Swirling Hurricanes, shattering earthquakes, freezing snow storms, blistering heat waves, and raging brush fires - all are powerful natural disasters that can cause a lot of damage to persons and property. But often an unforeseen outcome of these disasters is the devastating disruption for those in recovery.
Many people who are in recovery can feel overwhelmed and frightened by natural disasters. The feeling of uncertainty that accompanies a major storm can leave people living in sobriety to feel anxious and nervous, which can lead to a relapse. During severe disasters, it is common for store shelves to be empty or without power. This can create extreme shortages of food and other essentials, which can be very stressful for people struggling to maintain sobriety. Additionally, extreme weather events can cause widespread power outages that can last for several days or longer. This can create additional anxiety for people who are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and make wise choices. People who do not manage these difficulties well may end up drinking or using drugs to cope with the situation. Fortunately, there are ways that you can reduce your risk of a relapse during a hurricane.
Stay Connected With Your Support Network
One of the most important things you can do to keep your stress levels down during a disaster is to stay connected with your support network. Maintaining close relationships with friends and family can be extremely beneficial during times of uncertainty and tragedy. These relationships can help you cope with the stress and chaos of the storm and give you the support you need when you need it most. Try to connect with as many people as possible so that you don't feel isolated and alone during the storm. This will help to ensure that your emotional needs are met and keep your mind focused on the things that really matter. If the storm causes you to become homebound due to severe weather conditions, it can be helpful to contact your support team to let them know where you are and when you expect to return to work. This will allow you to reach out for support when you need it the most and keep your feelings of loneliness at bay.
Keep Busy By Engaging In Stress-Relieving Activities
Another way to help keep your stress levels in check during a disaster is to keep yourself busy. When you are stressed out, it can be very difficult to manage your emotions and cope with difficult situations. Being idle can allow these feelings to build up and lead to relapses. Having something productive to do will help you keep your mind occupied and help you release some of the stress that you are feeling. Engaging in relaxing activities such as meditation or yoga can also be very helpful for reducing stress. The physical and emotional benefits of these activities can be very beneficial for improving your overall health and well-being. If you are unable to get outside due to the weather, it is still possible to engage in relaxing activities at home. Look for quiet areas where you can relax without distraction and spend some time each day engaging in these self-care activities. It will help you unwind and release some of the stress that you are feeling so that you can get back on track with your life after the storm.
Trusting Your Support Team
Last, but not least, it is important to trust your support team during times of stress and disaster. They will be able to help you cope and manage the difficulties that you are experiencing. If things get too hard for you to handle on your own, you will be able to reach out to them for support. They can serve as your support system and help you manage the situation so that you are able to get back on your feet and move on with your life. It is important to be open and honest with them so that they know exactly what is going on in your life so that they can best assist you. Being able to trust them gives you the strength and confidence to get back on your feet after a particularly difficult experience. You are never alone in this struggle. You have a team of people on your side who are there to support you and help you get through this difficult time.
Are you looking for a safe place to walk into recovery? Visit www.SLNVC.com for a list of sober living houses and resources.
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