I had to learn to give myself dedicated down time. For many years, I was in the grind of working a full day, then running home and taking care of the family (meals, homework, etc.) and doing more of my work at home.

I had to allow myself to slow down. Read. Listen to some music. Play a game or do a puzzle. In other words, find time for me because I was always taking care of everyone else.

My life is generally slower now: kids are grown - so that is a huge load off of my responsibility list. These days, self-care is turning off the television if what I am watching is stressing me out; find something mindless to watch. Getting off my technology is really important. I deliberately move myself into my reading room (converted dining room) where there is no television and turn on my music and read or crochet for awhile. I go for a walk just to get out and get some fresh air.

I try to leave work at work now - that was a major improvement in self-care for me.