Once upon an infinite time, in the middle of an infinite void, there was a Big bang that gave birth not only to numerous worlds and stars, but also created such phenomena as time, space, physics and chemistry.
Then, some 3.9 billion years ago, Life, the most beautiful phenomenon in the Universe, was born on the Earth. And that’s where things get interesting.
The Importance of Morale in Survival
The thing is, Life itself is as harsh as it is beautiful. For millennia, it’s been testing us. Barely formed, all living creatures faced the necessity to fight for their existence, because every day it is necessary to search for food to nourish their flesh, to fight off competitors and predators who could take their prey and life. In addition to this, it was necessary to confront the weather, which was a little safer than a sabre-toothed tiger or a tyrannosaurus.
Thus, there was no creature that had not perfectly grasped the science of survival. This science was firmly rooted at the level of instinct.
Our species, Man, was also tempered in the same crucible! We have learnt to kill animals that threaten us, we have learnt to build magnificent buildings, we have learnt to reverse rivers at will, we have comprehended the very essence of survival, becoming the dominant species on the planet.
But the most important thing we have learnt is not to lose heart even in the most desperate situations, because only those who are strong in spirit and have high combat morale will survive. This golden rule is written in the blood of many and many generations of people.
The Psychological Challenges in Survival Situations
But no human being has acquired survival skills without learning to overcome a whole host of darkest, unforgettable and overwhelming emotions.
Common Emotional Responses
- Fear. Our oldest and most ruthless enemy, which has haunted us for almost 2.8 million years, since the first members of our species. It is no less dangerous than the man-eating bear you met in the forest, which caused the fear, because it can shackle your body in a stupor, confuse all your thoughts and prevent you from taking all the necessary actions, which will only bring closer the most screwed-up version of events, in which you are the main dish of the evening;
- Isolation and Loneliness. In many survival situations, individuals may be isolated from others for extended periods. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness, helplessness, and despair, which can exacerbate stress and anxiety. It can lower your morale and survival situations will go down the drain;
- Hopelessness and Despair. When faced with prolonged hardship and uncertainty, individuals may struggle with feelings of hopelessness and despair. The belief that rescue or relief may never come can be psychologically devastating.
- Survivor’s Guilt. In cases where others do not survive or are injured, survivors may experience guilt or shame, questioning why they survived when others did not.
- Coping with Pain and Injury. Survivors dealing with injuries or illnesses must cope with pain and discomfort, which adds another layer of psychological stress.
Cognitive Challenges
- Survivors often face critical decisions under extreme pressure, such as whether to stay put or move, what resources to prioritize, or how to signal for help. The stress of making these decisions can be immense. And all of these decisions can be quite difficult to make when you are running on all fours and a conditional rhinoceros comes on the heels.
- Survivors often lose control over their environment and daily routines. This loss of control can be distressing and lead to feelings of powerlessness, it is the psychology of survival.
- The combination of physical exertion, lack of adequate nutrition, and sleep deprivation can lead to mental exhaustion and impaired cognitive function, making it even more challenging to cope with the situation.
- Surviving a life-threatening situation can sometimes lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety related to the traumatic event.
- Finding reasons to keep going and maintaining hope for rescue or a better outcome can be a significant psychological challenge, especially over extended periods of time.
Strategies for Maintaining a Positive Mindset
They say that discouragement is a mortal sin. And this is not just an empty saying, if you give in to fear, panic or despondency, you reduce your chance of survival many times over.
Maintaining a positive mindset during survival situations is crucial for keeping yourself focused, motivated, and resilient, this is psychology of survival instincts. Here are some strategies to help you maintain a positive outlook.
Mental Preparation
- Focus on Immediate Tasks. Break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. By focusing on what needs to be done next, you can maintain a sense of control and accomplishment.
- Stay Present. Avoid dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about an uncertain future. Focus on the present moment and what you can do right now to improve your situation.
- Stay Flexible and Adapt. Survival situations are unpredictable. Be willing to adapt your plans and strategies as circumstances change. This flexibility can help you stay proactive rather than reactive.
- Stay Positive and Optimistic. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations. Celebrate small successes and milestones along the way, no matter how minor they may seem.
Goal Setting and Planning
One of the best morale booster ideas is to set yourself a clear goal and carefully consider how you will achieve that goal. Remind yourself of why you want to survive. Whether it’s for family, friends, or personal goals, having a clear purpose can provide motivation and focus.
Visualise Success! Imagine yourself overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals. Visualisation can help reinforce a positive mindset and increase confidence.
And no matter what adversity you face, keep hope and a positive mindset, this alone will increase your chances of survival.
Developing a Survival Mindset
Developing a survival mindset is crucial for facing challenges, whether in wilderness survival situations or everyday life. Here are some key principles to cultivate a survival mindset:
- Stay Calm and Assess. In any crisis, the ability to stay calm and assess the situation is paramount. Panic clouds judgement and impairs decision-making. Take a deep breath, assess your surroundings, and prioritise your actions.
- Adaptability. Be flexible and willing to adapt to changing circumstances. Survival often requires improvisation and creative thinking. Embrace new ideas and strategies as situations evolve.
- Knowledge and Skills. Acquire and continuously improve your survival skills. These include first aid, navigation, shelter building, fire starting, and foraging. Knowledge is power in survival scenarios.
