A Survival Tips and Techniques Blog | UrbanWoodsman.com

I challenge all preppers to load up their bug out bags and go for a run or long hike. Don’t forget to get it on video and upload it on YouTube. Bugging out would be a monumental challenge. Whether you were trying to get to a retreat or fleeing from gangs, traveling light at night would be difficult for those who actually train. Those who don’t train probably wouldn’t be able to carry a full load, while evading or maintaining stealth, not to mention night navigation. If you’re serious about preparedness, do yourself a favor and put your bob (bug out bag) on and go for a run or at least a hike. You’ll be glad you did. It’ll help you get in shape and further refine what you carry in your bob. Please rate and comment.

Plateaus can be most frustrating! There you are, making the correct food choices, moving and exercising, staying positive… and the scale won’t move! Learning why they exist can help you understand the science behind the plateau. In addition, we’ll provide you with information to help you stay on track while weathering the difficulties of a plateau.

What is a Plateau?

A plateau is the body’s natural defense against starvation. In all reality, it is a marvelous protective mechanism and, in time of famine, would help preserve your life. If we can learn to appreciate “what” a plateau is, then we can begin to view it as a benefit to our overall survival and not as such a dreaded enemy.

What Can You Do to Help Get Over a Plateau?

There are both physical and emotional components that are needed to survive a plateau.

Physically, you need to double-check your food intake to make sure you’re not exceeding the calories needed to lose weight. Sometimes, we tend to begin eating a little more and push the calories up enough to maintain our weight rather than continuing to lose. Other times, as Ana calls it, we indulge in BLT’s (bites, licks and tastes). What we consider to be “little” indulgences, can actually add up to more than a 1,000 additional calories.

To be sure you are physically on track, you may find it useful to journal your food intake. Write down EVERYTHING you eat and the associated calories. CalorieKing is a site I have found quite useful; there are others. This site shows the calorie content, the nutritional values and serving sizes of common food items. In addition, the same information is available for many items featured at national restaurants and fast food chains.

If you are exceeding the caloric intake necessary to lose weight, adjust your food plan and reach out for additional support.

If you are physically remaining at a calorie content that will allow weight loss, then try the following activities to jump-start your metabolism.

Activity #1

Days 1 and 2 – Lower your normal caloric intake by 200 calories (example: if your daily caloric intake is 1,400 calories, lower your calorie intake to 1,200).

Day 3 – Increase your normal caloric intake by 200 calories (example: if your daily caloric intake is 1,400 calories, increase your calorie intake to 1,600). By consuming the additional calories, it sends a message to your brain that you are not starving. It signals your body to release the fat it has been holding in reserve.

Day 4 – Return to your normal caloric intake (example: if your daily caloric intake is 1,400 calories, return your calorie intake to 1,400).

Activity #2

Change your exercise routine from day to day. This keeps your muscles in a state of confusion. In this state, your body does not know what to expect and your muscles stand ready to accept the physical challenges you present. This allows your body to achieve the maximum benefit from your exercise.

You see, our bodies have a remarkable way of adapting to changes in our environment and physical activity levels. If you continue to do the same exercise routine, day after day, your body becomes accustomed to it and knows what to expect… it adapts. In doing so, it no longer requires the same amount of energy to perform a task it is becoming accustomed to. While your effort remains constant, your body has adapted and now uses less energy to perform the same function. It really is remarkable and part of the grand design that assures our survival as a species, albeit frustrating when trying to lose weight.

Emotionally, a plateau can present challenges. You begin to doubt yourself and your efforts and start questioning whether you should just give up.

Is this really what you want? Do you want to give up on YOU and the progress you’ve made? Do not allow failure to be an option!

Rather than looking at this in a negative manner, why not reverse your logic? Why not look at where you’ve come from and celebrate your success? Why not celebrate the fact that you are determined and strong and that you are not gaining? Why not reinforce the knowledge that your body will give way to your efforts of healthy eating and exercise once it realizes you are safe and your survival is not threatened?

