As of today, Monday, August 28, 2023, we need to be mindful of a Tropical Storm named Idalia. Some of you may remember Ian from one-year ago. That storm was terrifying and in some areas highly destructive. So, let's plan for the worst and hope for the best this time. We have about two days to get ready.

Yoga Preparedness for Disasters

Yoga can be helpful in hurricane preparation since it promotes physical and mental strength. Yoga Nidra promotes resilience and emotional stability for recovery after the storm.

Yoga, as a physical and mental practice, can be helpful in preparing for a hurricane or any other natural disaster by promoting physical strength, mental resilience, and emotional stability. Yoga is an important complement to your overall readiness readiness or a disaster. The most important yoga you can do at any time is remembering to breathe.

1. Physical Preparedness:

• Strength and Stamina: Yoga helps build physical strength and stamina, which can be crucial for hurricane preparation and recovery. This includes tasks like moving heavy objects, clearing debris, and maintaining your overall physical well-being during and after the storm.

2. Mental Resilience:

Just breathe to clear your mind when stressed. If you catch yourself holding your breath, release it and notice your inhalations and exhalations.

• Stress Reduction: Yoga and Yoga Nidra incorporate breathing techniques and meditation that can be highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety. This can be invaluable when facing the uncertainty and potential danger of a hurricane.
• Mental Clarity: Yoga promotes clarity and focus, which can be essential for making informed decisions and taking appropriate actions during a crisis.

3. Emotional Stability:

• Emotional Regulation: Yoga and Yoga Nidra encourage emotional balance and self-awareness, helps you to take charge of fear, panic, and any intense emotions that possibly arise during a potential storm or its aftermath.
• Coping Mechanisms: Through yoga, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms. These mechanisms can help you deal with the emotional toll in the aftermath of natural disasters and their consequences.

4. Relaxation and Rest:

• Sleep Improvement: Regular yoga and yoga nidra practice can enhance sleep quality, which is crucial before, during, and after a hurricane. Adequate rest ensures that you are mentally and physically prepared to face the challenges posed by the storm.

5. Community and Support:

• Yoga Communities: Being part of a yoga community can provide emotional support and a sense of belonging, which can be particularly comforting during times of crisis.

6. Adaptability:

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Yoga encourages physical flexibility and adaptability, which can translate into increased adaptability in the changing circumstances that may be brought on by a hurricane.

Physical Preparedness for Hurricanes

While yoga can help prepare you mentally and physically for hurricane situations, it is important to remember that it is not a replacement for practical hurricane preparedness measures. Here are some steps you should take alongside your yoga practice to prepare for hurricanes:

1. Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies like food, water, first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and other items recommended by local emergency authorities. Here is a list of supplies for your kit. I keep this kit stocked year round and try to pull it out once a year to ensure the food or batteries haven't expired. For a full listing of supplies, go here.
2. Evacuation Plan: If local authorities ask you to evacuate do so. They have your safety in mind. Know your evacuation routes and have a plan in place for where you will go and how you will get there.
3. Home Preparation: Secure your home by reinforcing windows (hurricane shutters) and doors, clearing your yard or lanai of potential projectiles, and ensure you have a backup power source if needed.
4. Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates and follow the guidance of local authorities. Have a reliable way to receive emergency alerts. Subscribe to your county's emergency alert system. They will provide you with emergency warnings. If you want the very latest storm information National Hurricane Center has it. Be sure to scroll down to Hurricane Idalia.
5. Communication: Establish a communication plan with family and friends to stay in touch during and after the storm.

In summary, yoga can complement your hurricane preparation efforts by enhancing your physical and mental well-being, but it should be part of a broader disaster readiness plan that includes practical to do measures to ensure your safety during a hurricane.

Resources:

Emergency Supplies Kit

National Hurricane Center Track the storm