Find Grounding in Climate Uncertainty
Wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes can trigger intense fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. When faced with such unpredictable events, our nervous system often shifts into survival mode, activating fight, flight, or freeze responses. While this reaction is natural and protective, staying in a heightened state for too long can be overwhelming and exhausting.
Learning how to regulate your nervous system during these crises can help you regain a sense of control, clarity, and calm, even amidst uncertainty.
Emotional Toll of Natural Disasters
Natural disasters bring more than physical danger; they also stir up deep emotional responses. You may feel:
Terror at the unpredictability of the situation
Grief for what has been lost or could be lost
Anger at the disruption and destruction
Helplessness in the face of forces beyond your control
These emotions are completely valid. Acknowledging and processing them can help prevent them from becoming trapped in your nervous system, leading to prolonged distress.
Somatic Practices to Calm the Nervous System
If you’re experiencing anxiety from a wildfire, hurricane, or earthquake, here are some techniques to help you feel more grounded and safe:
1. Orient to Your Environment
Take a moment to scan your surroundings and find something neutral or comforting. Maybe it’s a sturdy piece of furniture, a soft blanket, or a familiar scent. Noticing small details, like texture, color, or shape, can help anchor your awareness in the present moment, signaling to your nervous system that you are safe.
2. Give Yourself a Hug
Self-soothing is a powerful tool during uncertain times. Wrapping your arms around yourself and applying gentle pressure can signal comfort and support to your inner child. This simple act of self-compassion can be deeply regulating.
3. Practice Soothing Breathwork
Breathing exercises can help shift your nervous system out of fight-or-flight mode. Try this simple technique:
Inhale through your nose for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 counts
Focusing on a longer exhale sends a message to your body that it is safe to relax.
4. Somatic Tracking
Bring awareness to what you’re feeling in your body. Maybe a tightness in your chest or a pit in your stomach. Instead of pushing it away, observe it with curiosity. Notice how the sensation changes, even subtly. This mindful approach can help your nervous system process stress rather than stay stuck in it.
5. Reach Out for Support
You don’t have to navigate disaster anxiety alone. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or mental health professional, sharing your experience can lighten the emotional load. Connection fosters regulation, and knowing you have support can ease feelings of isolation and fear.
Long-Term Nervous System Resilience
Beyond immediate coping strategies, building long-term nervous system resilience can make future crises easier to manage. Consider integrating somatic healing practices, mindfulness, and breathwork into your routine so that when disaster strikes, your nervous system is better prepared to handle the stress.
The anxiety brought on by wildfires, hurricanes, and earthquakes is real, but it doesn’t have to consume you. Small, mindful actions can create moments of relief and steadiness, even in the most uncertain times.
If you’d like to learn more about how to support your nervous system through life’s unpredictability, consider exploring somatic healing techniques. Your body has the capacity to find safety, even in the unknown.
About the Author
Shai Maxine is a trained somatic practitioner specializing in helping people navigate stress, chronic pain, and emotional overwhelm. With years of experience guiding clients toward greater ease and connection, Shai offers practical tools rooted in somatic awareness and mindfulness. When not working, Shai enjoys hiking, cooking, creating art, and petting as many dogs as she can. Follow along on instagram @shai.maxine