Attitude is Everything! Here is a story that was recently shared by my friend.

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. ‘Well,’ she said, ‘I think I’ll braid my hair today.’ So she did and she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. ‘H-M-M,’ she said, ‘I think I’ll part my hair down the middle today.’ So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. ‘Well,’ she said, ‘today I’m going to wear my hair in a pony tail.’ So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn’t a single hair on her head. ‘YAY!’ she exclaimed. ‘I don’t have to fix my hair today!’ Attitude is everything.

How Do You Survive a Plateau?

Understand that the science behind a plateau is the first step to surviving these episodes. Let your brain reinforce this knowledge and calm your fears. You are not failing. You will lose the weight. It will take a little more time and require persistence to continue on your plan when the scale does’t move.

Implement one or both of the activities described above to help shorten the length of time you remain at a plateau.

Accept that a plateau is a normal survival response and not anything you are doing wrong.

Persist in the healthy eating and exercise behaviors that will bring you success.

Maintain a positive attitude. Just as the tortoise won the race in his slow and steady pace, know that you WILL win this race as well!

Reach for the support of friends to uphold you during a plateau. They can provide the encouragement and motivation to see you through a plateau and join in celebrating your success!

A Few Final Thoughts…

“A strong mental attitude is built the same way physical strength is gained- by repetition.” – Unknown

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.” – Robert Francis Kennedy

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; un-rewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan ‘press on’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” Calvin Coolidge

“Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” – William Feather

“A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure till he gives up.” – Unknown

Stay true to yourself! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! It is our dream no one has a right to prevent us from reaching it, least of all us.

I have previously discussed the mighty Pohl Force Alpha One (meanwhile further refined as Alpha Two and Three). A great knife, but perhaps too much of a good thing for EDC. Hence knife designer Dietmar Pohl now offers a smaller variant, that’s perfect for EDC: the Bravo One, which comes in 2 versions. In this review we have a closer look at the Bravo One, we compare its features with those of its big brother, and there is even an interview with Mr. Pohl !

If your tired of waiting for the world to change join the discussion every Saturday at 11:00 PM on blogtalkradio at www.blogtalkradio.com Join the discussion and lets do something about saving this country NOW before it’s to late.

Winter camping is one of the many varieties of recreational group activity that you can do outdoors. However, although it might be a very awesome experience, aspiring winter campers should note that such activity can be very dangerous and challenging. Camping in winter pose certain dangers that are far more difficult to handle that those offered by a forest camp. Keep in mind that when you camp out in winter, negligence may yield to a variety of accidents and disasters. That is why winter campers should conduct extra preparations for their trip. Obviously, the most challenging thing about winter camping is staying warm and comfortable. Below are some tips that you ought to consider:

a. Before you set out for camp, check the latest weather forecast. Winter weather can bring sun or storm. Make sure that you are prepared for challenges prompted by the weather. Match your camping gear with the weather predictions.

b. Make sure that you have an alternative plan in case the weather spoils your plans. Be ready to face adverse reality. You must have an alternative camp site and an alternative itinerary.

c. You must have enough food, beverages, and clothing in case you get stuck in a storm. Make sure that your camping gear and supply is enough to last for a week or more out in the cold.

d. Never forget to bring tools for navigation. Navigation in the snow can be very hard. That is why you ought to bring GPS tools that can help you find your way even if the roads and foot trails are all covered in snow.

e. When traveling for a winter camp, it is necessary to use camping boots that are capable of traveling even in the slippery snow. When traveling during the early winter, many campers recommend the use of sturdy leather boots.

f. If you are bound to pass by trails with less snow, you should still use your snow boots. However, if the snow is quite dense, you should opt for an actual snow traveler.

g. Never camp in places that are not frequented by many campers, especially if you are not an expert. Make sure that somebody knows where you are setting your camp. When choosing a camp site, choose places that are highly recognized by the local authorities as an official camping site.

h. Before you set your camp, check the signboards and warning signs. On your way to your camp site, take note of all the signboards and landmarks that you find along the way. This can help you get back on the right track in case you lose your way.

