Another big storm is heading toward Hawaii, and the waiting itself takes a real toll on people's health — but there are simple ways to blunt it.

• Forecasters expect flooding rain and damaging winds as the system moves in.
• The anxiety before a disaster is a genuine stress response, much like fight-or-flight, triggered once you know something is coming.
• It shows up as a racing heart, upset stomach, poor sleep, fear, irritability, racing thoughts, and trouble making simple decisions.
• Much of it is empathy — worrying about what people on other islands will go through, even if your own area is spared.
• Sticking to reliable news instead of social media, prepping your home, helping neighbors, deep breathing, and staying around other people all help; see a professional if it gets worse.

Outlook: The storm's approach will keep nerves high across the islands for the next several days, and knowing what to expect is the best way to feel some control over it.