The Aftermath of a Hurricane
A post hurricane health tip: Hopefully your homes will be spared during a strong hurricane yet your stress level will probably not be. Stress in your bodies will be working overtime. From the Weather Channel telling you repeatedly that you could lose everything, to all the prepping, packing, and then un-prepping and unpacking. I think we can all agree that this will be a mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting experience.
Many of you will experience some form of stress in the coming weeks and you will need some time to recover. You could feel some of the following symptoms: more fatigued than normal, more emotional periods, less ability to handle stress, restless sleep, dizziness, and have less strength and stamina physically. So here are a few tips for bouncing back relatively quickly:
- Sleep: You should be more tired than normal. Let your body sleep in. I know this is not easy right now for the many people that don't have power or water. But keep this in mind for a few weeks after the storm. Don't set an alarm if you don't have to. Go to bed early. Take naps if you are tired in the afternoon. Rest and try to relax as much as you can.
- Go easy with your workouts: Many of you fitness buffs are eager to get back to our regular workout routine. However, you may find that you’re not quite as strong or fast as you use to be. This is not the time to try and push through and reach new goals. Workout, but be gentle with yourself at the same time. Lift lighter, run slower, rest when you need to.
- Release the Emotional Trauma: Let's not ignore the fact that you thought your town was going to be destroyed. Perhaps you contemplated losing everything. That's some trauma right there, and it needs to be processed not ignored. Cry, write in a journal, meditate, get energy work done, help your neighbors clean up and they in turn will help you etc. Don't just jump back into life like everything is normal, it's not. Let yourself heal.
- Important: Ask your physician if taking supplements would be okay for you and what kind you can take. You do not want to ingest something that may interfere with other medications that you may be taking.
- FEMA: If you need financial assistance you can call FEMA at the following number: 1-800-621-3362. For further information you can go to the FEMA website at https://fema.gov.
Ignoring symptoms and just pushing through will only make you more exhausted in the long run. When you go through a stressful incident or experience trauma you need to let yourself heal and recover. Take the time to rest and you will be stronger and more vital in the weeks that follow.
You are NOT weak! You are NORMAL and this kind of stress affects everyone after a strong storm passes! The key is to understand your body and make sure you are good to yourself!
