How to survive in desert

Do you have what it takes to survive in the desert in the event of an accident or emergency? If you're thinking of traveling anywhere among the vast arid stretches of our world, you may want to consider studying up on some desert survival skills before you go. But you don't have to be a full-blown survival expert to stay alive in the desert, as long as you can keep some important tips in mind.

While much of the survival mindset is the same no matter where you find yourself, survival in the desert is a delicate balance between staying out of the heat of the day and staying warm during the cold nights, between conserving the water you have and drinking enough of it to stay alive, and between stifling your feelings of hunger and seeking out any source of food which will you keep you alive.

Here are 8 simple tips for surviving in the desert:

1. Keep a lid on it

It's been said that the biggest dangers in desert survival are exposure (to the sun during the day, and to the cold during the night) and dehydration, and neither of these is to be taken lightly. One of the best defenses against the sun is getting out of it, and barring that, to always having a big hat or other covering for your head with you. If the top of your head is exposed to the direct sun, or even indirect sun for long periods, your body needs to work hard to keep itself cool, so the first rule in desert travel is covering up. If you're caught without a hat, use another article of clothing to wrap your head in, or if your skills are up to it, fashion a 'hat' out of appropriate materials at hand.

2. Get under cover

This goes hand in hand with the first tactic, covering your head, except this applies to the rest of your body as well. Finding shade or constructing a shade shelter is one of the first priorities for desert survival, as keeping out of the direct sun and not exerting yourself in the heat of the day will help to conserve water. The immediate need will be for some temporary shade, and then when the sun starts to go down, you can construct a better shelter. Depending on your location, there may be shade cast from small shrubs or cactus, or you may need to seek a place which will shelter you from the sun for even a small part of the day - such as in a ravine or on the north side of a rock outcropping. The general idea is to stay out of the dehydrating rays of the sun during the day, and to travel or forage during the cooler hours of the morning or evening.

3. Don't drink the water

Actually, do drink the water, if you have it. Just don't guzzle it all at the first sign of thirst. A better tactic is to ration it for yourself, taking smaller sips throughout the day. Assess your dehydration by the color of your urine – if it's light-colored, you're probably OK, but if it it's dark, you need to drink some water. If you do come across water in the desert, use extreme caution before you start gulping it down – it may not be potable, and if it's contaminated, you'll squander what meager water your body has stored the first time you vomit or have diarrhea.

4. Stay hungry

The more you eat, the thirstier you'll get, so if you have food with you, take care to only nibble enough to keep the hunger pains away and your energy up. If you don't have water with you, you'll do much better to simply not eat for now. Your body can survive much longer without food than it can without water, and the last thing you want to do is increase your thirst.

5. Keep your cool

Panic is one of the most dangerous parts of any survival situation, so if you're able to calmly assess your predicament and work out your next steps, you'll be able to head off a wild rush to get out of wherever you are (and possibly into a much worse situation). Unless you know exactly where you are, you're probably much better off staying put until you can either be rescued, or you have a better idea which direction to head (and have assembled some protective sun gear to shade you during travel).

6. Make your mark

If you have decided to make a move toward getting back to civilization, be sure to mark your original location and direction of travel, using rocks, sticks, scratching it into the ground, etc., and if you have the means, leave a message for anyone who might stumble across it. Before moving, take a sighting on a distant object in the direction you're traveling, and use that landmark to keep you on track. Leave small rock cairns or arrows on the ground at intervals, either for yourself to backtrack to, or for anyone who may come across your tracks and could find you that way.

7. Keep your mouth shut

When moving about to find shelter or water, keep your energy expenditures as low as possible, to conserve both what little moisture is in your body and what little food you may have eaten. Move slowly, try not to break a sweat, and keep your mouth closed to slow the rate of dehydration from your breathing. Covering your mouth with a bandanna or a piece of clothing will also help to slow the water loss.

8. Hunker down

Because daytime temperatures in the desert might fry you, by the time sunset rolls around, it's a huge relief. But then comes the reality of nighttime in the desert. In many desert locations, once the heat of the day dissipates, the temperature starts to drop, and drop, and drop, until you're now freezing. Shelter and warmth will go a long way toward keeping your energy and spirits up in the desert wilderness, so finding a cozy spot to hunker down before it gets cold is almost as important as finding a shady spot during the day.

Got any other helpful desert survival tips? Leave us a comment!

How to survive you marriage

 How to survive the nine (very tricky) stages of marriage.

Every bride walks down the aisle hoping love will make her marriage last for ever. But ask women a few years later if they’d marry the same man again, and almost six out of ten say no, according to a new book. 

So what happens between the ‘I do’s’ and the ‘I wish I hadn’ts?’ Best-selling relationship author Susan Shapiro Barash interviewed more than 200 women aged between 21 and 85 for her new guide The Nine Phases Of Marriage: How To Make It, Break It, Keep It. 

