Tending to Our Mental Health After the Storm
In the aftermath of a storm like hurricane Milton (and Helene) it is essential to nurture our mental health and wellbeing.
Here are 11 simple ways you can help yourself right now:
1. Take A Breath: Take a moment to pause and focus on your breath. Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four. This calms the nerves.
2. Acknowledge Grief: Grief is heavy right now, especially for collective humanity. It’s okay to let yourself feel it. It is okay to cry. It is part of the process of rebuilding.
3. Lean On Community: Reach out to friends and family. A simple text, call, or social media message can lift your spirits. There is strength in community—in unity. We get through times like these together.
4. Limit the News: Stay informed but set boundaries. Too much negativity and worry can weigh down an already heavy heart. Take it in strides.
5. Journaling: Express your thoughts on paper. Write it down. It is a great way to process what you’re feeling so you can see it on paper. It will also serve as a way to honor the experience when you get to the other side.
6. Spend Time In Nature: Go outside. I know it’s hard with rubble and debris everywhere, but try. A walk can refresh the mind, improve mood, and help balance what feels like insurmountable stress. 30 minutes is a good rule of thumb.
7. Creative Outlet: Explore forms of self-expression as you process your grief. Mine right now is dancing. I love Tubthumping by Chumbawamba. It gets me right out of my mental funk.
8. Routine: Establish a daily routine as best you can. Life is different now, but a little structure can provide a sense of normalcy and control.
9. Gratitude: In times of loss, practice gratitude. It can be hard to find one thing to be grateful for. Find it anyway.
10. Find Reasons To Laugh: Try to find opportunities to laugh. Laughter is good medicine. There is not a lot that is funny right now, I know, but don’t let your heart get too bent out of shape. This too shall pass.
11. Keep Going: I know it’s hard right now, but keep going. Hang on. Be gentle with yourself. You can do this. You’ve all been through a lot. But you can rebuild. We WILL rebuild.
I am here for you, friend—we can do this together.
Xx, V