Storm Anxiety
It’s summertime in Texas, which means hot temperatures, and for Houston, this also includes hot and humid weather with the risk of severe storms like hurricanes. The weather forecast is predicting an active hurricane season, which probably has many Houstonians worried since we are still recovering from the tornado-like winds that hit our area in May.
I’ve had many people around me mention increased anxiety and worry every time it starts to rain.
Experiencing a heightened level of anxiety after a significant event such as the recent storms we’ve seen is not uncommon. If we can’t control Mother Nature, how can we help ourselves cope with the worry we may experience this summer season? Here are a few suggestions:
Be prepared but know what is and isn’t in your control. Preparation is important, like having some supplies on hand just in case, but also knowing that there is a limit to how much you can prepare for.
Stay informed, but also know when to turn the news or weather updates off. Weather updates can go on for hours and it seems like it is the same cycle of information. While it is important to be informed, know your limits. Perhaps turn off the weather info after you’ve gotten some of your questions answered about what the forecast may look like for the day and focus on other tasks.
When focusing on other tasks, try some distraction skills. Distraction skills can be things like listening to music, reading, putting a puzzle together, or playing games. The point of distraction is to buy some time to allow your emotions to settle, instead of continuing to think or analyze the situation repeatedly, which can lead to increased anxiety or distress.
Try to practice some relaxation skills such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation. These can help queue your body to relax, and your mind to slow down.
Everyone’s experience with anxiety is different, so you may have to try different things before you find what works best for you. If you feel that you’ve tried several different strategies and are still struggling to cope, feel free to reach out to me here for a free consultation on whether counseling could help you manage your anxiety.
