Learning how to cope with nervous tension, fear, and apprehension is paramount to weathering the storm, both outside your home and those that can brew among people experiencing cabin fever and jangled nerves.
More preparation equals less stress! Learn how to prepare a complete hurricane blueprint that designates a "point of contact" to coordinate plans. This will create a sense of structure and calm.
9) Do you know the disaster plan for your children's school and your workplace? This is a critical step most people forget. Make sure your employer understands your responsibilities at home and you understand your responsibilities at work. Do not wait until a hurricane is coming to have the discussion.
8) Assign roles: Appoint a captain who will act as the decision- maker and coordinate the jobs that need to be done. Keep in mind, the family as a whole should decide what activities make them feel safe and secure.
7) Make kids an active part of preparations. This reduces stress, provides distraction for them, and gives them a sense of being on a team that is working towards a family goal.
6) Use rituals: Rituals like playing board games or discussing feelings in a pow-wow setting can help families make light of the situation and alleviate stress. Consider playing a "what if" game with the kids to let them express their concerns.
5) Remember to keep calm in front of your kids or else you run the risk of them becoming more insecure. This anxiety can lead to disruptive behavior.
4) Dig in! It's a proven fact: chocolate and carbohydrates are extremely beneficial for people's energy levels and mood when going through a stressful situation, so feel free to indulge!
3) Don't be a couch potato! Turn on the TV long enough to find out the facts, but do not keep it on for 24 hours. Instead, either exercise or listen to calming music. Don't sit and worry.
2) Talk! Although there are no set rules regarding how men and women will react to a disaster, there are generalities in how they approach problem solving. Have a discussion before the storm hits that focuses on recognizing each other's strengths and assign tasks based on these.
1) Respect everyone's emotional boundaries: Understand that their emotions might not be based solely on the events that are happening at the moment, but also on past situations where they experienced loss, separation or something they love being destroyed.
