Take Your Break Time Back: A Conversation with Naturopath Sara Love on Stress, Gut Health, and Permission to Rest

Sometimes the most supportive things are also the most overlooked: a real break, a bit of movement, and something warm in your hands. In this conversation, I'm joined by naturopathic doctor and tea maker Sara Love to talk about stress, the gut microbiome, and what it actually looks like to build self-care into a busy life—without turning it into another job. This episode is for you if: You've been running on empty and keep telling yourself you'll rest "later" You're curious about how stress affects digestion, mood, and energy You want practical, small shifts that are realistic to stick with You're trying to set boundaries but keep sliding past your own limits We talk about: Sara's path from pharmacy to naturopathic medicine Why stress can make even "good" health habits feel less effective The gut microbiome (and why the research is changing so quickly) Supporting your vagal nerve with short, intentional breaks What "intentional rest" looks like (and why doomscrolling doesn't count) Boundaries that actually hold: time blocks, hard stop times, and recovery days Ultra-marathons, mental training, and the mantras that carry you through Being more intentional about what you consume—food, media, and everything else How herbal tea blends come together (including the personalities of herbs) Guest bio: Sara Love is a naturopathic doctor in Oregon with a wide scope of practice, blending evidence-informed natural medicine with conventional tools when needed. She's also the founder of Lichen Leaf Tea, where she creates herbal blends designed to support real life—stress and all. Find Sara + Lichen Leaf Tea: Website: lichenleaf.com Connect with Ruth: Website: groundingwithruth.com Instagram: @groundingwithruth Facebook: Grounding with Ruth If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a reminder to take a break, or leave a review—it truly helps. Stay Grounded.