If you live along the coastline, then tropical storms and hurricanes are common natural disasters that you have to deal with. But it is never easy. Living in the path of a hurricane can breed feelings of apprehension and anguish, which can sometimes get overwhelming, even for the most well put together individuals.
Legitimate concerns exist regarding the possible damage and destruction that will ensue. This uncertainty about life, in general, can be debilitating, which further makes the situation worse. And when children are involved, it can be even harder to keep a level head.
So what can you do to take your mind off a hurricane? Here are some things that you can do as you pass the time:
Bring out the board games
When you are stuck indoors with no power, it does not have to be the end of the world. With some board games, you can wait out a hurricane and improve your brain function at the same time. Boardgames can be such great fun whether you are playing with adults or kids. Best of all, there is such a wide array of games that you will be spoilt for choice on which ones to pick.
Whip out the old Pictionary, test out your military strategy prowess with Battleship, or enjoy a classic game of Monopoly. If you are hanging out with adults, spice things up with your favorite beer or bottle of wine. A hot cup of cocoa is also a nice treat for both adults and kids. If the electricity goes out, be sure to have candles on hand so you can keep playing.
Netflix and chill
You know that movie marathon that you have been waiting to have for months? Well, the hurricane is one of the best times to get this done. Pile on the blankets, grab some guac and chips and waste the day away Netflix and chilling. There are plenty of great movies and TV shows that you can binge on; you only have to decide on which one. Game of Thrones anyone?
Finish that book you’ve had for ages
When you are waiting for a hurricane to pass, you should expect to go a few days without power. When you have gone through all the board games at your disposal, then the next thing to try is that book that you have been holding onto for months.
Lose yourself in another world of intrigue and adventure. Of course, with no electricity, you will have to rely on a flashlight or candles, which will help to establish the perfect ambiance so that you can finally finish that book.
Sleep
When hurricanes are forecast, it can be so easy to panic and fear the worst. Maintaining your cool during a hurricane is easier said than done. So, when you cannot muster the energy to keep it together, one of the best things that you can do is fall asleep.
Kate Huber and NJGamblingFun ‘’ When waiting for a hurricane to pass, it’s easy to spend the time worrying and complaining. What you may not realize is that hurricanes can actually be a blessing in disguise. Think about it- when’s the last time you had 24 hours or more all to yourself to do as you please?’’
Sometimes the worst parts of the storm occur at night so if you do sleep, you just might sleep through the worst bits. Just make sure that you are fully prepared in case you need to evacuate. Additionally, avoid sleeping in any spaces or rooms that may be prone to tree falls.
Cook up a storm
Hurricanes, like most natural disasters, are more often than not, are short-lived. If your stove is still working, why not prepare something nice and delicious to eat? There are some great meals that you can prepare with your stove. And if you do not have access to one, try making something that does not need cooking.
This can be as simple and as effortless as preparing a BLT. Better yet, grab a spoon and scoop up blobs of peanut butter directly from the jar; tastes just as good alone or on toasted bread or cookies. If you have some ice cream in your fridge, make sure you get to it before it all melts.
Clean out your closet
As you wait for the storm to pass, make like Marie Kondo and get rid of things that no longer spark joy for you. Yes, it may seem like a daunting task to take part in especially when you are already so pensive about the weather. However, decluttering and organizing your closet can help to take your mind off the weather.
Take your time when going through your closet. The things to get rid of are those ridiculous pieces that you have only worn thrice in your lifetime. Anything that has been relegated to the back of the closet is also fair game.
Day drink
When your windows are boarded up and you have stockpiled all the food and batteries that you need, sometimes the only thing left to do is drink. In cities like New Orleans, where hurricanes are the norm and not the exception, people have been known to throw hurricane parties to pass the time.
Of course, day drinking during a hurricane is an activity that should be reserved for mild hurricanes. If you have already stocked up on the booze, why not invite some of your neighbors over? There is always safety in numbers, especially during natural disasters such as hurricanes. Remember not to use tap water to mix your drinks as the water could already be contaminated, which will obviously cause you to have health problems.
Play poker
Hurricane season is typically the slowest time of the year for enthusiastic gamblers. Playoffs for most major sports like basketball are usually over, which leaves football; and that is typically scheduled weeks away. But that doesn’t mean that your gambling fun has to end. You can always try online gambling, which has grown exponentially over the years.
Alternatively, you can set up your own casino inspired gambling room at home and you can invite friends, neighbors, and family to take part. You will need games, poker chips, and some drinks on the house to get things rolling.
Final Words
Hurricanes are scary. Not only can they cause irreparable damage to property, but they can also shatter the lives of anyone involved. Being prepared is of the utmost importance as it can help you diminish the impact of the storm. After all the preparations are done, all you can do is wait things out. And during this time, these activities above will occupy your time so that you can come out on top.