Life is tough... So may demands on you that you feel pulled to so many directions, there's nothing left for you. I can relate - aging parents, primary caretaker for cancer patient, terminally ill pet, transitioning children into adulthood, high stress job, etc. Friendships are transactional - nobody seems to think or care about me unless they need something. And everyday has fallen into a repetitive cycle that I cannot break out of. I feel trapped, and yet I know all of these people (and animals) need my assistance. I'm here to enable others to live.
As far a techniques to help cope, I really like a lot of the ideas that @BlueLock listed. I find myself taking baths, listening to music, trying to learn something new, building thing (although home repair just adds to my stress), take a walk in the local park. Basically, anything that gives me some alone time to quietly process my thoughts. One of these days, I will add "eat healthier", "go to bed earlier", and "meditate".
Another approach that I have found works well is to reconnect with people I haven't talked to in a while. Positive connections to others can be very helpful and uplifting in times like these.
Hopefuly, you can find something that works for you.