She says women who marry and have children go through nine distinct stages. By showing women how to identify which phase they’re in, Susan says it’s possible to help them make their relationships stronger.

Stage 1: Hopeful Bride

This is the most idealised phase of a couple’s life together when you’re still enjoying the three key ingredients of a happy marriage: passion, intimacy and commitment.
Although you may have weathered a few storms already, you faced them together. At this stage you believe your man is your rock, and that romance will last for ever. 
Susan says: ‘Wives in this phase aspire to keep the passion alive. Some spoke of how determined they were to get their marriages right because their parents were divorced.’
Prescription: Passion and intimacy are easy to come by at this stage, but you also need to develop friendship to sustain your marriage.

Stage 2: Perfect Wife

Before the wedding, there was an understanding that after you tied the knot, you and your husband would share the household chores.
But two or three years in, you are starting to feel like social director, housekeeper and errand runner, all rolled into one.
Susan says problems start to arise in Phase Two because many men feel they’ve already shown enough commitment by walking down the aisle.
In an age when more wives than ever go out to work, women are often left feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated.
Susan says: ‘Many women never expected their husbands to have the habits they do.’
Prescription: When bad habits surface — whether it’s dirty socks under the kitchen table or overflowing rubbish bins — it can be a shock. But remember no marriage is ideal. Work out what you can tolerate and what you can’t. 

Stage 3: Child-centricity
Once baby comes along, a woman’s attitude tends to change. Some women lose interest in their husband because he has served his procreative purpose. Others train their men to become hands-on fathers. 
Many women lose sight of who they are, and say adult conversation and intimacy can dry up, which creates distance between a couple.
Prescription: Never lose yourself in the role of mother: take care of your relationship, as well as your children. If you’re both happy to have a child-centric marriage, talk to your husband about how you want to raise your family.

Stage 4: One bed, two dreams

In this phase — usually nine or ten years into a marriage — many wives report that a few days apart from their partner feels like a welcome break.
Susan’s research found that even if wives are determined to stay married, resentments are starting to build. Common flashpoints include money and how to bring up children.
Prescription: Lower the bar. You will be less disappointed if you roll with the changes that marriage brings, and manage your expectations.

Stage 5: Distance

About 15 years into marriage, as children become more independent, many wives think about going back to work. 
This phase can provide fertile ground for an affair. Susan says: ‘Sixty per cent of wives will have a physical affair or an “affair of the mind” at some point in their marriage. 
‘Affairs of the mind occur mostly in the workplace, where colleagues become confidantes, develop crushes on each other and trade secrets.
'Women said an affair is a way to reconsider their role as wives. The lover satisfies what the husband doesn’t. Almost always, the lover is the opposite of the husband.’
Prescription: Wives who miss the closeness they once had must make a concerted effort to improve things by spending time with their husband.

Stage 6: Midlife Divorce

For mid-life wives 20 or so years into their relationship, affairs that started in Phase Five can become marriage-breakers in Phase Six.
Many women start to wonder at this stage what they’re getting from their marriage. They’re earning money and the children are no longer as dependent, so they may feel more confident about divorcing. 
Women may be increasingly curious about the lives of their single friends, wondering if the grass is greener. Susan says this is the final act for some marriages.
‘The wife who becomes a malcontent in midlife often opts for a divorce and feels justified.’
Prescription: See a therapist on your own before you embark on marriage counselling. If you’re contemplating divorce, try a trial separation first.

Stage 7: Renegotiation

At this stage — between 15 and 30 years into your marriage — you may be re-evaluating and deciding it’s better to be married after all.
Your divorced and widowed friends aren’t as happy or carefree as they said they were, and you hear that the available men out there are no great shakes, and often reliant on Viagra.
Susan says: ‘The adage: “Can’t live with him, can’t live without him” applies to these women, and the comfort zone of marriage outweighs the option of leaving the relationship.’
Prescription: Ask yourself if your single best friend is influencing you when she raves about her love life. A new plan could help reinvigorate your relationship with your husband. 

Stage 8: Balance

By now, 30 or 40 years into a marriage, it’s too late for manipulation or powerplay. You’ve come to recognise your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as your husband’s. At this stage, the arrival of grandchildren can change the balance.
Susan says: ‘What is comforting about having reached this point is that any false premises — such as your fantasy of how to be a wife — have been replaced by authenticity.’
Prescription: Be gracious and generous in support of your husband as you adjust to the changes in your lives, like grandparenting. Concentrate on being best friends, and search for common ground.

Stage 9: Compassionate Love

As you start to approach your silver or golden anniversary, wives have learnt how important it is not to be disparaging of their husbands. They’ve also learnt forgiveness.
Money worries may still be an issue, however. According to her research, Susan says women are more likely to believe they should act as the bank of mum and dad.
For an older husband who looked forward to a time when the mortgage was paid off and he could enjoy his retirement nest egg, that can be frustrating.
‘The veteran wife stands tall in Phase Nine,’ Susan says. ‘She has been astute at adapting her behaviours and attitudes while honouring the basic premise of marriage and commitment.’
Prescription: Be each other’s safety net. Don’t dredge up the past, and do let go of grudges. Acknowledge that being able to pursue your own lives need not be a wedge in the marriage.
The Nine Phases of Marriage — How to Make It, Break It, Keep It by Susan Shapiro Barash is available on amazon.co.uk, price £9.36.

