I think for me, the main main main thing I do that is "taking care of me" is accepting myself right where I'm at.

I've tried over the years to really push myself to "take care of myself" and it just doesn't work. I burn out, I get discouraged, I feel like I don't deserve it.

I guess in some ways, it's like taking care of my kids. I'm not like "hey! get some exercise! eat right! Meditate! find some down time! hurry up! do it!" (like I am with me). I spend time with them, ask them what they need, encourage them to rest when they need to rest and play when they need to play. I don't judge them for being wherever they are at any given moment. I know that they will struggle and be upset, (I'm literally sitting here watching my teenager deal with some stuff as I type), and it's painful to see, but I don't think it makes them bad, or like they're doing something wrong (like I might with myself).

So. I think it's really just about being gentle with myself, and asking myself what I need. It's hard for me to get to that point, but when I can, it feels right.