By Sarah Paton, ND

Most of us are doing the best we can with what we have. And right now, what we have is a lot of uncertainty, not enough rest, and a nervous system that has been running hot for a long time.
If you’ve been skipping meals, staying up too late, moving your body less than you’d like, or spending more time doom-scrolling than you care to admit — you are not alone, and you are not failing. You are a human being living through a genuinely hard time.
Caring for yourself doesn’t require a complete overhaul or a perfect routine. It just requires a little gentleness toward yourself — the same kind of patience and understanding you’d offer a good friend who was struggling.
One small act of kindness toward yourself today is enough. A nap. A slow cup of tea. A conversation with someone who makes you feel like yourself.
You are allowed to need care. That’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
Dr. Sarah Paton, a licensed naturopathic physician, specializes in natural, integrative medicine at drsarahpaton.com.
Disclaimer: Self Care posts are shared for information purposes only, and are never intended as individual medical advice nor as a substitute for healthcare services.
