There is nothing more daunting than the anticipation of a major storm coming to the area.. The media hype can help get us motivated to prepare, but it also puts a lot of stress on us with the anticipation building as the storm nears.
After surviving 5 major hurricanes in 3 years, in addition to many more storms, these tips definitely made it more enjoyable for me.
- Start baking before the lights go out. Make 1 or 2 favorite, healthy but yummy snacks you can enjoy to help relieve some of the stress. Maybe some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and a pumpkin smoothie that can be kept in the refrigerator.
- Charge those I-pod and cell phone batteries. Make sure to have some good uplifting music, maybe dance music on the I-pod. I also like to have a guided meditation that I can play to spend 10 minutes relieving the stress and thoughts while meditating.
- Stretching exercises… You may be thinking “I won’t be running any marathons while stuck in the house for days”, but stretching is more than just gaining more flexibility before or after an exercise routine. It actually helps to relax your mind and reduces muscle tension, helping you to feel more relaxed.
- Good books… of course a good book is a must to have around when the electronics fail. It can be one that will benefit your business, or just a great love or adventure story to sink into while listening to the rain outside.
- Board games… If you'll have company, board games are a fun way to pass the time. We’ve had Monopoly marathons during hurricanes that are sure to make the time go by quickly.
- Lastly, let’s not forget to breath! If you feel the tension mounting make sure you breathe as this is the best way to steady your heart rate and relax your mind with some slow deep breaths. Here is my favorite breathing exercise that can be used anywhere.
The 4-7-8 (Relaxing Breath) Exercise (adapted from Dr. Andrew Weil)
This exercise is very simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven.
- Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
- This is one breath. Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for a total of four breaths.
Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.
This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.
Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you.
