Natural calamities, like the earthquake and tsunami in Japan this week, are hard to predict with certainty, yet basic preparedness for crises, any crises, is essential for everyone. Living in Colorado may seem like a safe place, yet in this dry climate brush fires are common—often forcing evacuations from homes, sometimes for days. Regardless of where you live, from recent events we have all learned that it is quite wise to be well prepared. This includes, but not limited to, stocking a three-five day supply of drinkable water, food, energy (e.g., flashlight batteries, candles, matches, etc.). Friends often remind friends here in Colorado to carry an extra supply of clothes and blankets when traveling in the mountains, in the event of dramatic changes in weather.
Being prepared isn’t a fear-based reaction. Being prepared is a level headed response, in the event there is a disruption of one’s normal daily routine. Being properly prepared allows you to live comfortabely “in the moment.” Before the comfort of 20st century lifestyles, people knew to be prepared, with stocks of such things. By and large, as Americans, we live a very comfortable lifestyle and we have become disconnected with the cycles of the natural world in which we live. Preparing for such events that can disrupt one’s comfort levels is always good stress management.
Stress Tip for the Day:
Make it a point to be prepared for a crisis or natural disaster that one hopes will never happen. Consider assembling a crisis kit, including first aid supplies, water, food, etc. Equally important, consider typing a list of names and phone numbers to contact or be contaced, in case of emergency (I.C.E). Include having a copy of this in your wallet or purse. Don’t procrastinate with this kit, get started today. And consider having a similar type kit in your car as well.
Links/Books/Movies Worth Noting:
Searching the web for sites, one will find no shortage of links to help you get prepared.
Here are just a sample, and they all seem to list the same items.
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/epr/calculator/index.html
http://www.dhs.gov/xcitizens/editorial_0711.shtm
Quote for the Day:
“Be Prepared!” —Boy Scout motto.
Photo for the Day:
The photos and video footage from Japan is both riveting and devastating. To counterbalance the stress from those photos I thought a nice relaxing image might be in order, specifically one from the Virgin Islands. Please keep the people of Japan in your thoughts and prayers and were possible please consider donating to their cause.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
