First things first: Researching prepping priorities

The 3-3-3-3 rule

The 3-3-3-3 rule states that you can't live 3 minutes without oxygen, 3 hours without shelter, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. I will be focusing on the air, water and food part in the next blog. For now, shelter is not a priority for me because my current shelter option is really stable.

Picture source: Bushcraft - The survival rules of three: accuracy breakdown

Maslow's hierarchy of needs

You can also look at Maslow's hierarchy of needs. This is interesting, not only focusing on the physical, but also the mental aspects of long-term preparedness.

Picture source: BiteSize Learning - Maslow's hierarchy of needs, explained

Physiological

Starting at the bottom and the most important category, we focus on physiological needs. This includes oxygen, water, food, shelter, rest and medical attention.

Safety

This is about safety, both mentally and physically. We want to have stability when it comes to avoiding pain and unmet physiological needs. This is especially important when it comes to SHTF situations, where looting, war, civil unrest and terrorist attacks are highly probable. Ways to prepare can include safety systems like camera's, gun or other weapon ownership, martial arts and more.

Social

Love and belonging, a necessity for longer-term situations. Find a community, both for prepping and local (think family and friends, but also store owners and neighbors).

This is essential for survival in the log run. You can easily find communities on reddit, facebook and instagram.

Self esteem

Most of us want to feel accomplished. Getting respect from people in your community builds self-esteem and is a great way to avoid mental health issues.

Self-actualization

When all our other needs are being met, we focus on living by our values and higher purpose. We want to become our most authentic self.

Next post: Second things second: Tuesday Prepping