What Do You Do For Self-Care?

I wrote this a few months back as a submission for Chicken Soup for the Soul. I haven't heard back and since the deadline has come and gone why not share it with you now.

Self-care and "me time" have always been placed on the back burner. If it's not helping my family or worrying about finances or what next disaster will befall, there was never time left in the day for me. Though as the years keep moving on, I am recovering from my third back surgery. So, this has been a tell-tale sign to slow down and think about me and what I want. Not only what I want to do for myself in this moment, but also in the long run. If I'm working a job that's draining, I'll return to my mode of being; putting myself on the back burner and burning out.

For now though, I get to rest and take care of me. Those were the doctor's orders. So, since baths are a no-no. Baking still takes far too much energy right now. I keep thinking of what fulfills me. Coloring in the adult coloring books helps me relax. But, what I've realized is that writing is my stress relief. I write for me. I write what I feel. I write what scares me. I write to feel like I'm contributing, even though I've been on bed rest. I write because it makes me feel something and I hope it makes others feel as well. It has taken me such a long time to believe that I am worth something and that I deserve time to do what makes me feel important. You do too.

What are your self-care tips and activities?