Ever felt like life’s throwing you curveballs left, right, and centre? Burnt toast for breakfast, missed trains, and that one coworker who talks way too loud just during your lunch breaks? We’ve all been there and understand how frustrating and tired life can make you. But, like camping out in the woods, you can still survive these everyday challenges to make life a bit easier. All you need is the right guide. We offer practical survival tips to help you manage the chaos in your daily routine. 

Let’s get to it.

1. Home and Daily Routines

Check out these simple, common tips to start your day on a high note:

  • Mornings can be hectic, but a good breakfast sets the tone. Ditch the pastries and sugar-loaded cereals for simple options like yogurt with fruits, whole-grain toast with peanut butter, or scramble a few eggs with toast. 
  • Prep your breakfast the night before for an instant morning. You can soak rolled oats in milk with berries or nuts or boil a batch of hard-boiled eggs on the weekend and stash them in the fridge for a quick, protein-rich breakfast on the run.
  • Time may be precious but never sacrifice looking sharp. Shower while the coffee brews, brush your teeth while listening to your playlist, and consider a shorter hairdo for less styling time because every minute counts. 
  • Invest in a dry shampoo for greasy hair emergencies, keep a travel-sized moisturiser and sunscreen in your bag for quick refreshes, and embrace the messy bun or ponytail – sometimes, a quick twist is all you need.
  • Donate or toss items you don’t need, and use storage bins to keep things organised. A clutter-free space reduces stress and makes finding things easier. 
  • Make the most of your space by investing in furniture with multipurpose and built-in storage, like ottomans and foldable tables that double as desks. Hooks and shelves on walls also help keep things in order, saving time and keeping your home tidy.

2. Personal Safety

Here’s how to keep your wits sharp and your body safe, no matter where your day takes you:

  • Stay aware of your surroundings: Keep your eyes open and pay attention to what’s happening around you. Avoid distractions like phones when walking to notice anything weird.
  • Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your gut because if a place or person doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t. 
  • Basic Self-Defence Techniques: Learn basic moves like a palm-heel strike or knee to the groin and practise them for confidence if you ever need to defend yourself.
  • Carry personal safety devices: Consider items like a personal alarm or pepper spray which you can buy easily from online shops like The Survival Island store. These are legal in many places and can give you a quick way to deter a potential threat.

3. Health and Wellness

Stress and fatigue can make your life tiresome, especially if you have to wake up early every day for work. Here’s your guide to managing stress and fueling your body:

  • Take a moment to breathe deeply: Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds and exhale through your mouth, repeating a few times. Deep breathing calms your body and helps manage stress.
  • Practice being present in the moment: Focus on your senses—what you see, hear, and feel. It helps shift your mind away from stressors.
  • Snack healthy: Keep your bag stocked with healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or veggie sticks. They’ll boost your energy and keep you from reaching for junk.
  • Restaurant options: Skip the greasy fries and choose grilled chicken or fish with steamed veggies. Ask for dressings on the side and control your portions.

4. Financial Savvy

Let’s take control of your finances with practical tips that turn you into a money management professional:

  • Create a realistic budget: List your monthly income and fixed expenses like rent and utilities and allocate money for necessities first, then discretionary spending. Be realistic and track your actual spending to adjust the budget as needed.
  • Cut unnecessary costs: Look for discounts, use coupons, and buy generic brands. You can also pack your own lunch and skip the fancy lattes by brewing your own coffee at home. Small savings on daily expenses add up over time, helping you stick to your budget.
  • Define short and long-term financial goals: Whether it’s paying off debt or saving for a vacation, having clear goals guides your financial decisions. Break down larger goals into manageable steps to track progress.
  • Build a financial safety net: Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses in your emergency fund.

5. Technology Tips

With these tech tips, you’ll easily navigate the online world, keeping your information safe and your sanity intact:

  • Create strong passwords:  Ditch the “12345” and create unique passwords for each account.
  • Two-Factor Treasure: Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to make it harder for unwanted guests to enter your account.
  • Phishing Foes: Beware of suspicious emails, texts, or links. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t click on fishy links or give out personal information unless you’re sure it’s legit.
  • Productivity Apps for Better Time Management: Explore apps like calendars, to-do lists, and task managers. These tools help organise your day, set priorities, and track progress. Find apps that suit your preferences and integrate them into your routine.
  • Set Digital Boundaries: Set aside times for checking emails and messages to avoid constant interruptions. Turn off non-essential notifications and designate device-free zones during meals or before bedtime.

6. Social Skills

These tips will make you more outgoing and ready to communicate clearly and calmly and resolve any conflict that arises:

  • When someone speaks, focus on what they’re saying: Avoid interrupting and show you’re engaged by nodding or making eye contact. Repeat what you’ve heard to ensure understanding. Active listening strengthens connections
  • Express your thoughts and feelings clearly and respectfully: Don’t be afraid to say no when needed. Stand up for yourself while considering others’ perspectives.
  • Address conflicts calmly: Stay focused on the issue at hand, avoiding personal attacks. Use “I” statements to express feelings without blaming.
  • Foster connections based on trust and mutual respect: Be genuine and supportive. Offer help when needed and celebrate others’ successes.

Conclusion

You don’t have to overload your routine with all these tips at once. Sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest improvements. Whether it’s a quick breathing exercise or a budget tweak, you’ll watch your life get easier and your days more enjoyable. 

Don’t just stop here. Keep learning and adapting because life is dynamic, and so should your approach to handling its challenges. Stay curious, stay open to new ideas, and continue improving your everyday survival skills.

Author

Rethinking The Future (RTF) is a Global Platform for Architecture and Design. RTF through more than 100 countries around the world provides an interactive platform of highest standard acknowledging the projects among creative and influential industry professionals.