Recently, many people across the country have been overwhelmed with the stress of life threatening hurricanes, flooding and devastation. If you have been caught in the path of one of these storms, you may have had to board up your home, pack up last minute, or evacuate. The uncertainty of staying or fleeing can cause unsettling anxiety to anyone involved and the media scares certainly don’t help. Stress also comes with the uncertainty of what you will return to. I have seen this type of anxiety and stress overwhelm people so much so, that they cannot even rationalize or function normally.
I’ve watched the devastation and aftermath of these storms. I have also watched strong individuals rebuild their lives after they lost everything. During any storm, it is helpful to normalize stress levels. Apply the following stress busters to any “storm” you may be facing.
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Keep calm and carry on.
Take some time to spend in a quiet place and regroup. Take some deep, cleansing breaths and show gratitude for your family’s safety.
Tip: Diffusing Lavender oil can create a calming atmosphere. -
Develop a safety plan in case of another crisis.
The uncertainty of what to expect causes most of your stress. Put your mind at ease by writing down your crisis safety plan. Then, have a family meeting to talk about it. Create a plan that will detail when you will evacuate, where you will go, what you will take and how you will prepare your home. Take pictures and videos for insurance purposes and keep in touch with your neighbors.
Remember, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” -
Turn the tech off, get up and move.
Take a family walk and get some fresh air. Balance your stress hormones by getting some good exercise. When you increase oxygen to the brain, it helps decrease stress and allows you to think clearly. -
Lose yourself in someone else.
Take time to volunteer, donate to, or assist those who have been less fortunate. This will change your perspective and help you focus on others. It’s healing for the soul, too!
