Many people are afraid of thunder. It’s a common experience that lists as the third most prevalent phobia in the US in 2007. What makes each person unique in their experience is how affected they are by thunder, and how it manifests. If you’re one of those who have intense reactions to a storm, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially if you’re in the middle of something important.
Here are some tips on how you can overcome your fears of thunder.
Understand what thunder is and why it exists
Thunder is a product of the release of lightning during a storm. Clouds are formed in cooler temperatures in the atmosphere. A thunderstorm cloud is formed when warm and humid air rises really fast due to the density of the air in its surroundings. In these clouds, the small ice particles from the frozen moisture move around in the air in the cloud, creating friction. This friction results in an explosion from the accumulated charge. This release is what we see and hear: lightning and thunder.
Understanding where the sound comes from is a good way to start overcoming the fear of thunder. Reading about it can also teach you about the dangers of storms, especially hard ones. But, this allows you to prepare for those possible situations much better.
Keep yourself distracted
If learning about it doesn’t help, you can always keep yourself busy. Create a playlist and plug those earphones in on full blast to make sure that you don’t hear the thunder. If there’s a more secluded space in your home, maybe you can create a little thunderstorm nook in that space. If you are going for the music route, just be mindful of the volume of the music so you don’t hurt your ears in the process. This also applies to kids! Watch funny and entertaining shows together and make stormy nights bonding moments.
Wait it out together
If distractions aren’t an option because the power has been cut off, or the internet isn’t strong enough to handle it, you can grab a pillow, a pet, or a loved one and cuddle until the storm passes. If you’re with a loved one, try your best to make each other feel as secure as possible.
At the end of the day, thunder is just a really loud, booming sound. As long as you’re in a safe and sheltered space, the risks of getting harmed by thunder are low. Learning about thunder and lightning is also interesting, the light it emanates can be pretty. Maybe, eventually, you’ll find yourself fascinated by them!