How to Survive 5 Types of Toxic Bosses

Almost everybody has at least one horror story about a terrible boss. I have five such stories, from five different bosses. These are the skills it took to survive them all.

1. The incompetent.

Following the acquisition of a previous company I worked for, a new vice president was named to takeover our high-functioning public affairs group that included government relations, community affairs, external and internal communications as well as corporate social responsibility.
While I was initially optimistic, within a few weeks my positivity faded as she gerrymandered the team's roles and responsibilities into a confusing, unworkable mess, with no face-to-face input or direct briefings from her down line. Within nine months of her taking over, more than 60 percent of the team had turned over voluntarily.
I didn't know the depth of her incompetence until a month or so later, when she commented in a meeting of senior leaders, "Why don't we just cut the price of our product in half to gain share?"
That single statement demonstrated that she didn't know our business or flag-ship product. She never took the time to familiarize herself with its razor-thin margins, its cost of goods or its manufacturing process. She lasted another year before she was fired.
Survival Tactic: When working with an incompetent boss, you need to augment and showcase your own level of competency. Know your business, your customers, your products, your numbers -- everything, inside and out. Become the go-to-person within your group that the organization can rely on, because they can't rely on your boss.
Related: How Successful People Overcome Toxic Bosses

2. The bully.

I've written about this particular CEO before, when he summarily fired the best boss I ever worked for, who was beloved by union members and management alike. The bullying CEO asked me my opinion of the surprise firing and I told him it was a grave misstep that would unsettle the organization.
His nodding response was, "Good, I like to inject fear into organizations." This guy embodied the corporate bully. His tenure was a little bit more than a year before declines in customer service forced his ouster from the top job.
Survival Tactic: Whether in an elementary school classroom or a corporate boardroom, it's never easy facing a bully. But the key to surviving bullies in business is boldness. Others will notice you're not afraid of the bully and they may help you anonymously.
When organizational change occurs, and it will because bullying is an unsustainable management style, you'll be remembered and rewarded for your grit.

3. The phony.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, it seemed you couldn't go a week or two without reading a news story about a top executive or CEO who padded their resume or claimed to have an advanced degree that they really didn't.
I worked for one of those guys.
Even though his career deception was embarrassing when it came out, he kept his job.
However, one of the unintended consequences of the board of directors' mishandling of that decision was a seemingly unspoken approval for cutting corners, "minor" deceptions to boost numbers and questionable decisions that hurt customers and, ultimately, the business.
He lasted several years in that role and exited the company with a golden parachute, but never shook the stigma of deception.
Survival Tactic: The key when working or dealing with a phony is truth and integrity. Deception is not a sustainable practice in work or life. The truth will set you free.
Related: 7 Signs a Great Employee Might Be a Bad Boss

4. The deal maker.

After the first company I worked for was acquired, the operationally-minded CEO of the acquiring parent organization asserted that it had every intention of keeping the enterprise together and growing it into an industry powerhouse.
That vision didn't last three quarters and an outsider with a reputation as a "deal-maker" was brought in as CEO. I had dual-reporting responsibility to him and the president of the company's largest and most-profitable business unit.
Within the span of three quarters, the deal-maker CEO had parsed the company into three divisions and announced divestitures of several strategic assets and business units. It was a fire sale.
Survival Tactic: I was given the option of staying with the parent company---which ultimately declared bankruptcy despite all its divestitures---or sticking with the business unit that had a high-functioning leadership team that I knew and trusted.
I choose my friends and colleagues over corporate, and would make the same decision today.
The key to surviving the deal-maker who views employees as an asset class or a row of ciphers to be excised, is the quality of relationships you have with co-workers and peers.

5. The ghost.

This boss was an individual whom I personally liked and respected. I got along famously with this executive vice president the first three weeks he was on the job. Our offices where right next to each other.
Then he disappeared for 18 months.
He was constantly "traveling." He never replied to emails from anyone. He never participated in conference calls or webinars. He never attended meetings -- I had to serve as his surrogate.
No one ever knew where he was, including the CEO who ultimately tapped me to handle the ghost's responsibilities after nearly 16 months.
Then almost 18 months to the day, the EVP showed up at my office and took me to lunch to tell me he was leaving the company and I was to assume his responsibilities, as if he had orchestrated my promotion from afar.
Survival Tactic: When your boss is MIA, you have to step-up and be the face for the group. It will stretch you but a key trait of a leader is being self directed, knowing what needs to be done and then getting it done.
While there are many types of bad bosses, there are also many types of tactics to not only survive but thrive under them.

