These are things you need to be prepared for incase of any unforseen global crisis
In a world where uncertainty is constant, being prepared for crises like another pandemic or war is not just wise—it's essential. We all go through our days without thinking much about such possible crisis but when an unexpected situations hit, we often find ourselves unprepared and unsure of what to do and how to go about. If you read the news you’ll see the recent events have shown how quickly lives can change. Sometimes, when I read the news, I wonder what would I do if I face such situations in the future, the first thing that comes to my mind is safety, but you'll be surprised to know that there is more work to do than just being safe and with political unrest around the world, to me, it's clear that we need to be ready for anything.
Reflecting on past events like the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts has shown us the serious weaknesses in our systems and personal lives. These events have highlighted the importance of being prepared to handle challenges with greater ease. But when we prepare ahead of time, we can tackle these situations more skilfully and maintain some sense of normality even in such difficult times. Being prepared also helps us become stronger individuals and it makes us easier to bounce back from setbacks. It gives us a feeling of security and control which reassures us that we are ready to face any challenges that come our way.
When major global event happens there are several major aspects of society and daily life of an individual that are significantly affected like shortage of food supply, shortage of medical supply, infrastructure damage and psychological impact. Now, I am not an expert but I researched the effects we would all have in our personal life and put forward some of the most important steps to take when preparing for preparing any unexpected situation and I think it will be beneficial to you too.
Health Emergencies
No matter what situation you face in life, always maintain good physical and mental health. This can be done through regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep. If you have any underlying health conditions, make sure you diagnose it at your earliest. Always have health insurance coverage for you and your spouse. It is advisable to keep medical kits items ready at home incase of any emergency.
Financial Stability
When some of us lost jobs during the pandemic, it showed how good us financial stability was, some of us were so desperate to find and work any job available just to make ends meet. One suggestion would be to build and maintain an emergency fund to cover living expenses which will last for about 6 months to 1 + year. Make sure you budget your expenses, avoid excessive debt and invest your money in stocks and shares. Plan for retirement and unexpected expenses like medical bills, home repairs or vehicle maintenance.
Career and Job Security
With the age of AI, soon some of our jobs will be replaced but don't loose hope, with every job lost, there will be new jobs that will be in demand. One suggestion will be to keep yourself updated on industry trends in your work sector. Consider developing skills that enhance employability. Network with professionals in your field and maintain a current resume. You can also consider alternative income streams or freelancing opportunities, this will create more income and you will be able to save more.
Family, Relationships and Mental Health
Remember, to survive any crisis, you need to have your mental health intact, keep strong relationships with family members and close friends. Have open communication and support networks in place for emotional well-being. Plan for caregiving responsibilities and discuss important decisions with loved ones, help and support each other when in need, by this way we can try reducing each others stress to some extent. Make as much memories as you can, you never know when you’ll see them for the last time.
Natural Disasters and Home Safety
Prepare for natural disasters by securing your home and belongings. Create a disaster preparedness plan with evacuation routes and emergency contacts. Stock essential supplies like food, water, and first aid kits.
Legal and Documentation
The amount of people who has had no idea on what their deceased loved ones owed is unimaginable. Hence, no matter what your age is, it is important to organize important documents such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies and wills in a secure place. Keep copies in digital and paper format and share with trusted family members or advisors. Stay informed about legal rights and responsibilities.
Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning
Invest in personal development through education, hobbies, or volunteer work. Stay curious and adaptable to new opportunities and challenges. Encourage positive coping strategies for managing stress and setbacks.
Grow your own food
By growing your fruits and veggies, you can ensure a reliable source of fresh, nutritious produce while reducing your grocery bills and carbon footprint. You can plant them in your backyard, or even in containers and place them in your balcony. By doing this you can tackle major global food crisis and avoid consuming the poisonous chemicals and pesticides.
Personal Safety and Self Defence
Learn basic self-defence techniques and situational awareness to enhance your personal safety. Take precautions when traveling alone or in unfamiliar surroundings. Install home security systems and have emergency contact numbers readily available.
Minimilism is key
With so many unforseen situations, it is wise to not accumulate items that you cannot move across immediately. Keep items that you need, this will help reduce expenses and cleaning will be easier too. Don’t buy things that will make you give you anxiety on loosing them.
Stay Informed
Keep up with reliable sources of information about the current news. Knowledge is your first line of defence in any crisis. Your gut instinct will tell you whether you need to store, food supply, medical supplies or if needed move to a new country.
The last point is Your trust on IT, do you think you will be able to withdraw/deposit money when you need?? What if we do not have access to our banks at all? I think sometimes its good to have some cash in your wallet. Sometimes, the good old ways work :)
By addressing these small areas of preparedness in your personal life, you can enhance resilience, minimize risks and navigate unforeseen challenges with confidence and adaptability. Proactive planning and readiness empower you to manage crises effectively and maintain stability in times of uncertainty.