i. Bring things that can entertain you along the way. Although you can bring your electronic play stations, it will be best if you bring books, cards, or board games that you can share with your fellow campers.

j. During winter, keep in mind that sunsets are quite fast so you will have to bring flashlights with you, along with other lighting tools. It will be best if you have an electric emergency light aside from the usual matchsticks and lamps. Bring extra batteries as well.

k. To fight the cold winds, you should be dressed properly. In fact, you should wear layers of clothing. First, wear clothes that transfer moisture away from the skin. Then, wear clothes that provide adequate insulation such as wool or fleece. Lastly, put on something that’s water proof or those clothes that can drift snow.

We are talking here about killing devices to hunt and to protect yourself. When the electricity and all current technologies are gone, people will need to use some primitive techniques to survive.

KILLING DEVICES
There are several killing devices that you can construct to help you obtain small game to help you survive.
The rabbit stick, the spear, the bow and arrow, and the sling are such devices.

RABBIT STICK
One of the simplest and most effective killing devices is a stout stick as long as your arm, from fingertip to shoulder, called a “rabbit stick.” You can throw it either overhand or sidearm and with considerable force. It is best thrown so that it flies sideways, increasing the chance of hitting the target. It is very effective against small game that stops and freezes as a defense.

SPEAR
You can make a spear to kill small game and to fish. Jab with the spear; do not throw it.

BOW AND ARROW
You can construct a suitable short-term bow fairly easily. When it loses its spring or breaks, you can replace it.

1. Select a hardwood stick about 1 meter (3 feet) long that is free of knots or limbs. Carefully scrape the large end down until it has the same pull as the small end. Careful examination will show the natural curve of the stick. Always scrape from the side that faces you, or the bow will break the first time you pull it. Dead, dry wood is preferable to green wood.
2. To increase the pull, lash a second bow to the first, front to front, forming an “X” when viewed from the side. Attach the tips of the bows with cordage and only use a bowstring on one bow.
3. Select arrows from the straightest dry sticks available. The arrows should be about half as long as the bow. Scrape each shaft smooth all around. You will probably have to straighten the shaft.
You can bend an arrow straight by heating the shaft over hot coals. Do not allow the shaft to scorch or burn. Hold the shaft straight until it cools. You can make arrowheads from bone, glass, metal, or pieces of rock. You can also sharpen and fire-harden the end of the shaft. Fire hardening is actually a misnomer. To fire-harden wood, hold it over hot coals or plunge it deep under the coals in the ashes, being careful not to burn or scorch the wood. The purpose of fire hardening is to harden the wood by drying the moisture out of it.
4. You must notch the ends of the arrows for the bowstring.
Cut or file the notch; do not split it. Fletching (adding feathers to the notched end of an arrow) improves the arrow’s flight characteristics. Fletching is recommended but not necessary on a field-expedient arrow.

SLING
You can make a sling by tying two pieces of cordage, each about 60 centimeters (24 inches) long, at opposite ends of a palmsized piece of leather or cloth. Place a rock in the cloth and wrap one cord around your middle finger and hold in your palm. Hold the other cord between your forefinger and thumb. To throw the rock, spin the sling several times in a circle and release the cord between your thumb and forefinger. Practice to gain proficiency.
The sling is very effective weapon to survive against small game.

In order to survive the real world after the 2012 events, it is clear that we need to make sure we have those tools to protect ourselves and to hunt for food. Surely this is quite an adaptation for the majority of us, yet not a luxury nor an option if we want to stand a chance. Pick your equipment well and learn the skills to use them and make new ones when necessary!

TAGS : 2012, how to survive 2012, survival tools, survival equipment

Bieng able to navigate using nature is an extremely useful skill, always be aware of what direction you are travelling and allways tell someone where you are going

shilohtv.com Trail Boss Steve Doran Shows you how to take small game using primitive wilderness skills and a blowgun. For the full article, more free outdoor information, gear contests and videos go to www.shilohtv.com

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