www.hyggeabode.com

- Instagram: @hyggeabodelife

- Email: [email protected]

Thank You for Listening!

If today’s episode inspired you, we’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts by leaving a review or reaching out to us on Instagram or via email. Let’s continue to build intentional, connected lives and communities—one small act of kindness and understanding at a time.

In this episode of The Hygge Nurse, Rachel Zimmer explores the transformative power of boundaries as a form of self-care and energy protection. Discover how setting clear, mindful boundaries at home, work, and in everyday life can improve your mental and emotional well-being. Rachel shares practical tips on how intentional design, routine, and communication can help you create physical and mental spaces that nurture your well-being.

Whether you’re looking to declutter your space, carve out a cozy corner, or learn how to manage work-life balance, this episode will give you the tools you need to establish healthy boundaries that support a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Key Topics Covered:

• The importance of boundaries for mental and physical health
• Why boundaries aren't about keeping people out but about protecting your energy
• How to create mindful spaces at home that promote rest
• The impact of clutter on mental clarity and emotional well-being
• Practical examples for setting boundaries at work to avoid burnout
• Using intentional design, like color choices and lighting, to signal relaxation or focus
• How daily routines can serve as boundaries to shift gears between different parts of your day
• Simple strategies for decluttering and creating capsule spaces
• Tips for effective communication with loved ones about boundaries
• The long-term health benefits of setting boundaries for stress reduction

Challenge of the Week: Set one new boundary this week, whether at work or at home. Start small and observe how it makes you feel. Consider journaling about the experience and its impact on your well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• Hygge Abode: Explore our collection of sustainable home goods designed to support your wellness journey. From cozy corner essentials to eco-friendly decor, we have what you need to create a calming and intentional space in your home. Shop now
• Instagram: Follow along for more tips and inspiration on setting boundaries and living intentionally. @HyggeAbode

Recommendations for Creating a Wellness-Focused Home:

1. Design a Cozy Corner: Use a chair, soft lighting, a candle, and a plant to create a dedicated space for relaxation.
2. Set Up a Mindfulness Nook: Incorporate calming elements like a meditation cushion, essential oils, and soothing art.
3. Declutter with Intention: Tackle one small area at a time to reduce mental clutter and increase focus.
4. Utilize Color Psychology: Incorporate soft blues and greens for relaxation spaces and energizing yellows for work zones.

Thank you for listening! Tune in next week for more tips on intentional living, self-care, and creating a home that supports your well-being. And share with your friends too!

✨ Ready to take it a step further? Visit Hygge Abode and sign up for my newsletter and download my free guide, "Declutter for Wellness: 5 Health Benefits of a More Organized, Eco-Friendly Home," to bring more harmony into your life—starting at home!

Follow Us:

• Hygge Abode Website
• Instagram

Subscribe & Review: If you loved this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

In this episode of the Hygge Nurse podcast, Dr. Rachel Zimmer, a nurse researcher and hygge enthusiast, dives deep into the heart of what it means to create a home that is a true reflection of your values. Your home isn’t just a space—it’s a reflection of your life, your priorities, and what truly matters to you. However, when our spaces become cluttered with things that don’t serve us, it’s easy to feel disconnected from both our environment and ourselves.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to realign your home with your core values, focusing on sustainability, mindful consumption, and incorporating Hygge principles.
• Simple, eco-friendly swaps you can make to create a healthier and more intentional living space.
• Practical decluttering tips that support your well-being, from using the “one in, one out” rule to sentimental decluttering strategies.
• Mindful consumption practices to reduce decision fatigue and make your home a place of peace and clarity.
• The transformative power of Hygge: how lighting, textures, and natural elements can create warmth, comfort, and connection in your home.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your space or make it a true reflection of your personal values, this episode is packed with ideas to help you create a home that feels aligned, intentional, and full of warmth.

Key Takeaways:

• Living sustainably doesn’t mean overhauling your home overnight. Small, thoughtful swaps like using eco-friendly cleaning products or reusable items can make a big impact.
• Mindful consumption can declutter both your home and mind. Before making purchases, ask yourself if the item aligns with your values and if you truly need it.
• Hygge is not just about aesthetics; it’s about how your home feels. Incorporating soft lighting, cozy textures, and natural elements can instantly transform your space into a comforting retreat.
• Decluttering is more than just getting rid of things—it’s about creating space for what matters most in your life.

Resources Mentioned:

• Yuka App: A helpful tool to check the quality and ingredients of products.
• Zero Waste Home: A resource for sustainable living tips and ideas.
• Calm Joy Candle Company: Beautiful, hand-poured coconut wax candles for an eco-friendly, Hygge-inspired home.
• Hygge Abode: Explore thoughtfully crafted items from artisans around the world to add warmth and character to your home.

