By Sarah Paton, ND
Dr. Sarah Paton, NDYour care for democracy, the planet, and other people is a light in the world. But carrying that care day after day can quietly wear you down—especially when the brain is constantly scanning for what’s still wrong or urgent.
One small practice that helps me is to intentionally surround myself with what lifts my heart. I “heart” favorite photos on my phone—friends, family, joyful moments, beautiful places—and let them rotate as my screensaver while I work. Throughout the day, I’m reminded of connection, love, and goodness.
This simple habit nudges the brain toward more dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—the chemistry of safety, hope, and belonging. I started doing this during COVID, when loneliness was at its peak, and it still gives me a lift every day.
Our brains are wired to focus on threats to protect us from future harm. That’s understandable—and it needs balancing.
During dark times, we have to be proactive about surrounding ourselves with reminders of the beautiful, the loving, and the joyful. Including yourself in that circle of care helps sustain the work you’re already doing so faithfully.
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.