The following is from a series on self-care to help you through the holidays.   So here’s wishing you a cruelty free Christmas or joyous holiday!

Don’t mask your feelings.  Human beings are emotional.  If you feel lousy be honest with yourself.  If we mask our feelings with food, drugs, alcohol or compulsive behaviors it only makes the emotions more difficult to deal with.  Find healthy ways to nurture yourself-a hot bubble bath, a nice cup of herbal tea, a vigorous walk in the woods, a cup of coffee with an old friend or stay in your PJ’s and read a good book.  Emotions change all the time and know that things will look different for you sometime soon.