Some people seem to think that prepping is all about stockpiling food and ammunition and waiting for the end of the world. This is not me. However, prepping is really about being prepared for any situation. Whether you’re dealing with a natural disaster or a societal collapse, there are some practical skills everyone should know.
What are Practical Skills?
Practical skills are those that enable us to accomplish tasks in everyday life. They are skills that are useful for solving problems and achieving goals. Many of the things we take for granted, such as cooking food, using tools and appliances, and driving a car, require practical skills.
Practical skills can be divided into three broad categories: physical skills, mental skills, and interpersonal skills. Physical skills involve the use of our bodies and our hands to perform tasks. Mental skills involve the use of our minds to remember information or to solve problems. Interpersonal skills involve the ability to communicate effectively with others. All of these skills are important for leading a productive and successful life.
Practical skills can be learned through formal education, but they can also be learned through personal experience and trial and error. The best way to learn valuable skills is to put them into practice in everyday life. With time and practice, they will become second nature.
50 Practical Skills
It’s a fact that we all need to know specific skills to survive. Whether you’re a prepper or not, it’s essential to have some basic survival skills under your belt. Here are 50 practical skills that everyone should know.
Outdoor Skills
- Gardening– Learn what, where, and when to plant your garden according to your location and your personal preferences of what you like to eat.
- Hunting- If you want to provide some or all of the meat from the wild in your meal planning, it’s essential to know how to hunt.
- Fishing– Not only is fishing a great way to get food, but it can also be a relaxing hobby.
- Tracking– Knowing how to read tracks can help you find prey, avoid predators, and navigate your way back home.
- Prune plants & trees- This is a valuable skill for keeping your garden healthy, productive, and neat in appearance.
- Building a fire– Whether you’re trying to stay warm, cook a meal, or signal for help, being able to make a fire is essential.
- Identify edible plants- In case you find yourself stranded in the wild, it’s essential to know which plants are safe to eat.
- Orienteering– This skill can help you find your way if you ever get lost.
- Building a shelter- If you’re stuck outdoors overnight or in the heat of the day, knowing how to make a shelter can mean the difference between life and death.
- Water purification– Whether you’re dealing with contaminated water or just wanting to save some money versus buying bottled water, it’s essential to know how to purify water.
- Compost– Did you know that you can turn your food and yard waste into valuable fertilizer?
- Knots– There are many different types of knots, and each has a specific purpose. Learning how to tie them can be helpful in a variety of situations.
- Rope work– From lashing together a makeshift raft to building a shelter, there are many uses for rope.
- Store rainwater– Collecting rainwater is a great way to conserve water.
Indoor Skills
- Cooking from scratch– With this skill, you’ll be able to cook anything from a gourmet meal to survival food.
- Baking– Baked goods are always a welcome treat, whether you’re at home or camping.
- Canning– This is a great way to preserve food for later.
- Sewing– Knowing how to sew can come in handy for making your own clothes, making fabric repairs, and making alterations as needed.
- Carpentry– This skill can be used for everything from building furniture to fixing a leaky roof.
- Dehydrate Food– This is a great way to preserve food for later. In the picture below, I have cinnamon and plain dehydrated apples.
- Grind wheat– If you want to be prepared for a societal collapse, it’s essential to know how to grind wheat so you can make flour.
- Butchering– If you hunt or raise livestock, knowing how to butcher animals is a valuable skill.
- Candle making– Candles are not only valid for light, but also for heat and emergency signals.
- Cook without electricity– If the power goes out, you’ll still be able to cook with this skill and the right equipment.
- Generate electricity– If you have a generator, you can use it to power your home, or even barter or sell electricity to your neighbors.
- Store food for emergencies – You should have at least a 2-week supply of food and water for every member of your household, but I recommend maintaining a more substantial stock.
Sanitary Skills
- Make your own soap- This is a valuable skill for both everyday use and emergencies. It can also save you money.
- Wash clothes by hand– In a pinch, you can wash your clothes without a machine.
- Laundry– You should know how to do laundry by hand and with a regular washing machine.
- Cleaning– Knowing how to clean properly can help you keep your home clutter-free and sanitary.
Health Skills
- Basic first aid– Everyone should know how to administer basic first aid in case of an emergency.
- Learn natural remedies– Many plants and herbs can be used for medicinal purposes.
- Make your own medicine – This is a great way to save money and avoid potential side effects. Use caution!
- Essential oils– These can be used for a variety of purposes, such as relaxation, first aid, and cleaning.
- Use Honey – honey has many uses, including serving as a natural sweetener, medicine, and skincare product.
- Make herbal tea– This is a great way to relax and enjoy the benefits of medicinal plants.
Safety Skills
- Self-defense– Knowing how to defend yourself can help you stay safe in dangerous situations.
- Firearms safety– If you own a gun, it’s essential to know how to handle it safely. If there are guns in your home, all family members need to be trained.
- Prevent home accidents– By taking some simple precautions, you can avoid accidents in your home.
- Evacuate safely– In case of an emergency, it’s essential to know how to evacuate safely. Plan for things like fires, floods, heavy winds, etc.
DIY Skills
- Basic car maintenance– This is a valuable skill for keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding breakdowns.
- Change a Tire – Everyone should know how to change a tire in case of a flat.
- Jump-start a car– If your battery is totally drained, you’ll be glad you know how to jump-start a car.
- Basic home repairs– From fixing a leaky faucet, patching a hole in the wall, to unclogging a drain, there are many simple repairs you can do yourself.
- Homemade cleaning products– These are a great way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals.
- DIY laundry soap– This is a great way to save money and avoid using harsh chemicals.
Entertainment Skills
- Board games– These are a great way to pass the time and have fun with family and friends.
- Card games– These are a great way to pass the time and have fun with family and friends.
- Chess– This is an excellent game for exercising your mind. It’s also a great way to pass the time if you don’t have electricity.
- Puzzles– These are a great way to pass the time and exercise your brain. The whole family can enjoy a puzzle together.
- How to tan hides and do leatherwork
Final Word
Prepping isn’t just about stocking food and water. There are many practical skills that everyone should know. By learning them, you can be prepared for many challenges life throws your way.
What practical skills do you feel we need to learn that I haven’t listed? Let me know in the comments below! May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Sewing Machine AdobeStock_132655233 by Maybeiii
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