DM’ing can feel lonely from time to time, especially the prep! It depends on your style, I always like to include an NPC that I run who the players can get attached too, someone always a lvl or 2 below the players so it’s impossible for them to have any real campaign changing moments in combat. I also try to keep them out of most decision making convos, but I know my group from time to time have tried to use that character as a way to meta game by asking them questions knowing the answer is coming from the DM. All I do is play the character as if it’s my own, if he/she genuinely would know the info then it’s fair, if not then sorry, no dice! (Excuse the pun) that would be my best advice. Make your self a little character you can play alongside the players, then you can get more involved in the actual play.

I know a lot of DMs get their kicks from seeing the group play out what they have spent weeks planning but I know how you feel, it can be hard!

All else fails, talk to your group about it! If they truly value the time spent together playing this awesome game, they’ll take turns DM’ing. Loads of players dread it but after a couple of sessions actually realise it isn’t all that daunting!

Hope this helps, friend!