SLEEP
SLEEP
Getting adequate sleep during a stressful time is very important but can be hard to do. Remember, we need sleep to repair our brains, process information, and stabilize our moods.
Ways to work on getting a restful sleep:
Stop all electronics 20 minutes before going to bed.
Create a sleeptime routine - this can be as simple as washing your face and brushing your teeth before bed. Or showering and meditating.
Purchase a sound machine. Sleeping in unfamiliar places can take a while to get used to.
Listen to some calming music before bed, a calming sleep time story, a guided meditation or do some yoga Nidra - here are some links:
The reality is you just may not be able to sleep right now. You have a lot going on. Sometimes just laying with your eyes closed will provide some rest. If your mind is racing, try counting, taking deep breaths, or laying on the opposite end of the bed. The goal is to try and slow your racing thoughts.
EAT
EAT
We know that eating healthy is critical to our mental well-being. A well balanced diet helps us with our moods, staying alert, as well as thinking clearly. Hydration is also important to move out stagnant energy and improve your overall health.
While in transition from a house fire, these simple tasks can be very overwhelming. As you probably have already discovered, eating out is expensive and if you are staying with family or friends with different eating habits that can be a challenge as well. You may have even started to notice your body may be feeling sluggish or heavy as a result of this transition and alteration to your eating habits. Getting back on track with this is only going to help your stress.
Here are some tips to help you out in this area:
Here are some tips to help you out in this area:
Get a new water bottle and have it with you all day
If you are in a motel, invest in a crockpot. This is going to make cooking more affordable, easier to clean up, and food goes further.
Think about what you can eat during the day. While you are balancing your “old life” and this “new normal” food is often overlooked. Your lunch break is now filled with phone calls and emails. So bring food along for the day. You are going to ensure your kids or animals are fed during the day so make sure you do the same for you!
If you are staying with friends and family, offer to make food 2x a week. This way you are helping the house community but getting the food your body desires.
Allow yourself to indulge in your comfort food (pizza, cake, mac and cheese) as this is also important. You are going through a lot and sometimes you just need to give in to something that will make you happy.
MOVEMENT
MOVEMENT
Moving your body is going to move that anxious energy and calm your nervous system down. When you are feeling heavy or big emotions if you move your body they will minimize. If you do movement on a regular basis the emotional waves should be less or you may even be able to prevent them. Here are some easy things to do:
Going for a walk- 15-20 minutes can be a game changer. A simple walk helps to release endorphins that help to boost your mood and mental health. Walk to some music, a fun podcast or even silence.
Dance party time! Put on your favorite 2 songs and just dance.
Put on a youtube exercise video
Jump up and down for a few minutes
Get outside
Anything to move that anxious energy out.
Anything to move that anxious energy out.
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