As a prepper, your work isn't done after you fortified your home or stockpiled survival supplies. You also need to improve yourself and have healthy habits to increase your chances of survival when SHTF.
Here are seven lifestyle changes that you can make if you want to become a more effective prepper. (h/t to Survivopedia.com)
1. Be more organized.
In a disaster scenario, being organized is crucial to your survival. Practice survival drills with your family so everyone knows what to do and where to go if the power goes out or if there's a fire. Don't stop at plan A; having plans B and C can guarantee your safety.
Prepare a bug-out bag (BOB) with all the necessary gear and supplies, and tell each family member where you keep their BOBs so everyone can quickly evacuate when SHTF.
Keep an inventory of your supplies, then use or consume them in rotation. Check your inventory and replace items that have already expired. (Related: Practice makes perfect: Soft skills for the well-rounded prepper.)
2. Know when to delegate.
Self-sufficiency is a key trait of preppers, but you should also know when to ask for help.
If you're a newbie, don't rush your preps. Being a prepper can be overwhelming, but having a plan for your home garden or survival stockpile will make your tasks more doable.
Start your plan by sorting tasks based on importance, then make time to try and tackle each one. Eventually, you'll get the hang of things.
Some tasks that you should consider include:
- Getting certified for gun ownership.
- Setting up your survival stockpile.
- Saving up so you have an emergency fund.
3. Stay informed.
Having survival skills isn't enough to become a prepper. You also need to be observant, whether you're in a public area or listening to the news on the radio.
Once you identify possible risks, take necessary actions to deal with them.
4. Prioritize risk assessments.
Regular risk assessments will help you determine threats that may affect you, especially those common in your area. Watch the news or listen to the radio so you know what's going on.
Monitor the economic and political climate and think of possible risks to your income. Learn about the weather phenomena that are most likely to happen in your neighborhood and where you work, then take the necessary steps to prepare for them.
5. Live a healthy lifestyle.
To stay physically fit, follow a healthy diet and avoid eating junk food. Exercise regularly and try activities that can boost your strength so you can defend yourself if you need to. Building up your strength can also make various tasks around your homestead much easier.
Preppers also need to maintain their mental fitness. Read books on various topics or start a new hobby to keep your brain sharp, and know when to relax.
6. Learn new skills.
As a prepper, it is best to keep finding new ways to improve yourself. Learn the following skills on your own by reading instructional materials, sign up for online courses, or take classes.
- Building a shelter from scratch
- Finding and purifying water
- Firestarting
- First aid
- Fishing
- Foraging for wild edibles
- Hunting
- Navigation
- Self-defense
- Survival signaling
7. Be decisive.
In a crucial moment, indecision could get someone killed. Preppers know that it's important to stay calm when SHTF so you can take immediate action when facing dangerous scenarios.
It can be difficult, but don't let fear paralyze you. You need to protect yourself so you can watch out for your loved ones who depend on you.
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