5 Things You Can Do This Weekend to Build Personal Resilience
Start simple. Start now.
There is no magic potion that will change the path we're on. We are headed toward the collapse of modern civilization and possibly even the human race. The thing is, nobody really knows what that looks like or how long it will take to happen.
Instead of moping about and feeling sorry for ourselves, we need to pull up our socks and make the most of whatever time we have left. A little preparation will make us more resilient to change, possibly extending the glide path to whatever meets us at the end.
Even if we're just deluding ourselves by prepping, doing something - anything - can help maintain our sanity.
When I think of "preppers," I imagine mountain men living off the grid on 10 acres in some remote part of the country, stacking guns and grains. Getting to that point can feel daunting, paralyzing us from getting started.
I encourage you to take that first step this weekend. Below are five simple things you can do to start building personal resilience.
Stock Up on Honey
Honey is one of the best multi-purpose food items you can keep in your pantry. It never expires, provides a quick source of calories, and has medicinal uses such as treating minor wounds, soothing sore throats, and acting as a natural antibiotic.
Buying at least one jar of honey is an effortless way to add a long-lasting, versatile food item to your supply. Unlike other sweeteners, honey has an indefinite shelf life, making it a valuable addition to any emergency pantry.
Store Extra Water
Water is essential for survival, yet most people don’t store any beyond what’s already in their plumbing system. If municipal water services are disrupted by power outages, contamination, or infrastructure failures, you’ll need an alternative source.
Experts recommend storing at least one gallon of water per person per day for a minimum of three days, though more is better. An easy way to start is by filling up large, clean bottles with tap water and keeping them in a cool, dark place. If you're heading to the grocery store this weekend (perhaps to pick up some honey), consider purchasing a few five-gallon water jugs. These take up little space and provide an immediate emergency supply.
Work Your Muscles
Physical strength is an often-overlooked aspect of preparedness. In an emergency, you may need to carry heavy supplies, climb obstacles, or perform physically demanding tasks. A small amount of strength training improves your ability to handle these challenges.
You don’t need a gym membership or complicated equipment to build strength. Start with simple bodyweight exercises like 10 squats, 10 push-ups, and a 30-second plank. Doing this routine for just 5-10 minutes a day improves endurance, mobility, and overall resilience.
When it comes to exercise, consistency is what matters most. Whether you work out in your basement, a gym, or the backyard, it's better to do a little every day than a lot once a week.
Sarah Connor
Save a Local Map on Your Phone
We've become so dependent on GPS that many of us no longer have paper maps or even remember directions. Can you imagine if that technology - or its supporting infrastructure, such as the internet and cell towers - failed?
This weekend, find and download maps you might need if this were to occur. Start with your local area. If you have time, download maps for other locations you might need to get to. Having directions to a local hospital or alternative routes out of your area could be a lifesaver in a crisis.
To save a map offline using Google Maps, open the app, search for your city or town, tap your profile picture, and go to "Offline Maps." Select "Choose Your Own Map" and download your local area. This simple step ensures that even in a digital blackout, you’ll have essential navigation tools at your fingertips.
Perhaps next weekend you could buy a physical map!
Make a List of Resourceful Friends
In times of crisis, who you know is just as important as what you have. A strong social network can provide skills, information, and support that increase your chances of adapting to difficult situations.
Take a few minutes this weekend to write down the names and contact information of people you trust who are resourceful, skilled, or reliable. This could include individuals with medical training, mechanical skills, farming experience, or problem-solving abilities. Keep this list saved on your phone and written down somewhere accessible. Knowing who to reach out to in an emergency makes it easier to coordinate help and work collaboratively when needed.
These people don’t necessarily need to be "collapse-aware" - at least, not to your knowledge.
Everyone will become aware once SHTF.
