TEOTWAWKI – The End of the World As We Know It. There are warning signs all around – wars between nations, economic instability, increasing intensity of natural disasters, and simmering social unrest. Many people are just waiting for something to unhinge a system that we have grown accustomed to. It’s time to ask yourself if you are ready to live in a post collapse world. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance to surviving a societal collapse.

Get in the Right Mindset

The most important tool of all is your mind. If you’re going to survive, you must know how to control your thoughts so that they serve you. When things get really tough, it’s just too easy to give up and wait for the inevitable. Don’t let this be you! Start now and cultivate your mindset so that you’ll do whatever it takes to survive. When you put yourself in a fighting mode, you increase your chances of survival. To do this, you may have to do some soul searching and reordering of your priorities.

Prepare Your Body

A sharp mind is useless if your body is too weak. Get in shape so you can endure the hardships of living outside your comfort zone. Go to the gym, take swimming lessons, or take up a new sport. These activities will keep you primed for action. Even if you are terribly out of shape, just get moving and start a beginner workout regime. You will be surprised what you are capable of.

Cultivating the Necessary Skills

Now that your mind and body is prepared, you will need a new set of skills for a different world. Goods and services will be in short supply and you will have to learn to fend for yourself in many areas that you take for granted now. Try getting familiar with the following skills.

First Aid/Medical Skills – Today, when we get sick, we go to the doctors or a clinic. When things go wrong, it’s every man for himself. Get books and training on treating injuries and illnesses. Learn how to keep yourself healthy, and pass on the knowledge to your loved ones.

Self Defense – Everyone will be fighting for their lives during TEOTWAWKI so don’t expect people to be courteous and patient. People could attack you at some point so you need to know how to defend yourself. Take up at least one form of martial arts and work to be good at it. Practice handling firearms and using various weapons. Learn the art of becoming unnoticeable.

Food – You will need to learn gathering, preparing and storage techniques for food. When grocery stores are closed, you will hunt and gather for your food or rely on barter. Practice how to start fires and cooking outdoors. You should also learn how to preserve food for times when food is scarce. Try to stock up on non-perishable food such as canned goods and ready-to-eat meals.

Water Collection/Treatment – you always need to have water with you. Learn these techniques – water collection, filtration, distillation, and water sanitation.

Shelter Building – It’s a plus if you are good with your hands or have some knowledge of construction because you may have to be on the move a lot. You could also invest in a light weight portable tent for emergencies.

Communication – Become familiar with how to operate a HAM radio. Cell phones may no longer work, invest in some long range two way radios to keep in touch with friends and family.

Transportation – Gas stations may not be accessible during collapse. Store gasoline or have a gas-free alternative such as a bicycle or scooter.

Barter – When money becomes worthless, you will have to barter for goods. Stock up on things that are desirable and tradable. Hone your talents for speaking and negotiating.

Try adding these skills into your daily routine as soon as you can. The earlier you master them, the better prepared you will be to cope when things go bad.