Have you thought about how war drastically affects us all? The war in Eastern Europe is one example. It’s hard to live in a world where war is constantly breaking out, and people are displaced as refugees or dying. We have to be prepared for war, both mentally and physically.
How War Drastically Affects Us All
War can take a toll on our mental health as we witness the horrible things that happen to those directly involved. We also have to be physically fit if, at an age and circumstance, we are called up to fight in the war. Prepping for war is something that everyone should do, as it could one day save your life. Several ways can affect you even if you aren’t fighting in it.
Although there haven’t been any wars in the Americas for some time now, armed conflicts throughout the world affect us. Sometimes our militaries will be asked for our participation as allies or to just support what is considered a fight for justice and human rights far from home. Also, as those countries are involved in military action, we might be subject to food shortages or limited industrial minerals and other resources needed to support new technologies. So, we as civilians in the private sector truly are affected by war elsewhere.
Economically
War can have a substantial economic toll on large populations, even those not located close to the conflict itself. When a country is at war, it must spend significant money on weapons, manpower, supplies, and other things to properly support its fighters. This can lead to inflation and higher taxes at home. People against the war may also suffer, as their businesses may be boycotted. Here are a few ways the economy has been affected by war:
- Food shortages: One of the main ways war affects us is through food shortages. When a country is at war, it often blocks off supplies to its enemies. This can lead to food shortages and other necessities for those who rely on the government to provide products. We may also see an increase in the prices of goods due to inflation as the demand exceeds the available supplies. As the conflict engulfs the rural areas, farmers aren’t in a position to visit their fields or livestock to perform the necessary farming tasks, and getting products to market is also disrupted. There is also the fact that some farmers are called into military duty or have family members listed as casualties.
- Oil shortages and inflation: Oil is another big one. When a country is at war, it often blocks off supplies of oil to its enemies. This can lead to inflation in the prices of oil needed at home and by adjoining countries that have relied on it for years.
- No travel: Travel is often restricted during wartime. This means that people can’t go on vacations, and businesses can’t ship their goods. This can have a huge impact on the economy.
- Property damage: as witnessed in various conflicts today, civilians are losing their homes and businesses due to the explosive weapons and drones used during the conflict. Civil society is turned on its head as the war rages around them. Also, without homes to live in, the general public in adjoining countries is inundated with refugees seeking a safe haven, putting a strain on housing, food, and other necessities.
Mentally
War can take a mental toll on people. Some may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other cognitive disorders. They may also have trouble sleeping, flashbacks, and nightmares. Getting help if you are suffering from any of these conditions is essential.
We can suffer just by watching what is happening to others on the news, but it directly affects those who are on the front lines and then come home and try to get back to normalcy.
The terrorism seen throughout the world makes us wonder if any location is safe. We are now seeing domestic terrorism as those supporting factions elsewhere are now targeting local cultures and businesses.
Physically
You don’t just have to be mentally prepared for war; you must also be physically prepared, mainly if combat is your vocation. This means being in good shape and being able to handle a weapon. If you are injured in war, you may also have to deal with physical scars.
It is also essential to try to stay as healthy as possible if indirectly affected, such as uprooting your family and traveling elsewhere to live.
Changes Our Beliefs
War can also change our beliefs. For example, if we see someone die in battle, we may start to believe that life is not worth living. We may also become more cynical and distrustful of people. Some former believers question God and how he may influence their future. They may also question the existence of God if he allows just injustices to take place, particularly to babies and young children.
Environmentally
War can also impact the environment. When bombs are dropped, they can cause pollution and destruction, which can lead to changes in an area’s living conditions and ecology. People use the term “war zone” to describe the landscape and destruction resulting from local warfare events.
How is the US Affected by The Ukraine War?
The United States has not been affected by the war in Ukraine as much as other countries have. However, the war has increased tensions between the US and Russia. It has also led to an increase in defense spending by the US and had an economic impact. Here’s how we are affected:
- Gas prices: The war in Ukraine has raised gas prices, as Russia has blocked off supplies to Europe.
- Stock market: The war in Ukraine has also caused the stock market to fluctuate widely. It is fluctuating because of tensions between the US and Russia, as well as the economic impact of the war and uncertainties that accompany it.