How to survive an avalanche

How to survive an avalanche: Expert tips on what to do if the worst happens on ski slope

• Experts have revealed their advice to improve a skier's chances of survival
• Skiers should use a 'swimming' technique if they are hit by a slide
• Essential equipment includes a locator beacon and an avalanche airbag 

 

An avalanche that left three skiers dead in the French ski resort of Les Deux Alpes on Wednesday has served as a tragic reminder of the risks of off-piste skiing and the need to be prepared when disaster strikes.

While avalanches may be difficult to predict and can happen quickly, experts have revealed their top tips for skiers to improve their chances of avoiding or surviving one.

They include everything from carrying essential gear, including a locator beacon, at all times and 'swimming' or rolling while you're carried down the mountain.

What is the avalanche danger rating?

The Association of British Travel Agents (Abta) said skiers should regularly check avalanche danger ratings and weather conditions online or with their resort before they head out and while they are on the mountain.

There are some smartphone apps that display updated information.

An Abta spokesperson said: ‘Tens of thousands of British holidaymakers will be heading to the slopes in the next few months and yesterday’s tragic incident highlights the need to be aware of avalanche safety.

‘Abta urges skiers and snowboarders to ensure that it is consulted regularly as it can change from day to day.

‘Heavy snowfalls can create an unstable snow base and an environment for an avalanche. Following recent snowfalls, many European resorts are now displaying avalanche warnings.’

Avoid off-piste skiing or closed runs

Wednesday's avalanche hit a piste at Les Deux Alpes resort which has been closed to the public all season, killing two French students who were part of a school group from Lyon, and a Ukrainian man.

Abta’s spokesperson said: ‘Skiers should be aware of the dangers of leaving the controlled area of the mountain and those who plan to go off-piste should exercise extreme caution using an experienced guide.’

What to watch out for

When they're on the mountain, skiers should try to spot signs of previous avalanche activity and cracking or collapsing.

They should also listen for hollow noises when they are moving across the surface.

That’s a sign that the snow pack may be fracturing and is not solid enough to support a skier, said former SAS member and TV presenter Phil Campion in an interview with Adventure Travel Magazine.

Significant snowfall, rain or rising temperatures can all make the snow pack unstable, said the American Avalanche Association.

Stay on top

If an avalanche occurs, a skier is in a struggle for their life. They can be buried or thrown into trees or rocks.

Experts said skiers should begin to ski sideways when an avalanche begins and do everything they can to remain on the surface of the slide.

That includes shedding their poles and using a ‘swimming’ technique in the direction of the slide or rolling like a log if they are knocked off their feet.

They can also try to grab onto a tree, although that can be impossible as the snow moves at a high speed.

In a situation where a skier is buried, they should immediately try to make some air space around their nose and mouth before the snow hardens around them and move their body to create some more space.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland said people should keep one hand in front of their face to try to clear and maintain an air space, try to maintain space for chest expansion by taking and holding a deep breath, and try to remain calm and conserve energy.

The odds of survival are just 30 per cent for those who are completely buried, said the American Avalanche Association. 

Carry the proper gear

Skiers should carry equipment such as an avalanche transceiver or beacon, a shovel, probes and an airbag.

With the best-rated ones selling for about £200 in shops, a transceiver or beacon transmits the location of a person who has been buried in snow.

Today, some jackets or clothing contain technology that can help rescuers to locate a buried skier.

Collapsible probes look like tent poles and can be used to penetrate the snow to accurately find a trapped skier who has been located via a beacon.

Avalanche airbags are costly – selling for more than £500 – and inflate with the pull of a cord. They are designed to make the wearer larger so that they rise to the surface as snow slides down a mountain, although they do not guarantee survival.

WHAT IS AN AVALANCHE? 

An avalanche occurs when a layer of snow slides on top of another (surface avalanche) or when the whole snow cover slides on the ground (full-depth avalanche).

Steeper slopes carry a greater risk of a snowslide.

A snowslide may be dry or wet, and it may be of loose snow (when it starts at a single point) or a slab avalanche, which occurs when an area of more cohesive snow separates from the surrounding snow and slides out.

Asphyxiation is the most common cause of death in an avalanche, claiming about 90 per cent of victims.

Almost 90 per cent of victims die in slides triggered by themselves or a member of their group, and a buried victim has only a 27 per cent chance of survival after 35 minutes.

Sources: The Mountaineering Council of Scotland and American Avalanche Association.

How to survive a bus crash

 Catching buses in third world countries can be daunting. In fact, catching any form of transport can be a scary notion. Road rules are barely followed or completely non-existent. The drivers are all in a race with each other. Keeping a safe distance between vehicles is a foreign concept.
Many people fear the worst when trying to get around from place to place. And with good reason. The crash rate is so high that the mere mention of the word “accident” doesn’t even raise an eyebrow. But never fear! We are here to tell you that it doesn’t have to mean doom and gloom! We will let you know the correct ways to make it through a worst-case scenario. Here is the NOMADasaurus guide on how to survive a head-on bus crash in Myanmar!

