Finding Calm Amid the Flames: Coping with LA Fires and Resetting Your Nervous System

Finding Calm Amid the Flames: Coping with LA Fires and Resetting Your Nervous System

As Los Angeles braces against this wildfire season, the physical and emotional toll of these events have felt overwhelming. Whether you’ve been directly impacted by evacuations, lost property, or have experienced anxiety from the looming threat of fires, it’s crucial to care for your mental health and support your nervous system.

Here, we’ll explore how the fires impact our bodies and minds, and simple yet powerful ways to reset and find calm during these challenging times.

The Impact of Wildfires on the Nervous System

Wildfires trigger our survival instincts. When faced with smoke, ash, and the constant hum of helicopters or alerts, our nervous system activates the fight-or-flight response. This is a natural reaction to danger, but prolonged exposure to stressors can leave us feeling hypervigilant, exhausted, or even numb.

Common signs of a dysregulated nervous system during wildfire season include:

• Difficulty sleeping

• Racing thoughts or constant worry

• Digestive issues

• Fatigue

• Irritability or mood swings

If you’re feeling these effects, you’re not alone. While we can’t control the fires, we can take steps to soothe our bodies and minds.

Practical Tools to Reset Your Nervous System

1. Grounding Techniques

   • 5-4-3-2-1 Method: Identify 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. This helps bring your focus to the present moment.

   • Feet on the Ground: Stand barefoot on grass or dirt (if safe) and visualize the earth absorbing your stress.

2. Breathwork

   • Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and hold again for 4. Repeat for several minutes.

   • Sighing Breath: Take a deep inhale through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. This naturally reduces tension.

3. Movement and Stretching

   • Gentle yoga or Pilates can release stored tension and promote relaxation. Poses like Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, or a simple forward fold can work wonders.

   • Walking, even indoors, helps regulate the nervous system by encouraging rhythmic, repetitive motion.

4. Create a Calm Environment

   • Use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality and reduce the irritants from smoke.

   • Dim the lights, play calming music, or try white noise to drown out the unsettling sounds outside.

5. Practice Mindful Media Consumption

   • While staying informed is important, limit how often you check the news. Designate specific times to get updates, and avoid scrolling before bed.

Community and Connection

Isolation can amplify stress, so reach out to loved ones. Whether it’s a phone call, group text, or a virtual support group, sharing your feelings and experiences can provide relief. If you’re struggling, consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in trauma or stress management. There’s a list of therapists providing pro-bono work here.

Long-Term Resilience

The aftermath of wildfires can leave emotional scars. Building resilience over time involves prioritizing consistent self-care, healthy routines, and professional support if needed. Practices like journaling, mindfulness meditation, and gratitude can help anchor you when things feel unstable.

Final Thoughts

Living through these fires in Los Angeles is undeniably challenging. Take everything one day at a time, actively care for your nervous system, and be kind with whatever emotions you’re experiencing. Remember, small moments of calm can accumulate into profound healing.

Stay safe, stay connected, and prioritize your well-being.