Here we are again. Before we can catch our breath from Hurricane Flo, before we can put the finishing touches on housing repairs and settle back into our routines and sense of normalcy, Hurricane Dorian is now upon us.
Many times during a Hurricane or any natural disaster, we are rightly focused on our physical safety. We are told to ensure we have emergency kits ready, water, nonperishable food, important documentation handy and appropriate medication. Rarely do we place priority on our mental and emotional wellbeing during this time. Here are some things I recommend putting into practice today.
Keep your routine
As a full time homeschooling mom of two girls, a 5year old and 2year old, that means sticking to our homeschool routine as much as reasonably possible. It hasn’t been smooth, but it sure has been a good distraction for me and the girls. It has also helped the girls feel a sense of normalcy in the mist of being evacuated. What is your routine? What are the typical things you do during the day? I encourage you to do them if you can, even down to taking your medication daily.
Give yourself permission to take intentional breaks from the news
This can be a hard one since most of our anxiety is around tracking the movement of the Hurricane. But tracking it doesn’t reduce anxiety, only heightens it. So take a break from the news. Try 30min, then an 1hr, then 2hrs and so forth. The key is to take an intentional moment to unplug. Replace it with board games, music, a good movie, or even a nap. I recently watched 47 Meters Down on Netflix today and it was quite the distraction. A little jarring, but distracting. Catch up on that favorite series or participate in other distracting or relaxing activities.
Practice Wellness
When uncertainty comes, it heightens our fear and anxiety responses which can lead to mindless eating and taking part in unhealthy indulgences to sooth the discomfort. Now more than ever is it important to practice healthy living. Making sleep a priority, eating healthy meals and exercising are things not to neglect during this time. Instead of grabbing that fried food or sweet treat, try a nice crunchy chicken salad with your favorite (moderately) sweet dressing. For me, sodas and caffein have unfortunately been my go to. After noticing my increase tiredness and borderline fatigue (due to too much sugar intake), I’ve been finding satisfaction in carbonated waters. Taking healthy supplements like this new one I was recommended, called Ashwagandha for stress and anxiety relief https:/www.amazon.com/Ashwagandha-Organic-Cortisol seems to help as well. Taking supplements, stretching and practicing deep breathing are ways to start practicing wellness.
Practice Mindfulness
This can be as simple as thinking about the good things that are happening or have happened. The key is to take a moment to just be in the present and keep things in perspective. To breath. To pray. To Read. We are reminded in scripture to set our minds on the things above (Colossians 3:2), to think on the things that bring us joy, that are praiseworthy and affirming (Philippians 4:8). Why? Because the Lord knew that it’s so easy for us to think on the negative, to get consumed with the “what if’s,” to get so wrapped up in the future that we forget to remain in the present or see the good that is happening in the present. I’ve come across a really encouraging and relaxing Christian app called “Abide” https://abide.coa that allows you to listen to guided sleep stories, relaxing music, verses and encouraging speeches on a desired topic.
Other great apps include:
Games, Music
Track Mood
https://www.thewhatsupapp.co.uk
Whatever mindful task you choose, let it be an opportunity to reset and recenter and refresh. Practice these four tips today to prioritize your mental wellness during this difficult time.