Step 1 – Freeze

Myanmar – Where Buses Collide!

You may or may not see it coming. I did. I was looking straight out the front windscreen. I saw the other bus drift onto our side of the road. I even thought to myself, “Hmm, that bus is going to get pretty close to us.” Then there was the horn. The sound of tyres screeching. Then the opposing bus trying to push it’s way to the inside of our bus. I froze. I didn’t even have time to tell Lesh to brace herself. In fact, I barely even braced myself! It happened so fast yet so slow, like the space-time continuum was in a state of confusion. Before I knew it we had come to a very abrupt halt and it was only through a stroke of luck that we didn’t knock our teeth out. So step one, freeze!

 Step 2 – Panic…But Calmly

Once the two buses have become one, check that everyone around you is ok. That is common sense. Do a mental run through of your own body. Nothing hurting? No signs of bleeding? I didn’t lose all my teeth and now look like an inbred redneck from the Deep South? All good. Awesome. Now calmly panic. Get the hell out of the bus! I was about to kick our window out when at the last second I realised it could just slide open, so that’s what I did. I looked at Lesh, and trying to maintain a sense of tranquility, I said, “climb out of the fucking window!” She listened and clambered down the side of the bus onto the ground with me following, post-haste. No way were we going to be sitting on that bus like stunned mullets if it decided to spontaneously combust!

Step 3 – Grope People As You Try To Carry Them From The Wreckage

Now that you have looked after number one (yourself) and number two (your girlfriend, but tell her that she’s number one), start helping others off the bus. Everyone will be starting to trip and fall out the windows. It’s a long way to fall to the ground, and chances are they will cause more injury to themselves tumbling from the wreckage than what they did during the bus crash. So reach up and lend a hand. Young, skinny, nimble humans will probably be ok to help themselves, so you’ll have to provide assistance to the overweight, uncoordinated people. As you try to take a good hold of the person, they will decide to simply flop into your arms. This will probably force you to just grab a hold of any body part that comes into contact with your hands. Usually genitals and breasts. Enjoy this opportunity to form a special bond with those you are assisting. But avoid eye contact. Eye contact makes the whole thing awkward.

Step 4 – Take Photos

At this point you have ideally come to the realisation that everyone is more or less all right and the buses aren’t going to explode. So take photos. Everyone else is, so why shouldn’t you? We live in a day and age where if something can’t be proven on YouTube or Facebook, it probably never occurred. Get proof that it happened, or your friends will never believe you.

Step 5 – Stock Up On Karma Points And Provide First Aid

Take a look around. You are the only foreigners within earshot. As you are such a tightass you paid for the cheapest tickets on the dodgiest mode of transport with the company that has the shadiest safety record. Because of this, you get to share this experience with only locals. They are probably blaming you. Maybe they are right. Was it your fault? Who knows? Maybe you’ve done some bad shit in the past and now Mama Karma is coming back to bite you on the ass. But to dispel any ill feelings, grab your backpack, fetch your paramedic-worthy first aid kit and start impressing everyone with your basic first aid skills! Find the guy who is bleeding the most, point at the green cross on your bulging kit, and mime bandaging him up. He’s perplexed. So perplexed from your ludicrous hand signals, that he just submits and lets you do whatever you want. Put your gloves on, because that makes you look professional. Now start bandaging. Take a moment to look around and absorb the hundreds of eyes focused on you. Talk about pressure! You better not fuck this up, or you will be lynched! You don’t speak the native tongue, and no one there speaks yours, so you have to rely on smiling, nodding in assurance and using your improvised skills to get yourself through this. Soon enough, you have patched him up to a standard that your ’emergency first responder’ course instructor would deem satisfactory, and you have stocked up on some bonus positive karma points. Hoorah!

The look of disdain from the man in red says it all. This is your fault.

 Step 6 – Hitchhike Your Ass Out Of There…On Another Bus!

Well it’s pretty obvious by now that your original mode of transport is going to be sitting there on the road for quite a while. It’s getting late, and you don’t really want to spend the night on the side of the road in an isolated Burmese village with no power (which means no cold beer). Because you are lazy and never bothered to learn the language of this country before you arrived, you don’t know how to ask for a ride. But lucky for you, the universal sign for “I’m broke, give me a ride!” is still recognised in this part of the world. So stick that thumb out! And even though you do a pretty decent job of butchering the name of the city you want to go to, people generally understand your poor pronunciation of “Yangon” and can nod if they are heading that far. Of course they’re not, and the only vehicle that is going as far as your final destination is, you guessed it, ANOTHER BUS! So after all you have experienced up until this point, do you take the chance and jump on the death vessel? You bet your ass you do! I mean, what are the odds that you will be involved in two head-on collisions between two buses in one day. Zero!
Right??

