Preparedness
Mastering Your Mind: The Ultimate Survival Tool
When preparing for a potential crisis, most people focus on tangible necessities like food, water, medical supplies, and shelter. However, mental and emotional readiness is just as critical. Keeping a clear mind is arguably your most powerful tool when disaster strikes. In chaotic situations, it’s easy to become anxious, paranoid, or even depressed, so it’s essential to equip yourself mentally and emotionally.
John Leach, in a study found on the University of Dallas website, explored how different people react in survival situations. He discovered that aside from the well-known “fight or flight” response, some individuals experience a “freezing” reaction. Leach observed instances where people, faced with life-threatening scenarios such as plane crashes or sinking ships, became immobilized, unable to act even when escape was possible.
In contrast, those who adopt a “goal-oriented mode” during crises tend to have better survival outcomes. These individuals focus on a specific objective, such as reaching safety, and work systematically towards it. Others, overwhelmed by the flood of stimuli, may lose sight of their primary goal, decreasing their chances of survival.
Maintaining composure in such scenarios is a skill that can be learned and honed. The Navy Seals, renowned for their ability to remain calm under pressure, use breathing exercises to manage stress. “Box breathing” involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and pausing in four-second intervals. This technique helps regulate the body’s stress response, promoting rational thinking and enabling better recall of survival skills.
Ollie Ollerton, a former SAS member, emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical tasks when under pressure. He notes, “We are only able to hold about five and nine pieces of information in our brain before we may start to get confused, making incorrect decisions. When we are under pressure, that figure plummets down to just one or two.” Therefore, identifying and addressing the most pressing needs is crucial.
In dire situations, finding motivation can seem daunting. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, developed “logotherapy,” which centers on the human quest for meaning. Frankl found that even in the harshest conditions, people seek a purpose, whether through completing tasks, engaging in experiences, or choosing their response to suffering. Logotherapy has proven effective in helping individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and PTSD.
Mental preparation for survival is challenging because it cannot be stored or packed away like physical supplies. It relies entirely on personal attitude and mindset. While you may not control the events around you, you can control your reactions. This self-awareness is the first step toward maintaining your sanity when faced with disaster.
While physical preparedness is crucial, mental resilience is equally vital. Developing the ability to stay calm, focused, and purposeful can make the difference between survival and succumbing to chaos when the unexpected occurs.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.