How Can You Start Thinking Like a Survivalist With Minimal Prep? Here Are Some Simple Ways

For those just starting on the path to becoming more self-sufficient, the idea of survivalism can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, from what you’ll eat to how you’ll communicate during an emergency. But the truth is, you don’t need to go all-in from the get-go. In fact, some of the most important aspects of being prepared require minimal effort and can be done with just a little thought and planning. So, where do you begin? Here are some low-prep ideas that can help you ease into the survivalist mindset, so you can be ready for anything without feeling like you have to overhaul your entire life.

Your Mindset Can Help You Stay Calm in an Emergency

The first and arguably most important step to becoming a survivalist has nothing to do with gear or supplies. It starts with your mindset. When faced with a crisis, keeping a cool head can be the difference between making smart decisions and getting overwhelmed. It’s vital to stay calm in an emergency, no matter the circumstances. Panic clouds your judgment, and in a survival situation, that’s the last thing you want.

Learning to manage your emotions when things go wrong is a skill you can practice before you’re ever in a real-life crisis. Start by running through mental exercises that challenge your ability to think clearly under pressure. Whether it’s troubleshooting a small household problem or navigating a difficult conversation, these low-stakes moments can help build your capacity for calm when things get tough. The more you practice staying calm in everyday situations, the more second nature it becomes. A survivalist isn’t just someone with the right gear—it’s someone who can make decisions under stress.

Emergency Survival Kits Are a Game Changer for Food Storage

Once you’ve got the right mindset, it’s time to think about the basics, and nothing is more basic than food. Many beginning survivalists wonder how they can prepare for emergencies without needing to overhaul their entire pantry. The answer lies in emergency survival kits. These kits are pre-packaged, long-lasting food supplies designed to keep you fed when regular food options aren’t available. The beauty of these kits is that they require no preparation—just purchase, store, and know you’re ready when a crisis hits.

Survival kits provide a variety of meals that are nutritionally balanced, often requiring only water to prepare. The meals are typically freeze-dried or dehydrated, giving them a long shelf life without taking up much space. Whether it’s a power outage, natural disaster, or other emergency, having a food survival kit on hand can make sure you and your family are covered, at least when it comes to food. And because these kits are specifically designed for survival situations, they’re tailored to the high-calorie needs you might have when faced with a crisis.

How a Basic Water Plan Can Keep You Safe

You can go days without food, but water? That’s another story. In a survival situation, access to clean drinking water becomes a top priority. One of the easiest ways to ensure you’ll have drinkable water in an emergency is to start by storing water in your home. This doesn’t mean you need a complex filtration system—though that could be a future consideration—but for now, start small.

One simple step is to buy bottled water or large jugs and store them in a safe, dry place. Calculate how much water your household needs for at least three days, keeping in mind that each person requires about one gallon of water per day for drinking and sanitation. It’s not a huge effort, but it could make all the difference when the tap stops running.

Another low-prep option is to invest in water purification tablets or portable water filters. These tools allow you to purify natural water sources like streams or rainwater.

Why a Basic Communication Plan Matters

In an emergency, staying informed and communicating with others can be crucial. But not every survivalist needs to jump straight to buying expensive ham radios or satellite phones. A simple communication plan is a great low-prep step that every beginner can implement.

Start by making sure that your cell phone is ready for an emergency. Keep it charged, and invest in a small power bank to keep your devices running if the power goes out. Many portable chargers are compact and inexpensive, making them an easy addition to any survival plan.