After the storm, what do YOU do?
Last week, after a powerful, several day, multi-state rain and wind storm finally abated, I went out for a neighborhood walk.
The power was back on. I was lucky not to have any downed trees or property damage. My house was safe from regional flooding. I didn’t have to worry about a crazy commute since I work from home.
I enjoyed some nature therapy time, snapped a few pictures of sparkling wet flowers, and inhaled the fresh air cleansed by the lingering wind.
It was incredibly refreshing in more ways than one.
It got me thinking about storm analogies. What do we do after a challenging work day, a stressful personal situation, or a traumatic event that has nothing to do with the weather?
Our bodies can mount what is called a “thyroid storm” which refers to a rare situation where thyroid hormone levels are dangerously abnormal, causing life-threatening pathology.
We can also experience a “storm” of cortisol during severe stress, causing many long-term repercussions.
And then there is the storm-to-be of trauma or chronic stress that can result in autoimmune disease, something I’m unfortunately quite familiar with having had rheumatoid arthritis over the past 24 years.
Not to mention new research modern medicine is showing us about catalysts for some cancers.
The common lesson in all of these examples is what to do after the storm—or, in some instances, during the storm.
We need to go out into nature.
We need to move our bodies.
We need to fuel with nutritious foods.
We need to hydrate.
We need to sleep.
We need to breathe.
We need to decompress from our 24/7 lives and reconnect with what gives us joy, pleasure, contentment, and relaxation.
Let’s all take a lesson from stormy weather!
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Susan J. Baumgaertel, MD is an internal medicine physician who provides telemedicine medical consultation and advocacy support for patients in WA state. Find her at myMDadvocate.
Her new book, The Menopause Menu, is an all-in-one giftbook, medical guide and recipe book for navigating menopause.