How to survive a breakup

Coming to terms with reality

Breaking up sucks.  Make no bones about it.  Surviving a breakup is painful.  And that pain is going to last longer than you think it should.  Even when you think you’re over it you may stumble across something that reminds you of your ex which unleashes a flood of pain and emotion.
So when you’re surviving a breakup just be aware that this is a process.  Be patient and don’t beat yourself up for not being over it when you think you “should” be.  It’s going to take time until you are back to where you were mentally and emotionally.  Be easy on yourself and don’t expect to move on overnight.

Don’t bottle everything in

As guys we have a tendency to try and survive a breakup – or any other painful event – solo.  We won’t talk about it and will just try and keep ourselves busy (maybe picking up extra hours at work) to avoid even thinking about it.
But without acknowledging and processing the emotional pain of a breakup that pain won’t go anywhere.  It will be buried somewhere inside and lash out at unexpected times.  If you don’t deal with how you feel about the situation now, you may very well bring that emotional baggage into other areas of your life – including your next relationship.
So take the time and talk your situation out.  It can be with a therapist, a close friend, a men’s group – anyone you trust.  If that sounds like too much then at the very least keep up a journal.  Write down the thoughts and feelings you have about the breakup as well as anything else that pops up during your day.  Get those thoughts and feelings out of your head and onto paper and they won’t cause so much anguish down the road.

Cut ties

An important step in surviving a breakup is cutting ties with the woman you were dating.  Avoid making contact to “check in”.  Block her temporarily on Facebook and any other social media so you’re not bombarded with pictures of what she’s doing.  Put that shirt she bought you (or anything else in your living space that reminds you of her) away where you won’t see it.
Getting rid of these “reminders” is going to help you avoid unnecessary pain throughout the day.  And it will give you the chance to refocus and rebuild your life without her.

Take a break from women

A recent article I say said one of the best things to do after a breakup is go out and try to get laid immediately – for the confidence boost.  As someone who is just getting out of a year and a half relationship I’ll be the first to tell you this might be the worst possible thing you can do.
When you’re getting over a breakup the last thing you want to do is run around trying to get validation and “confidence boosts” from women.  It’s just going to cultivate a mindset where you are dependent on attention and affection from women to feel good about yourself.  Plus, if you don’t get those things (which is likely, because women can sense when a guy is just seeking validation and it’s a huge turn-off), you’re going to feel even worse about your situation.
Instead of trying to “fill that hole” that’s left from the previous relationship by chasing women, give that wound time to heal on its own.  Take time for yourself and focus on building a life you enjoy regardless of whether or not women are in it.  Then when that wound does heal, you’ll be able to enter the dating scene a new man.  You won’t be trying to “fill a need” or get validation, you’ll be out there enjoying your life and sharing that enjoyment with other women.  And that is going to make you way more attractive, and draw in the high-quality women you ultimately want.

Pick up a hobby

If you’re getting out of a relationship you’re going to have a lot of extra free time you didn’t have before.  And it may be very tempting to use that free time wallowing in your room feeling sad.  Of course, that’s likely just going to make things worse.
What you want to do is refocus your energy and fill your time with something that makes you feel good about yourself and your life. And a great way to do this is to pick up a hobby.  Learn a new language.  Dust off that guitar you haven’t touched in years.  Sign up for Tae Kwon Do.   There’s no doubt some activity that’s been in the back of your mind that you’d love to do.  Now is the time to do it.  It’s going to help you feel better about your life and as you see your skills improve your confidence is going to grow, too.

Stay active

Depression is a very real possibility for anyone surviving a breakup.  And one of the best ways to avoid depression and build a positive outlook is to stay active an exercise.
Not only does exercise release endorphin that will get you feeling good, but getting yourself in shape is going to give you a nice boost in confidence as well.   So look to build a consistent exercise regimen you can stick to everyday (it doesn’t have to be too rigorous, it’s more important that you’re consistent).  And give yourself a chance to cultivate a more positive mood and mindset (along with a stronger body).

How to Survive a Plane Crash

How to Survive a Plane Crash: What to Do Before, During, and After

How to Choose the Safest Seats, What to Wear on the Plane, and More

The safest seats on an aircraft are in the rear third of the plane.

The chances of being involved in an airplane accident are extremely low when compared to other forms of travel.  Even if you are involved in one, your chances of survival are very high – 96% of air accident victims survive.  Once an airplane accident occurs, though, whether you live or die may seem beyond your control in ways that, say, a car accident might not.
While some air accidents are not survivable, the vast majority of plane crashes can be survived by arming yourself with a little information. The actions you take before, during, and after a plane crash could make the difference between life and death. In fact, experts say that up to 1/3 of all past air accident deaths could have been prevented if the passengers had known what to do ahead of time and had taken the proper steps during the emergency.

