In these long, dark, cold days of winter, we all suffer from boredom or just feel down at times. Having the hope of spring just around the corner doesn't always help alleviate the difficulty of getting through another cold, dark day either. I ran across this article we wrote not long after we began the blog that deals with stress in a collapse situation. If TEOTWAWKI occurs, there may not be 'a light at the end of the tunnel' for a long, long, long time, if ever. If we all experience a long term, as in for the rest of our lives, survival scenario, we will have to learn how to deal with the stress of everyday life without succumbing to it, or we won't make it. I encourage you to ponder ways to deal with stress, both now with your everyday challenges, and in a situation not of your choosing or liking that may last an unknown period of time. We talk about practicing our survival skills like gardening, homesteading, cooking outdoors, grid down laundry, home defense and many others. Surviving the stress of surviving is a skill that can keep you alive when others around you are unable to cope. That in itself may be one of the most important skills you can practice. Now. Before it is a matter of life and death.
Until next time - Fern
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Originally published October 13, 2013
Okay, so, things have collapsed and TEOTWAWKI (the end
of the world as we know it) has arrived. You are still surviving since
you have been preparing for this for quite some time. How is your stress
level? What about your family, your children, neighbors and friends?
Let's face it, TEOTWAWKI is going to include more stress than most of us
have ever faced.
You
can only remain on high alert for so long without some major side
effects. Have you prepared some 'comforts' for you and yours to decrease
the affects of stress and increase the ability to relax a little? If
you have the basics tucked away, think about items that will bring
comfort and distraction from the daily stress of survival. Find some
simple things that don't require electricity or a great deal of energy
or work to accomplish, especially if there are children around.
Children
will not understand the gravity of the situation if the SHTF (stuff
hits the fan). They will still want to laugh and play and have attention
from adults. Make sure you provide things that they will enjoy and
learn from. Involve them in 'helping' you take care of every day tasks
that will increase their ability to become more independent sooner
rather than later. Even though there are no children here, we have
accumulated a few things that would provide comfort and learning if any
arrive sometime along the way.
We have also spent time pondering adult comforts. Our Snickers will
run out, probably sooner rather than later. Food is always a good
comfort, whether you are sick or down or stressed. But in a survival
situation, food can't always be the fall back. It may even be the cause
of additional stress if there isn't enough to go around. All the more
reason to stock up way more than you think you might ever use for years
and years if you are able.
Books
to read; hand work such as quilting, knitting, mending; the materials
and tools needed for keeping everything in good working condition;
playing cards; marbles; board games; and the list goes on and on. Take
time to discuss and contemplate some simple, effective items you can
have on hand. It may mean the difference between managing and going off
the deep end.
There
are many different remedies for stress that are always at hand. Sleep
is critical. You can't be on duty 24/7. Without sleep your mind does
strange things. Talking things out with someone that can listen without
passing judgement or trying to 'fix' the problem may be the answer for
some. Sometimes just talking
about things makes them easier to bear. A back rub, holding hands, taking a walk (if it is safe to do so), telling jokes and acting silly.
Some of these seem to be overly simple, but a good hard laugh will do much to reduce the stress of many situations. There
will be many people that end up having to do without accustomed
medications. That could be a real problem. Many side effects can occur
when medications run out, especially if they are taken to help cope with life as it is now.
I'm not exactly sure how,
but if this is the case for you or someone you know, try to research
these medications. Know their withdrawal times and the symptoms that may
result. This knowledge may be absolutely essential to the survival of
this person. Unfortunately, suicide or dangerous and erratic behavior is
all too common for some when these medications are stopped or changed
too quickly.
We
all concentrate on food storage, protection and shelter when we think
of collapse scenarios, and rightly so. But beyond the basics, there are
other things to consider to increase the survivability of a situation.
Stress can also be a major killer, so think through ways to deal with
and decrease it in your situation. What can you provide that will
decrease stress and provide a source of entertainment and relaxation for
you and yours? Or what is a healthy distraction from stressful
situations?
How you deal with stress either before or after a
collapse situation can make or break you. This is something that is
difficult to 'practice'. But it is something we all need to take into
account. There are days that we find to be very depressing and somewhat
scary as we read the things that are happening and appear to be coming
across the horizon toward us at an ever increasing pace. Then there are
other days that aren't as difficult. We try to analyze and take into
account what is happening and why we may be having a down day. It is a
practice that serves us well and we hope, in some way, helps us prepare
for the day that everything changes permanently. And then every day
after that.
Instead of reacting to the events of the day, week or
month, step back and try to look at what is happening to cause your
stress, and see what you can do to not necessarily eliminate or escape
it, but live through it and come out stronger on the other side. It may
mean all the difference in the world, to you, and to those depending
upon you for strength, courage and guidance. We try to remember that God
is our Shepherd, and we hope and pray that all can find relaxation and
comfort with their Creator. May God and Peace be with you.
Until next time - Fern
