Hi Everyone! As Hurricane Irma approaches Florida, we are all hurrying to make preparations. Hurricane circumstances and anxiety can make us gravitate to packaged snacks and comfort food! Here are a few ways you can stay calm and healthy during these stressful times!
10 Food and Snack Tips
Try dried fruits such as dried cherries, mango, raisins, cranberries.
Dried vegetables are also very good.
Mixed nuts are a wonderful and healthy snack, such as almonds, peanuts, cashews.
Bananas are quick and easy and mess free, buy them green so they last a few more days.
I like to get some chicken soup to heat up. Great for immunity!
Instead of potato chips try a healthier option like a granola bar or health bar.
Can never go wrong with a protein shake!
Prepare some food ahead of time, that you don't mind eating cold.
Try to stay on a good food schedule as best as you can. Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack.
Be mindful of your eating and pay attention to if you are using food to calm your mood!
20 Ways to Relax and Stay Calm
Preparation is always key. If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
Create a safe place for yourself. Maybe include your favorite blankets and pillows!
If you can sleep, go for it. Nothing is better for your body and mind than some good sleep!
Meditate and take some deep breaths. If you still have access to the internet, go to You Tube and find some meditations to listen to. If you can listen to Michael Sealey more than 2 minutes without falling asleep you deserve an award! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiPDV9L5qpQ
It's a great time to journal! Reflect on your life and goals, and write your feelings and thoughts. Always end on a positive note!
Get some essential oils and give yourself a scalp massage. This is not only good for your hair, but it is so soothing. I love Lavender oil and Rosemary!
Cuddle with your pets! Nothing beats the unconditional love and support of your fur babies!
Listen to your favorite music list or watch movies.
Read that favorite book you have been putting off.
Light some candles, and set a calming mood.
Stay in touch with your friends and family, and try to stay positive. Remember to charge your computers and phones. Maybe get some portable chargers!
Talk to and help your neighbors. Remember there is strength in community!
Be careful of other people's negativity. If social media and other people's anxiety is making you anxious, just take a break. Refocus.
Be "Present" to the Now. Sometimes when we look too far ahead or behind we get anxious and problem saturated, which leads to stinking thinking and toxic behavior. Be Present to Now and to what is in your control and happening at this moment.
Stay in Prayer. Remind yourself that you will be safe, and that you will know what to do if times get tough.
Remember the storms you have weathered in the past whether they were weather related or personal, and how you made it through! You are a trooper!
Try to find humor in things. I like to find funny posts on social media or send GIFs that make me laugh. Don't forget to spread the funny to others, they need a laugh too!
Have gratitude. It's a good time to take inventory of what you want to "Keep, Delete, and Transform" in your life. Storms give us a reality check, but there are also important lessons.
Remember you are not your things! Things are things and our attachments to things and how things should be can cause us great pain in life. Work on simplicity.
Think of fun times you had in the past, and better times to come in the future. Remember after the storm comes the rainbow! So look forward to brighter days!
Wishing all my friends, followers, and all of those impacted by the storm protection, safety, health, and happiness in the upcoming days! Let's stay positive and balanced....
Blessings and Love to All,
Dr. Lisa Palmer, PhD, LMFT, CHT, CRRTT
AAMFT Approved Supervisor Past President PBAMFT
Program & Clinical Director
The Renew Center of Florida
Call 24-Hours: 800-509-0244
#HurricaneIrma #Anxiety #HurricanePreparation #Florida #TheRenewCenterofFlorida #DrLisaPalmer #Snacks #HurricaneHealth