@Deilla - I do the same - cope by staying busy. Distractions really do help, as does building mastery (doing a task and finishing it, and then being proud of your own skills put to work to accomplish a goal).

Self-care is tough when we've grown up with reminders that self-care meant neglectful parents who weren't there to other-care toward us (other-care = parental care for children, in my own vocabulary). I used to struggle with self-care a lot, but my struggle has dissipated a little. I do self-care now as a form of respect to myself, healing, distraction, and coping.

I wish I had cats to keep me company! Actually, I wish I had two birds, two cats, and two dogs. But I can't afford that right now. Perhaps one day though.

I'm glad you have your fur babies to keep you company!

Here's to a better day and year for all of us and our fur babies!