- Talking with a friend
- Getting a massage, or having a home spa night with a face mask and herbal tea
- Taking a walk or a hike
- Drinking water or herbal tea
- Having a nutritious meal
- Sitting quietly in a peaceful place
- Lighting a candle
- Praying or meditating
- Giving gifts to others
Consider the times and places when you feel a spark of joy, peacefulness, or encouragement. How can you replicate those, even in small ways, throughout the days and weeks ahead?
Have you smiled today?
As you face the hard work of response and recovery each day, pay attention to how many times you smile to yourself or to another person. Little moments of pleasure, gratitude, or kindness can refresh your spirit.
What helps you gain healthy perspective?
A disaster can feel all encompassing. Reminding yourself in small ways – with a screensaver on your phone, a memento in your pocket, a sticky note in your bag or on the mirror – of goodness going on throughout the world can inspire you along the way and remind you of what else is happening beyond the scope of this particular disaster or series of events.
How do you express love or joy toward the people you live with or with whom you are neighbors?
Many of us, under duress, find we can forget to hug or smile at or express care toward the people to whom we are in closest relation. These relationships are important and will be the ones that help sustain us along the way. Make a point of expressing appreciation in some way each day.
What else is working for you right now?
Share in the comments below what "water stations" help to refresh you and your people. Your best practices can help others find their footing, too.