Health Matters with Medicine Center Pharmacy Podcast | Special Guest: Hollie Stefaniak, RN, CRRN – Aultman Woodlawn

In our latest Health Matters podcast episode, we sat down with the wonderful Hollie Stefaniak, RN, CRRN from Aultman Woodlawn to dive deep into something we all need more of—self-care. Whether you’re a busy parent, full-time student, or just someone juggling life’s to-do list, Hollie reminds us that taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury—it’s a must.

Let’s unpack some of the gems Hollie shared that’ll inspire you to build your own daily wellness flow.

Oxygenation: Breathe Life Into Your Morning

Start your day with intention. Hollie encourages something as simple—and powerful—as deep breathing. Techniques like Wim Hof breathing kickstart your system by increasing oxygen flow, boosting energy, and helping you feel alive before you even sip your coffee.

Hydration: The First Sip Matters

One of Hollie’s go-to tips? Drink water right after waking up. Your body’s been working hard all night. Hydration helps jumpstart digestion, improve brain function, and flush out toxins. Pro tip: keep a glass of water on your nightstand as a reminder.

Need to hydrate like a pro? Especially in the summer or after exercise? Hollie recommends:

- Adding electrolytes
- Infusing your water with citrus or berries
- Carrying a reusable water bottle everywhere

Oil Pulling: A Little Swish Goes a Long Way

Ever tried oil pulling? It’s an ancient detox trick where you swish coconut or sesame oil around your mouth for 5–15 minutes. It may help reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and promote gum health. A little strange at first—but totally worth the glow-up.

Morning Skin Care = Morning Confidence

Self-care is skin-deep too. A gentle morning skincare routine helps protect your skin from daily stress and boosts your confidence to face the day. Sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Stretch & Move: You Deserve to Feel Good in Your Body

You don’t need a gym membership to move your body. A few gentle stretches, a brisk walk, or even a dance party while brushing your teeth all count. Movement gets the blood flowing and clears out the morning fog.

Watch the Livestream Replay Here:

Watch the Live Stream Replay Here

Sip Your Way to Wellness

Herbal teas like ginger, turmeric, or chamomile offer a calming ritual and come with anti-inflammatory benefits. Hollie reminds us that even your choice of beverage can be an act of nourishment and care.

Inflammation: The Silent Saboteur

Inflammation is your body’s response to stress or injury—but chronic inflammation can lead to fatigue, pain, and disease. Hollie suggests:

- Eating more whole foods like leafy greens, berries, and omega-3s
- Cutting down on sugar and processed snacks
- Staying active and managing stress

Grounding: Get Outside & Reconnect

Stressed out? Touch grass. Literally. Grounding—walking barefoot on natural surfaces—helps calm your nervous system, improve sleep, and boost mood. Even a few deep breaths in nature can help.

Managing Stress: Real-Life Tricks that Work

Stress is sneaky, but Hollie’s toolbox is full of easy solutions:
- Breathwork and mindfulness
- Journaling
- Taking breaks to reset
- Saying “no” when needed (yes, that’s self-care too)

Wind Down with a Nighttime Ritual

Create a cozy wind-down routine: a warm bath, a good book, a gratitude list. Shut down screens, dim the lights, and signal to your brain—it’s time to rest.

Sleep: The Unsung Hero of Self-Care

Sleep is where the magic happens. It’s how we repair, reset, and recharge. Hollie suggests aiming for consistent bedtimes, limiting caffeine late in the day, and keeping your bedroom cool and screen-free.

Connecting the Dots: A Daily Flow

Self-care isn’t about adding pressure—it’s about creating rhythm. From your first breath in the morning to the final sigh at night, each habit connects like puzzle pieces to help you feel more energized, focused, and peaceful.

Hollie’s Final Pep Talk

Start small. Choose one new habit and build from there. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight—just show up for yourself a little more each day. You’re worth the effort.

Listen in to this inspiring conversation with Hollie Stefaniak on the Health Matters Podcast – streaming now wherever you get your podcasts!

Stay tuned to www.medshoprx.com/blog for more health tips, product insights, and real-life wellness stories you can actually use.

Listen to the Podcast Here: