As I write this blog post I am designated as in the path of Hurricane Sandy when she makes landfall in a couple of days. For those who have followed my posts you will know that meteorology and storm chasing is a fascination and hobby of mine. I have come to understand and so to respect Mother Nature. I have done all the preparation that I can do; moved in the outside furniture, purchased supplies, and gathered firewood. I am tracking the storm and now just waiting, and praying.
In many of my posts I talk about ways to reduce stress and anxiety. If you too are in the path of Sandy please take a moment to re-read those posts. But to summarize, here are a few suggestions if you are feeling stressed:
- Take brief moments of 5 or 10 minutes each day to stop, sit in quiet, and just be
- Periodically check your breathing; if it is rapid practice slowing it. Concentrate on breathes in and breathes out
- Try to mentally (your thoughts) stay in the present moment. If you have prepared the best you can, try not to worry about a future you can't control
- Take a few moments each day to read, taking yourself away from reality to regenerate. I am not saying to escape totally, but in today's media saturated world sometimes enough is just enough
- Help someone. Getting outside of ourselves and helping another is a positive way to reduce stress
- the corollary to the above note; allow others to help you
1 I will exalt you, O Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. 2 O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. 3 O Lord, you brought me up from the grave; you spared me from going down into the pit. 4 Sing to the Lord, you saints of his; praise his holy name. 5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6 When I felt secure, I said, "I will never be shaken." 7 O Lord, when you favored me, you made my mountain stand firm; but when you hid your face, I was dismayed. 8 To you, O Lord, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy: 9 "What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness? 10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me; O Lord, be my help." 11 You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, 12 that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever.