Take stock of the positive. It may not seem as if things are going great but they could always be worse. For example, if in in a survival situation you are in good health and not injured, be grateful as even a simple injury in the wilderness can be fatal. If you have some supplies, be grateful for them. If you have company, be happy you are not alone. This practice allows the survivor to cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on the positive rather than the negative. From this base of positive thoughts the survivor can build an optimistic future.
Use existing knowledge. Everyone has some skills or expertise that can be applied to a survival situation. If you have some survival skills, like building a fire, use them. If you have a good sense of direction, use it to navigate. Drawing on existing skills builds confidence, which in turn creates a positive mindset and avoids helpless feelings and thoughts.
Use the experience to learn something. Examine the lessons to be learned from the survival situation. Looking for a lesson or learning experience keeps the mind occupied. It keeps the mind searching for meaning, while the mind is busy doing this it is harder to think of negative thoughts. For example, if the survivor has been neglecting his family, then perhaps the lesson would be to appreciate the family more.
Connect with your spirituality. While not everyone may believe in God, a survival situation is a good time to start thinking of a higher purpose and of divine intervention. If the survivor is a person who believes in a higher power, using the time in the wilderness to strengthen that bond with the creator is advantageous. Prayer will help ease the mind and strengthen fortitude. Meditation will not only help calm the mind, but it will slow down metabolism, saving precious energy. This is an opportunity for growth, use it.
Maximize the use of the environment. Each wilderness situation is different: different geography and terrain. If it is winter, use the snow to the build a shelter. Melt or eat snow to stay hydrated. Ensure that feet stay dry and warm. If feet are left in wet shoes or socks for long they develop fungus, infection and even rot. If possible, take socks and shoes off daily and dry them. Travel at night, dusk and dawn if the climate is hot. Traveling during a hot mid day sun can cause exhaustion.
Believe and have faith in a positive outcome. This might be the most important thing to remember. Simply believing that things will work out for the best. Imagine seeing loved ones again, enjoying a good meal, hot shower and warm bed. These positive memories will help keep the drive to survive alive.
