Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Do you have Dorian anxiety?
South Floridians find ways to cope with stress
You visit your second grocery to discover it, too, is out of water. You wait in the gas line and the pump runs out just as you pull up. The stress of the storm already has set in.
As South Floridians scramble to prepare, the uncertainty of “the cone” and whether Hurricane Dorian is coming this way has added to the anxiety people are experiencing. Before you find your blood pressure rising and your mental health taking a toll, there are a few things you can do to keep your stress level down and your sense of humor in check. Download a meditation app. Susan Thomas of Davie said watching the constant news reports about the unpredictability of Hurricane Dorian made her start biting her nails again, a habit she thought she had broken. So, she searched the Apple store and downloaded Calm, an app that offers guided meditation. “Now I’m listening to a calm voice instead of biting my nails,” she said. Meditation teacher Liza Kindred, author of EFF This! Meditation: 108 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for When You’re Stressed Out, Anxious, or Overwhelmed says meditation can be done anywhere, even at your desk — or during a storm.
Get a massage, or book one for later. As frenzied shoppers headed for Home Depot to buy generators, Billy Fine headed to work at Massage Envy in Coral Springs where customers stopped in to relieve their hurricane stress. Fine said $55 for a 60-minute massage proved to be a popular splurge for people looking for relaxation after chaotic storm preparation. He plans to keep his locations in Weston and Coral Springs open until the last minute should the storm head this way.
Ignore the frenzy. Robin Lebowitz of Plantation is frustrated by misinformation and speculation circulating about the storm. She says she has a plan for riding out the storm, is sticking to it, and is ignoring all the chaos around her. “I’m deflecting all the drama,” she said. Lebowitz said she also is trying to be extra patient to control her stress. “I’m also using the kill-them-with-kindness approach when someone is not so nice in the supermarket or gas line.” Mother of a teen, Lebowitz said she has her preparations ready. “I have a case of water, a case of wine, dark chocolate … I have all my supplies. I’m good.” Other South Floridians say they are staying off social media to keep their stress under control. Alexa Elliott says she is only checking the news to watch the latest Hurricane Center updates and avoiding hype that will stress her out.
Keep perspective and look for the bonding opportunities. Terry Lyles, a South Florida stress coach, author and speaker, says keep your fear in check by being realistic. He notes that even when damage occurs, most people don’t die during hurricanes. “It’s uncomfortable but as long as you stay inside and don’t put yourself in harm’s way you should be okay.” Lyles recommends self-talk to reinforce the idea that you are prepared for the storm, and can only control the controllable. Rather than fretting, enjoy time with family or friends, he says. “Play board games, laugh, have candlelight dinners. Remind yourself that the storm will pass — it is usually only 12 hours — and use that time to have some fun.” Make yourself a cocktail, or buy one. If there ever is a time to drink, a storm’s approach may be it. Lebowitz has stocked up on red wine, while Susie Gilden has broken out her cocktail recipe book to mix up sangria. For those who prefer calming their stress with liquor in a more social setting, some savvy bar owners are staying open until the last possible minute, and offering hurricane drink specials.
Create a zen den. With storm updates and preparation frenzy, John J. Murphy of Palm Beach, author of books on inspiration and positive leadership, says he has created a “peaceful environment” in his home. He put on Andrea Bocelli music, lights candles and breathes deeply. “Fear is self-created,” he said. “I’ve been through two hurricanes and I purposefully stay calm and positive.”
Prepare and then relax. Some South Florida residents care for their elderly parents, and that responsibility adds to their angst. Todd Templin said he has created a plan to prepare his in-laws, who are in their 80s. “I make sure they are safe to ride out the during and after. I make sure their shutters are up and that they have food and water.” Templin said making a preparation list, and checking off his to-dos, helps with stress. “Of course you have to be flexible, but having a plan takes the stress off.”
Call a hotline. There are many hotlines for free mental health counseling including 2-1-1. Baptist Health South Florida announced that it is offering free, unlimited virtual mental health counseling visits to those affected by Hurricane Dorian. Download the Baptist Health Care On Demand app and use the coupon code DORIAN.
Hit the gym. South Florida gyms are open and busy. There’s nothing better than running on a treadmill or taking an exercise class to relieve stress. Many gyms say they are staying open most of the weekend. Check with your gym before you head over.