Prioritizing Mental Health and Self-Care to Help Heal from Natural Disasters

Many in Western North Carolina, including our beloved community in Morganton, have been working to recover and move on during the weeks following Hurricane Helene. However, beyond the physical damage that a storm of this magnitude can bring, there are often invisible effects that linger: impacts on your mental health. 

It’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed as you try to return to a sense of normalcy after such a traumatic event. Feelings of stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and sadness are common after experiencing a traumatic event like a natural disaster, and many may feel overwhelmed with where to begin their recovery. During this time, prioritizing self-care is crucial to help heal the mind and body. 

Understanding the Mental and Physical Effects of a Natural Disaster

In the wake of a natural disaster, it’s common to experience a wide range of emotions. The uncertainty of the future, the damage to homes and infrastructure, and the disruption to daily routines can take a toll on mental and physical health. Some symptoms you may feel can include:

• Exhaustion: Both physical and emotional exhaustion are common, especially after dealing with the stress of emergency preparations and potential evacuations.
• Stress: The emotional weight of seeing your community and home affected can cause feelings of helplessness, worry, and uncertainty.
• Trouble sleeping: Trouble sleeping or staying asleep may occur due to lingering anxiety or disrupted routines.
• Tension aches: Many people carry their stress in their bodies, leading to tension in the neck, shoulders, and back.
• Sadness: Grief over lost homes, damaged properties, or the toll on the community can lead to feelings of deep sadness.

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward recovery, but it’s just as important to take action. Self-care is not a luxury after a disaster—it’s essential for healing.

Steps to Prioritize Self-Care After a Natural Disaster

While it may feel difficult to take care of yourself in the face of so much external upheaval, small steps toward self-care can help restore your mental and physical well-being. Here are a few ways to begin prioritizing your mental health and self-care in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, or any other disaster:

• Take gentle walks: If you’re able, spend some time outside in nature. Walking not only helps alleviate tension but also gives you a moment to clear your mind and ground yourself in the present.
• Ease back into routine: Reestablishing familiar routines can provide a sense of control and comfort. Try to incorporate small, manageable tasks that help you regain a sense of normalcy and balance.
• Eat nutrient-dense meals: When we’re stressed, it’s easy to neglect our nutritional needs. When possible, focus on eating well-balanced, nourishing meals that support your body’s healing process. Remember to stay hydrated, as well.
• Seek physical care: It’s common to carry stress in your body. Physical self-care, like stretching, yoga, or even massage therapy, can help relieve tension, ease aches, and promote relaxation.
• Prioritize sleep: Lack of sleep can further exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety. Try to establish a calming nighttime routine—turn off electronics, lower the lights, and engage in relaxing activities like reading or listening to soothing music.
• Talk to someone: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a counselor to share how you’re feeling. Sometimes, just having someone listen can make a world of difference.

Massage Therapy After a Traumatic Event 

Massage therapy can be an incredibly effective way to manage the physical and emotional symptoms of trauma-related stress that often follows a natural disaster. In the aftermath of such an event, the body can carry tension, manifesting as muscle aches, headaches, and overall discomfort due to the physical and emotional strain. Massage helps to relieve this tension by promoting relaxation, improving blood circulation, and encouraging the release of endorphins, which can elevate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. 

The nurturing, therapeutic touch of massage can also create a safe space for emotional healing, helping the mind to process trauma and begin recovery. By prioritizing self-care through massage, you not only tend to your physical body but also support your mental well-being in times of distress.

If you’ve been experiencing tension aches, headaches, or trouble relaxing, consider scheduling a massage to help release built-up stress and tension from your body. 

Mindful Touch Is Here for You

At Mindful Touch, we are deeply concerned about the mental well-being of our Morganton community in the wake of Hurricane Helene. We want you to know that we’re here to support you through every step of your journey to wellness and recovery, whether you need a space to relax, restore, or just a little time to care for yourself. Our spa is always open to offer a moment of peace and rejuvenation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to prioritize your well-being and book a massage or wellness service. 

Please remember that even small acts of self-care can make a big difference in how you heal, both physically and emotionally. Take care of yourself and remember: we’re here for you.