Do you dread those nights alone? Find yourself leaving every single light on in the house? Do you jump at the sound of a phone or doorbell? It’s time to peel back those covers you’re hiding under! Being home alone is a part of life and will happen to everyone at some point. Whether you are young or old, male, or female; it’s never a wrong decision to always be prepared.
There’s no ghoul under your bed.
Remaining calm is the essential answer to life’s reactions. It especially rings true when your eyes are playing tricks on you. When we are alone, our brain subconsciously feels threatened. Through millions of years of evolution, the human body has built fear as a way of survival. Our instincts are to feel nervous when we are alone because we naturally feel defenseless. Yes we must stay on guard and listen for any indication of danger, but every creak in the house does not equal an intruder.
A bit of OCD goes a long way
When you arrive home, lock your doors. Before you go to bed, check the locks. Then double check them. If you have a security alarm, double check that as well. Have your phone beside you at all times. With this repetition you are assuring your mind that you have a safety net around you. Double checking the locks reminds you that you are safe, and in turn will keep you calm throughout the night. Go through your kitchen a few times. While there, take a look at all the sharp objects you have. By taking a mental note of potential weapons, you will feel more assured that you are safe. When we are frightened, we look for visual cues to calm us.
Solitary tranquility
Now you’ve ensured you’re as safe as Fort Knox. Yet your mind and heart is still racing. What’s to be done? Stop, sit, and breathe. Inhale while counting to six, and do the same when you exhale. By breathing deeper and longer you are sending twice as much oxygen to the brain. Breathing this way will slow down the heart rate. The more oxygen in the brain, the clearer we can see situations. If all else fails and you still find yourself anxious or feeling unsafe; exercise. If you can’t exercise, simply spin around in a circle for a minute. The dizziness and loss of breath will trick your mind into thinking that’s the cause of your anxiety. The mind is always trying to make sense of its surroundings. This works in the same way your eyes and ears play tricks on you. Only this way you’re taking control of them. It’s also a good remedy for people that are naturally anxious but are not willing to take prescription drugs.
The next time you are home alone, practice these strategies. The mind is a powerful entity. Take control of your thoughts, and you will never feel anxious or unsafe when home alone again.
