No matter how many survival skills you acquire, there will always be something new to learn. For true preppers, the pursuit of truth and knowledge will never be complete. You must constantly learn new things to keep your mind sharp and engaged in thought. If you stop learning, your thoughts and ideas will stagnate. Find the learning style that best suits you. Some prefer to read survival books, while others prefer a more hands-on teaching experience under the guidance of mentors. The most important thing is that you must never stop asking questions. Emergencies will often require you to come up with creative solutions to survive. The more ways you can think outside of the box, the better. (Related: What are the absolute must-learn skills every prepper should know?)
What's the point of having an encyclopedia's worth of survival strategies if you are unable to apply them? Theoretical knowledge can only get you so far. It's in your real life application of these strategies that your skills can truly be tested. Just because you've figured out how to do something once doesn't mean that you will be able to replicate the same feat in a crisis. The key to your survival is training with repetition. When SHTF, you need to act swiftly and decisively. Every moment counts, and hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. Constant practice allows you to react instinctively to emergencies. Rehearse disaster drills with your friends and family, so that everyone knows what to do and where to go.
In the face of adversity, critical thinking and a positive mental attitude are your greatest allies when it comes to keeping your mind from being overwhelmed. Experiencing a dire survival scenario can lead to a lot of emotional stress and trauma for the unprepared mind, but having a healthy mind can allow for clarity and focus. Sometimes, your willpower alone can get you through even the toughest and bleakest situations. A positive mental attitude can strengthen your discipline and support a strong work ethic.
Your physical health is linked to your mental health, so a healthy mind leads to a healthy body and vice versa. Physical fitness is an essential part of survival. Achieving and maintaining peak physical condition will improve your chances of survival when SHTF. It can allow you to maneuver around obstacles, walk or run for hours at a time, and lift heavy objects. It will also make it easier for you to do physical tasks for survival, such as hunting and foraging. No matter how much prepping equipment you have, your most important survival gear is your own body. If you fail to take care of it, you might not even be able to make use of anything else.
All four or these survival traits are interconnected. As the mind learns, the body also practices. Both the mind and body must equally undergo regular exercise. If you want to improve your chances of survival, you must keep both your mind and body in optimal health.
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