Recovering from Disaster

In February, my home and horse training facilities were completely flooded, leading to a massive amount of mud, destroyed stables, and significant damage to expensive horse equipment. Although my primary focus is usually on maintaining good health, this situation immediately redirected my attention to clearing mud, conducting emergency repairs, and managing extensive paperwork for insurance claims. These tasks, along with coping with the mental strain of witnessing part of my life's work being destroyed, kept me extremely busy. I neglected eating, was too exhausted for additional exercise, and my sleep quality significantly declined. Initially, my body coped surprisingly well, but after about a week, the first signs of neglect appeared. Even now, nearly two months after the incident, my body and mind are still recovering.

At a certain moment in life, everyone encounters traumatic events or periods of intense stress.

Examples of such events include the death of a loved one, experiencing a divorce, or dealing with significant financial challenges, all of which can deeply impact your life.

Mental resilience is often seen as the key factor for overcoming trauma which should not be surprising; positivity and a proactive attitude are undeniably important.

What is often overlooked is that other crucial indicators of optimal well-being are equally important during times of severe distress. Therefore, focusing on them is not merely optional:

1. Nutrition: ensure you get enough nutrients, even if your portions are significantly smaller. While comfort food can provide a mental uplift, do not mistake it for a nutritious meal. Exercise caution with alcohol consumption; it may offer initial sedation, but its adverse effects on sleep and metabolism can hinder your recovery.

   
   

2. Sleep: aim to achieve as much quality sleep as you can. While sleep medication won't provide high-quality sleep, it can aid in relaxation. Focus on maintaining good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding blue screens before bed, ensuring the room is dark, and keeping your hands and feet warm.

   
   

3. Exercise: Engaging in physical activity directly influences your mental well-being. Strength training, in particular, is highly advantageous as it releases Myokines, also known as 'hope molecules.' These small proteins have a significant effect on your mood. In addition to its immediate benefits for mental health, exercise enhances sleep quality and positively affects metabolism and the digestion and absorption of essential nutrients.

Use methods like a sticky note on your fridge or a mobile reminder to prompt yourself to think about them.

Focusing on the three previously mentioned points will also be highly effective when assisting others in dealing with suffering or managing high stress.

There's a reason why in movies people always offer food during traumatic life events...