Prepping takes a lot of time, effort, and dedication. That’s not even taking into consideration the financial aspects of prepping or any of the other ways prepping can impact your daily life. Naturally, this can take a toll on even the most seasoned of preppers. The constant urgency of looming threats can be a little overwhelming at times. There might also be that lingering doubt that your survival plans will never come to fruition and that there will ultimately be no need for them in the long run. When this happens, it might feel easy to give in and succumb to prepper burnout. Avoid prepper burnout by learning the reasons why preppers give up and what you can do to prevent yourself from doing the same. (h/t to SmartPrepperGear.com)

Reasons why preppers give up

• Letting your prepping plans rely on the political climate. Some people think that you should only prepare for the worst when your country or government is undergoing political turmoil. They think that there is no need for prepping during times of peace and economic growth. This sort of mindset is complacency at its finest. It lulls you into a false sense of security that nothing could possibly go wrong. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Natural disasters can and will still happen, regardless of the political climate. It is also unwise to pin all of your hopes on the government to solve all your problems.
• Lack of financial resources. Prepping is undoubtedly an investment, one that you will often pay out of your wallet in the present. However, prepping is about safeguarding your future. If you are smart enough with your financial decisions and survival plans, then that investment will pay off in the long run. Having extra funds to spend on prepping can certainly give you a leg up, but they are not a necessity. Ultimately, your survival plan and mental resilience are what can get you out of a survival situation, even when you lack the resources. (Related: Survival is about more than gear and food storage: Your team and mindset are crucial.)
• Feeling completely prepared. On the other end of the spectrum, there are the preppers who think they have all their bases covered and stop there. They may have a well-stocked pantry with enough food to last for years, a medicine cabinet filled with all sorts of medical supplies and natural remedies, and a thriving vegetable garden to grow a sustainable source of food. However, even a mountain of food, medicine, and ammo will still not be enough to guarantee your survival. All the survival gear in the world wouldn’t make an ounce of difference if you don’t know how to use them wisely. It is important to never stop learning. Constant practice is the key to your survival.

Ways to avoid prepper burnout

• Find a support group of like-minded people. One of the best ways to beat complacency is to interact with other people who have similar goals. You can exchange tips on how to improve each other’s survival plans. You can even support each other when times are tough and you feel like giving up. This is when you will need support and guidance the most. Challenges can feel less daunting when you know that you are not facing them alone.
• Take everything one step at a time. If you feel overwhelmed and stressed by the constant possibility that a disaster might happen at any moment, know that there is nothing wrong with taking a break and learning how to pace yourself. Stressing yourself out because you aren’t able to fully prepare yourself in the present will only push you to the brink of exhaustion. Everyone has a breaking point. When your body tells you that you need to rest, listen to it. You can always continue your prepping plans tomorrow. Even if TEOTWAWKI happens tomorrow, at least you will be well-rested to face it, instead of being burned out from exhaustion.
• Take the little wins. A little progress is still better than no progress. Each and every step you take is a victory that can help you improve your chances of survival.

Sources include:

SmartPrepperGear.com

MoreThanJustSurviving.com