If you like hiking, then this article is for you. From it you will learn 11 psychological lessons of survival in nature.
You're not a superhero. You are a human being. And man is a social being. On a hike, the most important thing is a friend's shoulder. In nature, without Urban's "bulletproof vest", everyone understands how vulnerable he is. And this is what helps to establish really strong spiritual ties. Even if you, like Christopher Johnson McCandless, decided to test yourself and went into the forest alone, remember that no one will help you if trouble happens.
Being in nature, remember: you are not at home, you are visiting. Any of your actions in one way or another causes damage to the environment. But all you can do is minimize it. First of all, learn how to handle fire. Do not build fires near trees, shrubs, in areas with dry grass. Before you build a fire pit, remove the top layer of turf, and after burning through the firewood, carefully put it in place.
You have to take care of yourself. Always. Under any circumstances. Tired? Hungry? Are you wet? I don't care! If you put up a tent, then do it conscientiously – otherwise even a light breeze will blow it away. If you are a tourist-waterman, always carefully check whether the catamaran is well tied – otherwise you will go further on foot. And don't expect someone to do this job for you - your comrades have their own camping duties.
In the forest and in the mountains, no one has made showers for you and has not installed toilets. You will not be able to wash properly for several days or even weeks. Toilet paper may run out. There will not always be hot water. Most likely, you (and all your friends) will smell bad. And that's fine. Everyone "stinks" sometimes. But if this is unacceptable for you, then the camping life is too much for you.
If you get caught in the rain and get soaked to the skin, just accept this fact. It's already happened, nothing can be done. Moreover, accept the fact that you may not be able to dry things for a long time. Just take such cases for granted. And always remember: sooner or later you will dry out. And "facts" can always be outwitted – always pack clothes and other things in cellophane bags.
Heavy backpack = severe physical and emotional fatigue. Do not take extra things with you. After all, a hike is not forever. Of course, everyone loves comfort, but take care only of the most necessary. If you want the trip to give you pleasure, go light on the road.
Hiking is not only a test of strength, it is also an adventure. Therefore, use every opportunity to play. Drop the backpack and dive into the river that suddenly opened behind the hill. Play hide and seek. Overeat with blackberries. Positive emotions are necessary to continue the difficult path. BUT! Don't forget about security for a minute. For example, swim in the river only if you are familiar with it and you are sure that the water is clean, there are no dangerous funnels and too strong currents. In other words, play if you are sure that it will not harm you and your comrades.
Everything is relative. At home, you will never eat poorly cooked food, and after a 12-hour walk, half-cooked rice will seem like a delicacy to you. Be grateful for what you have in the campaign, and also do not forget to say "Thank you" to your comrades who share it with you.
To survive in the wild, you have to be able to do a lot. You have to be a bit of a carpenter, a bit of a cook, a bit of a doctor and a bit of a psychologist. It is especially important to be able to provide first aid: stop the blood, apply a splint, do artificial respiration. Including, without special devices and medicines.
Your mind and body can do more than you think. If it seems to you that your strength is at the limit, then remember – it seems to you. Always, even when you are sick and deathly tired, look for the strength to continue the journey.
During the hike you will be scared more than once. While crossing the river, climbing a shaky cliff, just at night in the forest. It is ok. Fear is a natural reaction of the body to extreme conditions. Being brave does not mean not experiencing fear, it means being able to overcome it.
What advice can you give to people going camping?