Facts about airplane crashes:

• The chances of any single flight being involved in an accident is 1 in 1.2 million
• The chances of dying in an airplane accident are 1 in 8,015 (over an entire lifetime)
• The chances of dying in a car accident are 1 in 112 (over an entire lifetime)
• 96% of all airplane crash victims survive
• Modern aircraft are designed to be evacuated of all passengers within 90 seconds
• 89% of passengers don't read the safety cards in the seat-back pockets
• 50% of passengers don't watch the pre-flight safety presentation
• 80% of plane crashes occur during takeoff and landing
• Most air travel injuries occur as a result of turbulence when passengers are moving about the cabin

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How to Survive a Plane Crash: Before and During the Flight

Choose Your Seat Carefully

Let’s be clear: the number one factor in whether or not you survive a plane crash is the nature of the accident itself.  For example, if you’re sitting in the rear of the plane and the impact occurs primarily in the rear, then you’re going to have a lower chance of survival than passengers in the middle and front of the plane.  That being said, recent studies suggest that certain seats are safer than others.
Officially, the FAA states that no seat on an airplane is safer than any other.  Aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing echo this sentiment, saying that one seat is as safe as another if the passenger is using a seat belt.  Study results support this idea to a certain extent, with the survival patterns of several crashes being completely random with regard to seat location.  However, evidence exists that is both ample and strong enough to answer the following questions:
Where’s the safest place to sit on an airplane?  According to recent studies, the safest place to sit is in the rear third of the plane, with the last row deemed the very safest because it’s closest to the rear exit.

• The 5 Row Rule: Your chances of surviving a plane crash are much greater if your seat is within five rows of an exit.  The reason for this is simple: plane crash survivors travel an average of five rows to reach an exit after a crash.  Those traveling farther than five rows to an exit had a significantly higher fatality rate.

Which seats on a plane are the least safe?  Seats in the middle third of the cabin tend to have a lower survival rate than other seats, as do seats in the front third of the plane, especially the first four rows (usually first class).
Are aisle seats safer than window seats?  A 2008 study by the University of Greenwich found that survival in aisle seats was higher than other seats, but noted that “being seated on the aisle provides only a marginally higher chance of survival than not sitting on the aisle”.  In contrast, a 2015 study by Time magazine of air crashes since 1985 suggests that aisle seats are the least safe throughout the plane, with aisle seats in the middle third of the cabin having the worst fatality rate.  According to the Time study, middle seats in the rear third of the plane are the safest overall.

Dress Appropriately

The clothing you wear on the airplane could help make the difference between life and death in the event of a crash. Wear a long-sleeve shirt (shirts without buttons are best) and long pants. Wear flame-resistant clothing if possible (most western and work clothing retailers carry this, from Carhartt and other brands).
Avoid polyester, nylon, and acrylic as these materials melt at low temperatures and will stick to and burn your skin. Cotton is preferred, as it is less flammable. Wool is better when flying over water as it won’t lose its insulating properties as quickly when wet, but be aware that it will become much heavier in the water. Do not wear shorts, dresses, skirts, or loose fitting, flowing clothing.
Wear sturdy, comfortable, lace-up shoes with good soles and traction. Do not wear sandals, high heels, or slip-on shoes. Your escape from a burning plane could depend on it.

Pay Attention to the Safety Presentation and Seat-Back Card

Fifty percent of airline passengers report not paying attention during the pre-flight safety presentation, and eighty-nine percent don’t read the safety information cards in the seat-back pockets in front of them.
Every aircraft has different safety features and procedures, so it’s a mistake to assume you are already familiar with the pertinent safety information. Even experienced flyers should pay attention to the safety aids provided as this information could be essential during an emergency.

The Plus Three, Minus Eight Rule

The name of the plus three, minus eight rule refers to the fact that eighty percent of all plane crashes occur during takeoff and landing – the first three minutes and final eight minutes of the flight, respectively.  Remain aware and alert during this time – don’t read or otherwise distract yourself.  Be ready, if necessary, to execute your plan.  Another recommendation from the experts: have your shoes on during this time, just in case.

Seat Belts, Seat Belts, Seat Belts

It’s probably not a shock that passengers who are wearing seat belts during airplane crashes are much more likely to survive than those who aren’t.  What may surprise you is how many passengers reported losing valuable time due to difficulty removing their seat belts.  Unlike car seat belts, seat belts in aircraft usually don’t release with the push of a button.  While it’s important to wear your seat belt whenever you’re seated during your flight, it’s equally important to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with its operation, by sight and by touch, so that in the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to release the belt, even if the cabin is dark.
When you fasten your seat belt, pull it as tight as you can. Every centimeter of slack in the belt triples the g-force you’ll experience in a crash. Pull the belt down over your pelvis as much as possible, with the upper ridge of the pelvic bone above the belt. This will keep you in place much more effectively during a crash than if the belt was over the soft tissues and organs of your abdomen.
Leave your seat belt on at all times when seated, especially when sleeping. In most cases, you won’t have time to fully wake up and react before the crash occurs, so it’s important to be securely fastened to your seat ahead of time.