- Prioritise Needs. Understand and prioritise your basic needs: shelter, water, fire, and food. Address these needs systematically to maintain your health and well-being.
- Resourcefulness. Make the most of available resources. This includes using tools effectively, repurposing items, and utilizing natural materials. Develop a mindset that sees opportunities where others see obstacles.
- Resilience. Prepare yourself mentally for adversity. Understand that setbacks are part of survival scenarios, but they can be overcome with determination and resilience.
- Decision-Making. Practice making decisions under pressure. Consider risks and benefits carefully, but be ready to act decisively when necessary.
- Self-reliance and Teamwork. While self-reliance is crucial, recognise when teamwork can enhance survival chances. Cooperate with others when appropriate, pooling resources and skills.
- Training and Practice. Regularly practice your survival skills in various conditions. This builds confidence and muscle memory, making you more effective in real emergencies.
- Learn from Experience. Reflect on past experiences and learn from them. Each survival situation, even if not life-threatening, provides lessons for future challenges.
Building and Maintaining Social Connections
No man is an island as they say. The more of you there are, the better your chances of survival. So here are a couple of tips for building and maintaining social connections:
- Establish Trust. Trust is essential. Be reliable, honest, and respectful in your interactions with others. Trustworthiness builds strong bonds even in challenging situations. However, be careful when doing this, some people will try to gain your trust and rummage through your backpack. So trust but verify.
- Communicate Effectively. Clear communication is crucial. Listen actively and express yourself clearly to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Share Responsibilities. Contribute to the group’s well-being by sharing tasks and responsibilities fairly. This fosters a sense of teamwork and mutual support.
- Show Empathy. Understand and acknowledge the feelings of others. Empathy strengthens relationships and helps resolve conflicts peacefully.
- Resolve Conflicts Constructively. In extreme situations many unprepared people fall into aggression, nervousness, paranoia and other delightful states, they become very conflicted. When your life hangs in the balance, a stabbing in your group is not going to bring your survival any closer, so nip all conflicts in the bud by any means necessary. In conflict situations, demonstrate absolute calmness, benevolence and friendliness.
- Build Community. Create a sense of community by celebrating achievements, supporting each other’s well-being, and fostering a spirit of camaraderie.
- Plan for Long-term Survival. While immediate needs are critical, consider long-term strategies for sustainable living and survival as a cohesive group.
Practical Applications for Supporting Morale During Preparation and Survival
So, we have talked about the moral value of wilderness and learnt that survival is one of the most difficult arts in our world. Therefore, it pays to prepare for extreme situations in advance, si vis pacem, para bellum (If you want peace, prepare for war), and not to be caught unprepared. For example:
Training and Simulations
- First of all, learn to orientate yourself using a compass, the sun, and moss on trees.
- Master various kindling techniques, such as friction, flint and steel, or using magnifying lenses.
- Learn to identify and purify water from natural sources to make it safe for consumption.
- Learn to recognise edible plants and learn basic hunting or trapping skills.
- Learn first aid for wounds, poisoning and injuries.
- Get fit, start running, do push-ups, pull-ups. All of this will come in handy in many extreme situations.
- Learn to make quick and right decisions.
Rituals and Routines
Mentally, meditation can help you to tune in to your challenges. You will learn to control your emotions and mind. Daily strength and endurance exercises will also be very helpful.
Using the environment to create comfort
Creating comfort during survival involves making the best use of your surroundings to maintain physical well-being, mental resilience and emotional stability.
Learn to build shelter using natural materials such as branches, leaves, and mud. Utilise caves, rock formations, or fallen trees for immediate protection from weather elements.
Conclusion
We have only talked about the basics of survival, the tip of the iceberg, you have not yet become Bear Grylls. The following will help you to become better in this art:
- “Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why” by Laurence Gonzales.
This book explores the psychology of survival, examining real-life stories of survival situations and analysing why some people survive while others do not. It provides insights into the mental and emotional aspects of survival. Awesome psychology of survival book.
- “Survival Wisdom & Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Subsist in the Wilderness” edited by Amy Rost
This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of survival skills, including shelter-building, foraging for food, navigation, and first aid. It’s a practical handbook for anyone interested in wilderness survival.
- “Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival” by Dave Canterbury
Dave Canterbury shares essential wilderness survival skills in this practical guide. It covers basic techniques such as shelter-building, fire-starting, and finding food and water, making it suitable for beginners and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- “98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive” by Cody Lundin
Cody Lundin, a survival instructor, provides practical advice on survival techniques, emphasizing the importance of maintaining core body temperature (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in outdoor emergencies. It’s known for its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to survival.
- “SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
Written by a former SAS soldier and instructor, this handbook covers survival skills for any environment, from the Arctic to the desert. It includes information on shelter, fire, food, and rescue, as well as sections on navigation and first aid.
- “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook” series by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
Although somewhat lighthearted in approach, these books provide practical advice on surviving various extreme situations, from escaping quicksand to performing a tracheotomy.
But most importantly, put what you’ve learnt into practice. Training, training and more training, reading books alone will not do the trick.
Well, that’s it! We sincerely wish you to become a real survival machine, and remember that the real strength of a man is not in his ability to avoid problems, but in his ability to solve them and move on.