We have put together our list of five techniques to help you stay calm and focused during this weekend’s preparation for hurricane Irma.
Life is filled with surprises Stress and anxiety are very common for people who deal with disaster; but being calm and having a clear understanding as well as control over your mind in the midst of chaos, can help you deal with unexpected circumstances with ease and solve many problems.
Here is a list of five quick tips to stay calm and composed no matter what:
1) BREATHE
In emergencies, the body naturally kicks into “fight or flight” mode. It’s common to start breathing rapidly and shallowly in the top of the chest; almost as if you have been running away from danger. A quick and effective way to calm your mind and regain control is to simply breathe and think about nothing but your breath; take long, deep breaths that feel like they’re filling the belly instead of the lungs. Tell the body you’re calm and the mind will follow.
2) LEARN TO ADAPT
Almost every day we find ourselves facing a situation that didn’t go as planned. Experts say that the people who practice adapting instead of resisting unplanned outcomes are more calm in general. The next time something goes wrong in your day, view it as an opportunity to practice a critical survival skill.
3) BE COMMUNICATIVE
Effective communication is very important during a disaster. Develop some practice trials to make sure that you can communicate with one another before a disaster strikes; do not wait until something happens. Effective communication can help reduce many anxieties and stresses during a disaster.
4) ONE STEP AT A TIME
When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success. Remember to take things one at a time. If it becomes too much to deal with, then delegate your tasks.
5) SMILE
Attitude is half the battle in a chaotic situation. High-stress teams dealing in trauma and emergencies are able to maintain not only their cool but also their humanity. They don't dismiss the seriousness of the situation; they simply relax and smile in a comforting (not fake) manner. With a simple honest smile, you can put yourself and others at ease and let everyone focus on the work rather than the emotion.
Just remember, the more control you have over your stresses and anxieties, the better off you will be in the long run.
Stay strong and be safe Southwest Florida!
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