by Duncan Rinehart Ph.D., NBC-HWC, ACSM-CPT
As I write this, hurricane Milton is strengthening and bearing down on Florida. It was just a few weeks ago when hurricane Helene blasted us in Western North Carolina causing unprecedented damage and loss of life in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
In the storm
I was in Black Mountain, NC when Helene roared through destroying the water supply, phone and internet communications, bridge and road access, and many homes and businesses. During the height of the storm, in the middle of the night reverse 911 alarms told us to evacuate to higher ground immediately due to dangerous flash flooding from a dam breach. But there was little higher ground for us, and we could not have moved there due to the downed trees and power lines. It was very stressful to say the least.
The aftermath
In the days following Helene, there was no power, no cellphone or internet connection, no water. The grocery stores were wiped out. Emergency supplies had not arrived. They could not get to us on the washed-out highways and roads. We were constantly deciding and re-deciding what we should do as we tried to understand our situation with little information. The alarms and fear during the storm followed by the uncertainty of being cut off from outside help and communication, and the disruption of nearly everything that was normal in our lives created a deep level of stress. Fortunately, we were not injured, and our home was not damaged by fallen trees.
The stress
When catastrophic or tragic events happen in our lives, the stress can be very deep and long-lasting and at times overwhelming. Such stress can show up in many ways including as changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating or remembering, greater irritability, wanting to withdraw from interaction with others, aches and pains that were not there before or did not seem so bad, increased alcohol or drug use. These stress reactions can be helpful in signaling to us that we need to take care of ourselves and perhaps get help. Here are some things we can do to take care of ourselves and better manage our stress whether in a hurricane or not.
Exercise – getting into a habit of even walking and stretching every day can help you manage stress.
Eat better – avoid “fast” and “junk” foods, reduce red meat, increase fresh fruits and vegetables.
Drink less alcohol
Reduce/stop smoking
Improve sleep – practice good sleep hygiene and give yourself at least 8 hours of sleep each night. (I also recommend naps!)
Practice deep breathing and mindfulness
Meditate
Spend time in nature if you can
Limit how much and what news you watch or listen to
Additional resources
Here are a few sources with more information on how you can better manage your stress.
Closing comments
Hurricanes Helene and now Milton are very large and powerful storms impacting hundreds of thousands of people. All of those affected will need to cope with the stress of the hurricane and the recovery that may take months, even years. Practicing any of the wellness activities listed above will help you manage stress and get you through the tough times.