- Tensions with Russia: The Ukraine war has increased tensions between the US and Russia. This is because Russia is supporting the rebels in Ukraine, while the US is supporting the Ukrainian government.
- Global economy: The war in Ukraine has also impacted the global economy. This is because of gas prices, the stock market, food shortages from what has been called the “breadbasket of Europe,” and tensions between the US and Russia.
- Defense spending: The war has led to an increase in US defense spending. The US is funding the Ukrainian government and sending military aid to Ukraine. This puts pressure on US citizens since taxes may go up, but the additional money in the currency supply available can cause additional inflation.
- Inflation in the US: The war has also caused inflation in the US. This is because of gas price increases, higher food costs, and other economic forces at work.
Food Shortages
Currently, we are seeing several food shortages in the United States, with some caused by climate change. Wars on a global basis are prompting several food shortages on top of those caused by drought, floods, and severe weather like tornadoes and hurricanes. Here’s a list of foods you should stock up on when you can:
- Baby formula- Recalls on formula are making it challenging to find sources of formula again.
- Meat- The chicken shortage and supply chain issues are causing a meat shortage.
- Dairy- There is also an egg shortage due to a chicken shortage and the Bird flu.
- Fruits and Vegetables- Imports from Mexico have been suspended and may be subject to new tariffs, directly affecting the supply of avocados and other food products.
- Canned goods- There is also a shortage of some canned goods due to an aluminum shortage.
- Imported goods- We have stopped importing some things from other countries. Tariffs on Canadian goods may adversely affect food supplies.
Besides the war causing inflation, there are labor shortages and supply-chain issues from food manufacturers to grocery stores. In essence, there aren’t enough people to make, move, and sell the goods.
How Can We Prepare for the Effects of The Ukraine War?
There are a few things we can do to prepare for the effects of that war:
Get a Gas Card
This will help you save money on gas. A gas card is a type of credit card that gives you discounts on gas as a loyal customer of a particular brand. When the price of gas goes up, any discount is appreciated. However, make sure you pay the card off each month, so you’re not paying interest on the gas purchase. Save your receipts at grocery stores that offer gasoline discounts.
Keep a Stock of Food
If there is a food shortage, it’s essential to have a stockpile of food. This way, you’ll have something to eat if food prices go up or there isn’t any food on the shelves. Check out my posts below if you need help getting started:
- Effective Ways to Prepare for Food Shortages
- 7 Basic Food Items to Stock Now
- 30 Survival Foods to Stockpile
Be Prepared Mentally and Physically
Mentally, war can be very tough. It’s essential to be prepared for it by getting help from a mental health professional if you are feeling depressed or have anxiety, especially if you have a family member called into duty. You should also be physically prepared by being in good shape and knowing how to use a weapon if the conflict comes close to home.
Build an Emergency Fund
This will help you if you lose your job, have an accident, get sick, or have other financial problems.
Have a plan
Talk to your family about what they would do if war broke out close to home. This will help you be prepared as you follow that plan. Have a plan for what you will do if war breaks out or you live next to a border that becomes subjust to the effects of the conflict. This includes having a place to go, food, water, and supplies.
Be informed
Stay updated on the latest news about possible war closer to home. This will help you be prepared for what is happening. It seems that misinformation is rampant on so many levels. Be sure to validate information before you move forward with any significant decisions affecting your family that may be influenced by wars and rumors of wars.
Invest in gold/silver or whatever you feel Comfortable With
Gold is a good investment because it has been shown to hold its value even if the economy collapses. And, as inflation increases, so does the value of gold. Your paper money loses value when inflation is high.
Have a bug-out bag
A bug-out bag is a bag that has everything you need to survive for 72 hours. It should have food, water, and other supplies. This will help you if you have to evacuate quickly. Make sure to use my Comprehensive Bug-Out Bag Checklist.
Have cash on hand
Having cash on hand is essential if the war causes the stock market to crash. This way, you will be able to buy food and supplies. In addition to the stock market crashing, card readers may have issues, so using a card to pay for things may not be available.
Final Word
We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it. If you are already seeing the effects of the Ukraine war or are worried about it, use the tips above to help you prepare. If war does break out, you will be glad you did. Remember, war drastically affects us all, no matter where we live. How has the war in Ukraine and other ares affected you? Let me know in the comments below. May God Bless this world, Linda
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