Develop a Plan

You can greatly increase your chances of surviving a plane crash if you take a few moments to think about what you might do to survive in the case if an accident.  Be prepared to react swiftly, yet calmly to an emergency situation: fatality rates increase markedly after the first 90 seconds following an air disaster.
Maximize your chances of survival be preparing yourself to stay calm and think about the situation in a practical and rational manner.
Know where the emergency exits are: count the rows to the nearest exit in front of and behind you so that you can feel your way in the dark if necessary.  Write the number on your hand in pen if necessary.

Use Carryon Luggage to Pad Your Legs

Place your carryon bag under the seat in front of you, rather than in the overhead bin. This will prevent your legs from flying forward in a crash and reduced the chances you’ll break your shin or ankle bones.

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How to Survive a Plane Crash: During the Crash and Plane Evacuation

In most cases, you’ll know the plane is going to crash before it actually does. The cabin crew will likely be issuing instructions; listen and follow them carefully. Use this time to go over your plan, especially exit locations and distance from your seat.
If the plane is going down over water, put on your life vest but don’t inflate it until you are out of the airplane. An inflated life vest will make it more difficult to get out of the plane, whether the plane is submerged in water or not. Hold your breath and swim out of the plane, then inflate the life vest.
Pad and prepare your space.  Secure any loose items in the vicinity. Tie your shoes tightly. Put on and zip up your jacket. If you can, pad your head with a pillow, coat, blanket, or other soft object. Also try to pad your shins and ankles, if possible.
Brace for impact.  Both anecdotal and empirical evidence show that assuming the brace position or crash position as instructed in the pre-flight safety presentation prior to impact greatly increases your chances of not only surviving a plane crash, but reducing the chances of severe injury if you do survive.
When performed properly, the brace position reduces injury to the head, neck, and legs. It also helps prevent whiplash, keeps you from flying around the interior of the cabin, and protects you from flying objects to a certain extent.

Place your feet flat on the floor, as far back under your knees as possible to reduce shin injury. If you can reach the seat in front of you, place one hand palm down on the back or top of the seat. Cross the other hand palm down over the first hand. Rest your forehead against your hands. Don’t lace your fingers.
Alternately, you can rest your head against the seat in front if you. Lace your fingers behind your head, cradling the sides of your head with your arms.
If you can’t reach the seat in front of you or there isn’t one, bend forward with your chest on your thighs, cross your wrists and grab your ankles. You can also grab your calves, with the wrists uncrossed, or lace your fingers behind your head, cradling the sides of your head with your arms.
Stay in the brace position until the plane comes to a complete stop. After the initial crash, there may be additional impacts to the plane.
Put on the oxygen mask immediately when it drops. If the cabin becomes de-pressurized, you have 15-20 seconds to put on your oxygen mask before you become unconscious. Put it on immediately, before assisting children or other passengers. You’re no good to anyone if you’re unconscious during an emergency.

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How to Survive a Plane Crash: After the Crash

If the cabin crew is giving instructions, pay attention. Flight crews are trained to know how to respond in the event of a crash. Listen to them and follow their instructions.
Get out of the plane as quickly as possible. Fatality rates increase significantly after the first 90 seconds following a plane crash. Follow the instructions of the cabin crew, but if they’re dazed, disoriented, or dead, don’t wait. Get out of the cabin as fast as you can and as far from the plane as possible.
If the nearest exit is behind you and accessible, ignore the human propensity to move forward rather than backward and move to the rearward exit.
Leave your luggage.  Do not waste valuable time looking for belongings that mean little in a life or death situation. If necessary, you can return to the plane later for anything that’s salvageable.
Don’t climb seats unless it’s the only way out.  Studies have shown that following a plane crash, most seat climbers do so because other avenues are blocked and they are simply moving around the obstruction.  Research suggests that passengers within two rows of an exit, on the other hand, may attempt to climb seats if the aisle is congested in order to reach the exit more quickly.  However, the result is that the exit row becomes even more congested, increasing the time it takes for all passengers, including the seat climbers, to exit.
Most fatalities are due to post-crash smoke, fumes, and fire. In case of smoke or other fumes in the cabin, be prepared to stay as low as possible while still evacuating the plane as quickly as you can. Cover your nose and mouth with a cloth, moistened if possible. Consider carrying a portable, heat resistant smoke hood, available from many retailers.
Proceed to the nearest safe exit.  Assess the exit for safety – look out the window to see if there are any hazards present. If so, proceed to the exit on the opposite side of the plane or the next closest exit.
Move away from the plane.  The plane may explode or erupt in fire. Move at least 500 feet away from the plane, in an upwind direction. However, stay in the vicinity of the crash so that rescuers can find you.
Assess the situation. Do you have any wounds that need to be cared for? If you’re bleeding, apply pressure immediately. Assist others with basic first aid if you’re able.
Stay in the area. Rescuers will arrive as soon as possible. Stay in the area so they can find you.