Pandemic, climate change, war, nuclear threats, and even a demon fox-lady spirit released from her ancient killing stone prison. Seriously, Google that weirdness. We are definitely in the darkest timeline. That’s a Community reference to break the mood just a little. You’re welcome. With all this going on, how can you stay sane and safe as the world seems to crumble out there? We have a few ideas that we hope help.
Save On Gas
Fill Up Today – Gas prices will most likely go up even more now that we’ve banned all oil from Russia. Today is a good day to fill your car up before that happens. Yes, it already stings the old wallet, but it will probably sting less today than in a week.
Adjust Your Thermostat – Gas prices will start affecting other things, including natural gas and electrical power. Set your thermostat to work less when you aren’t home and when you sleep. It won’t save you a ton, but it is something.
Carpool – Carpooling with friends, family, and coworkers is good for the environment and your bank account. Yes, it is less convenient at times, but also worth it.
Use Alternatives – Public transportation is available in so many places for relatively cheap. Use it. You can also rely on a bike or your own feet more often. The exercise and fresh air do good things for stress, anxiety, and mental health too.
Combine Trips – Running errands? Combine them as much as possible rather than take multiple trips. This saves time and gas as you weave through the city from vet to soccer game to grocery store and back home.
Combine Orders – Buying something online? Try combining your orders or ordering larger amounts of what you know you’ll use. Any gas being used by delivery drivers, trucks, and planes out there will also drive prices upward. You should also expect supply chain delays, increased shipping prices, and more inflation in the future, sorry.
Buy Tickets Now – Gas prices and inflation will hit airline pricing shortly. If you were planning a vacation, now it the time to buy. Those prices will most likely go up soon.
Prepare Yourself
Make a Go Bag – It is never a bad idea to be prepared for a disaster. Make yourself and anyone you live with a 72 hour kit. This consists of non-perishable food, water, clothes, and essential supplies for three days to be used in any emergency, be it shelter-in-place or flee. You never know when this might come in handy as we’ve seen in recent years with hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and freezing temperatures that knock out power.
Have a Plan – Create a plan and discuss it with those you live with. They should know what to do in the case of any normal emergency. Walk through the ones that your area is prone to.
Know Where to Go – You should have a rendezvous spot for emergencies and know where shelters may be close to you. They will often be schools, churches, and government buildings. Stay tuned to local news when something does occur. Text friends, family, and loved ones as text messages go through easier during an emergency than calls.
Nuclear Threat – This is unlikely, but unfortunately still a possibility. The CDC recommends you get inside, stay inside, and stay tuned in this scenario. We walk you through more in depth plans here if you want.
Guard Your Mental Health
Talk to Someone – Seek out help for any growing anxiety and depression. You may just need a friend to chat things out with or you may need a professional. There is no shame in either.
Step Away – Sometimes you need to turn off the news, put down, the phone, and step away from the mess. It can be overwhelming, especially for those of us with too much empathy. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from the breaking news. Do not feel guilty taking a moment away from those suffering. Your mental health matters too.
Meditate – Meditation and deep breathing offer a host of proven health benefits. Take advantage of them. Sit still in relative silence and focus on your own breathing for a minute or two. You are okay. You are alive. You are doing the best you can.
Exercise – Exercise is very good at lowering stress hormones. This can ease anxiety immensely. Take a walk, sprint down the road, hop on a bike, or punch at a boxing bag. Even a few jumping jacks between news binges can help.
Adaptogens – Nature makes many foods that help us deal with stress. We have a good list here.
Laugh – As crazy as it sounds to laugh at a time like this, in the face of so many terrible things, do it anyway. Laughter is important, healing, and so helpful with stress and anxiety. Take time to watch a comedy special, read a joke, catch up on the latest SNL, or simply hang out with your most hilarious friend. You need to keep your spirit up.
Do What You Can – Offer help to the Ukrainians where and how you can. There are many groups in your location, wherever you are, working hard to put together supplies for refugees and accepting volunteers. You can also offer financial aid to those affected by the war. CNN has vetted charities for you and makes it easy to help here.