After the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck the central North Island, we asked people what they do to calm their nerves and settle their shaky legs.
Kiwis seem to be reasonably resilient with quakes .... everyone I’ve talked to has experienced them somewhere sometime in Aotearoa, so maybe we learn to manage our emotions better when we get a jiggle or 2 .... all adults need to is to model calmness and the kids will be ok
— TrevKiwi (@tomorrowtoday17) October 30, 2018
Some people cope by turning to social media - sometimes while the ground is still shaking, so we asked Twitter users how they cope.
Cups of tea features strongly:
Check on colleagues and friends then click click click Twitter. Write off the rest of the work day. Cup of hot sweet strong tea.
— librarykris (@librarykris) October 30, 2018
As did drinks of a stronger variety:
We're onto the black humour. Soon will come the beer.
— Martin Bridges (@mgbridges) October 30, 2018
Having a salad helps... well a fruit salad... one with just grapes. It’s wine.
— Siobhan Cole (@Siobhancole11) October 30, 2018
Checked on partner.
— pöst-scött (@buzzandhum) October 30, 2018
Checked on cat.
Checked book shelves.
Got myself a big vodka with ice.
...
Then checked in with those working from home and at the office.
And then there's those who need to eat to settle their rumbling stomachs:
Check on husband. Check on cat. Eat cake.
— Crafty Gardener (@craftygardennz) October 30, 2018
Double check the meet up plan if comms are down, to make sure we all still remember, bream out the emergency gin and chocolate.
— Nicole Geluk (@gelukinmusic) October 30, 2018
Some people had some slightly more practical advice:
I'll be interested to see what people say to this - as a non-NZer who works from home, that was a pretty horrible experience. Family and friends checked in, of course, but my focus / productivity has been shot since!
— Laurie Winkless (@laurie_winkless) October 30, 2018
I always find I need to talk to people. It's the perfect chance to talk to strangers, everyone has stories about the last big one, preparedness, news updates.
— Four Sixty (@64) October 30, 2018
Gallows humour really, and finding work to do.
— Sarah Hendrica Bickerton ️ (@sarahhbickerton) October 30, 2018
I make sure everyone in the family is ok, then I find something to do to distract me.
After checkin @geonet geonet I totally kick into “GSD” mode and do all the sensible checks, and check on people. After that I yell at the aftershocks as I’m usually on the loo when they hit.
— ko mōhinuhinu J ahau (@Hermes_Blu_Tung) October 30, 2018
I have rearranged all the furniture in my house! I also have a migraine. It’s funny, you have this idea in yr mind of what it will be like and even though it was a little calmer than my imagination I feel quite rattled
— Kelly Dennett (@kellydennettnz) October 30, 2018
And then there's the official advice: Drop Cover and Hold
GNS Science have advised there is no tsunami threat to New Zealand following the 6.2 Magnitude 207 km deep earthquake south-west of Taumarunui. Remember to Drop Cover and Hold during any aftershocks. #eqnz
— MCDEM (@NZcivildefence) October 30, 2018