Challenge for Listeners: This week, pick one small change to bring more intentionality into your home. Whether it’s an eco-friendly swap, adding Hygge-inspired lighting, or starting with a single drawer to declutter, every step counts! Tag me on social media @HyggeAbodeLife and let me celebrate your progress.

✨ Ready to take it a step further? Visit Hygge Abode and sign up for my newsletter and download my free guide, "Declutter for Wellness: 5 Health Benefits of a More Organized, Eco-Friendly Home," to bring more harmony into your life—starting at home!

Connect with Dr. Rachel Zimmer:

• Hygge Abode Website
• Instagram: @HyggeAbodeLife

In this enlightening episode of the Hygge Nurse podcast, Rachel Zimmer sits down with Dr. Mia Yang, a dedicated geriatrician with extensive experience in dementia care and caregiver support. Together, they explore the intricacies of caregiving, focusing on the well-being of caregivers and practical strategies to navigate the challenges of dementia care.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Caregiver Well-Being:

- Importance of self-care for caregivers.

- Strategies to find moments of respite and self-care activities.

- Differentiating between internal thoughts and external constraints to reduce self-blame.

2. Navigating the Healthcare System:

- Challenges caregivers face in the healthcare system.

- Tips for managing transitions of care, such as moving from home to hospital.

- Importance of clear communication and finding language-concordant care.

3. Practical Tips for Caregiving:

- Handling common dementia-related behaviors like refusal to bathe or take medications.

- Importance of creating joyful moments despite the challenges.

- Utilizing mindfulness, journaling, and bilateral stimulation techniques like brain spotting for stress relief.

4. Research Insights:

- Overview of a study on the well-being of Black and Latino caregivers.

- Impact of cultural and language barriers on caregiver experiences.

- Importance of presence and empathetic listening in caregiving.

Resources Mentioned:

1. UCLA Caregiver Education Videos:

- Short, practical videos for managing common caregiving challenges.

2. Creating Moments of Joy Along the Alzheimer's Journey by Jolene Brackey:

- Humorous and accessible book with practical advice.

3. Ask Dr. Mia Podcast:

- Dr. Mia’s podcast on aging well and geriatric medicine.

4. Dementia Matters Podcast:

- Podcast by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center on memory care research.

5. Brain Spotting Music on Spotify:

- Bilateral auditory stimulation music for stress relief.

Additional Recommendations:

- Teepa Snow’s Gem Approach:

- Understanding dementia behaviors and levels through a positive framework..

- Subscribe to Hygge Nurse Podcast: Stay updated with our latest episodes.

- Leave a Review and Share: If you found this episode helpful, share it with friends and family who might benefit.

- Visit Hygge Abode: Explore our digital courses designed to help you create serene, wellness-focused spaces at home. [Link to Hygge Abode Courses](https://www.hyggeabode.com/courses)

Thank you for tuning in. Stay cozy, connected, and take good care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Dr. Andrea Lein, a psychologist with expertise in mental health, positive psychology, and giftedness, shares her insights on holistic mental health and the importance of connection.

This episode covers Dr. Lein's journey, her work with gifted individuals, and strategies for fostering holistic mental health. The discussion also delves into the issue of loneliness and social isolation, highlighting the need for connection and belonging. She discusses the importance of prioritizing connection with oneself and others and the role of community in healing and well-being. In this conversation,

She also discusses the importance of connection and creating supportive environments and explores the role of boundaries, feedback, and leadership in fostering genuine connections. Andrea emphasizes the impact of our environment on our mental and emotional health, highlighting the concept of milieu therapy.

Here are some key takeaways:

🌟 Holistic mental health means prioritizing connection with oneself and others.

🌟 Loneliness can be felt even when we’re not alone.

🌟 Community and safe relationships are crucial for healing and well-being.

🌟 Our environment profoundly influences our state of mind.

🌟 Practical strategies can enhance our social connections.

Rachel and Andrea also discuss several rich resources that can help with connection and home.

Recommended resources:

'The Art and Science of Connection'

'Braving the Wilderness' by Brene Brown

The Well Connected Home by Dr. Andrea Lein:

https://www.andrealein.com/wellconnectedhome

Digital Courses on Decluttering and Design for Health:

https://www.hyggeabode.com/pages/home-design-course-description

And please be sure to rate our podcast and leave a review if you loved it!

For more information about Hygge Abode, visit our webpage at www.hyggeabode.com.