5 Everyday Items You Can Repurpose for Survival

5 Everyday Items You Can Repurpose for Survival

Lots of us think that we’re prepared for a disaster. We’ve got supplies socked away: extra food, water filters, communications equipment, clothing, fuel, and a generator, even weapons. But, you can’t expect disaster to strike when it’s convenient. In fact, you should expect them when it’s not.

The real way to prepare is to mentally prepare. You need to have a mind that is limber, creative and able to adapt to your surroundings almost immediately. That means not just having things on hand in your home to help you get through a disaster, but knowing how to turn the things around you into important tools.

We drew up a list of common, household items that you are likely to find anywhere that can help you in a survival situation. It could be the end of the world or even just a few days where you’re trapped somewhere unfamiliar during a bad storm or separated from polite society by a wildfire. In either case, knowing what you find around you can do for you could give you a big edge when it comes to increasing your odds to make it out alive.

  1. A condom

This is no joke. The latex construction of a condom gives it a waterproof membrane that could serve you in a couple of key ways. The first is that it can keep water off things you need to keep dry, like a matchbook that you use to light signal or cooking fires. You can also fill it with water to stay hydrated, but you’ll want to make sure that you don’t stretch it too far or you’ll pop it.

  1. Eyeglasses

A good set of glasses can be helpful above and beyond whether you need them to see. Depending on how thick they are, you can use them to focus the sun’s light as a kind of magnifying glass. The same quality that would allow you to use them to burn ants will let you start fires with them. In a wilderness survival situation, water and warmth are probably the two biggest challenges you have and this addresses one. The other thing you can use glasses for is to signal low-flying aircraft or search parties if you’re lost.

  1. Dental floss

The primary quality that makes dental floss such a great way to clean teeth can make it an overlooked tool with great potential during survival situations. It is really strong for its size. You can increase its strength by braiding it up and either tie things together. It’s also thin enough that it’s hard to see, which when combined with its strength makes it perfect for setting basic snares to catch food.

  1. Socks

One thing you probably don’t have to hope you luck across in a survival situation are socks. Like the other things we’ve looked at, socks have a few different uses. The first one is that they are obviously a way to transport things that are too small to carry in your hand. If you run across a blueberry bush while looking for a way back to civilization, you can carry all of that food in a sock. The second is that if you’re wearing cotton or wool socks, you can scrape off a little bit of lint and use that as tinder to start fires. Finally, you can use them as crude filters for drinking water. The pores are far too large for you to drink water without fear of bacterial or viral contamination, but you can remove solids well enough before boiling water to make it safe to drink.

  1. Aluminum Cans

One thing that aluminum cans have going for them is that they are nearly ubiquitous. Cans people dropped on the ground 30 years ago are still there. Cans people dropping into streams 30 years ago are still there. If you find yourself in a survival situation, you can count on finding aluminum cans. What they offer you is a way to transport liquid. If they are still whole, you can fill them with water and carry them around. If you find a few of them, you can also tear them apart and double up the aluminum strips to make a cutting edge. An aluminum point won’t cut metal, but it’ll cut fabric easily enough and maybe even allow you to gut and clean a fish if you can land one.

Summary

We looked at five everyday items you can find around the house that will help you in a survival situation. It’s not intended to be an exhaustive list. In fact, what we’d like to suggest is that the real lesson is that this list helps you think creatively about everyday objects. Just about everything has some kind of utility in a survival situation if you can identify what strengths it has that you can use.

This post was written by Adam from HealthyHandyman.com – Feel free to check out his blog for more resources related to finding the right gear & equipment for your DIY, Woodworking or home improvement needs.

(The image was found at https://pixabay.com/en/aluminum-can-coca-cola-drink-87966/ by the way)

5 Cost-Effective Updates That Will Transform Your Tired Kitchen

Kitchens are one of, if not the, hardest working rooms in the house so it is unsurprising that they can quickly become tired and dated. New research has found that over a quarter of us are looking to update our kitchens in 2019, but investing in a brand new kitchen can be costly. Thankfully, there are some updates you can make whilst sticking to a budget.

If you look to avoid anything that is too extreme, then you can easily make your kitchen feel brand new with just a few small changes. Here are 5 top-tips for updating your tired kitchen on a budget.

Walls and Splashbacks

New and fresh wall tiles can instantly update the look of your kitchen, whilst also making a statement. Subway, or metro, tiles are a classic shape, but instead of laying them lengthways why not try them in a herringbone or vertical pattern for a more contemporary look?

Tiles now come in a wide range of finishes, shapes and materials, so make sure to have a look at a number of different examples to find one that you like. Patterned tiles are also a great way of adding a splash of character into your kitchen, which traditionally is usually full of hard edges and straight lines. Mix and match the colours to create random designs or stripes for a truly bespoke look.

Open Shelving

Open shelving is a great way to show off collections of pretty glasses and plates or even to bring in the addition of greenery with herbs and spices. Before you start, be sure to work out what you want to have on display so that you can consider the height of the shelves and the weight which they can withstand. A lot of kitchens have sleek, glossy cabinets, so think about adding open shelves that are made from natural wood to soften your kitchen and add warmth to the room.

Freshen Up Sinks And Worktops

Updating your worktops will have a huge impact on the feel and look of your kitchen, so this can be done as a standalone project for a fraction of the price of a full renovation.

These days, there is a huge choice available and you can now mix materials to create the look you want. Even the most ordinary fixtures in your kitchen can be updated, so let 2019 be the year that you let your sink shine. From multi-functional taps to double sinks and different finishes to funky materials, there is something for every style.

Clear Away The Clutter

Perhaps the biggest way to make a difference to your kitchen, getting rid of clutter with have a lasting effect on both your mind and your wallet. Before you start, you need to make your mind as to whether you are going to be ruthless and throw things out, or recycle or donate items which you no longer need. To make it easier, be sure to break the job into smaller parts and tackle it one cupboard at a time.

Keeping surfaces clutter free will make the whole room appear sleeker and bigger whilst also maximising the potential workspace. Things such as pan lid organisers and over-the-door spice racks will really help you stay organised, so think about how you are going to use the space and organise it accordingly.

Liven Up Your Scheme With Accessories

Accessories and fresh pieces of furniture will instantly brighten up your kitchen and you can choose a theme which can bring the whole look together. Display some selected items on open shelves and think about re-organising your worktops so that you only have your favourite things on show. If you have a dresser, then this is the perfect opportunity to show off neat stacks of cups, tea sets and glassware.

When it comes to furniture, choosing contemporary and stylish pieces will add a much bigger statement to your kitchen. Kitchen dining sets are the perfect way to add a piece of your personality to the room whilst also being extremely stylish. You could also look at adding a mirrored splashback behind your cooker or using fabrics to add splashes of colour.

 

What is Some Advice For Night Camping as A Solo Hiker?

Solo hiking is quite different when you compare it with group hiking. You are going to spend the whole night alone, face the fear and cook your own food etc. In the case of bad weather like snow and rain, you need to deal with the condition by yourself.

But at the same time, solo hiking is fun as you don’t have anyone around yourself who set rules. You can set your own rules and acquaint yourself to make your whole hiking experience memorable and fun.

Like group hiking and camping, you need to plan everything in advance. As a group hiking or camping, you need to be more careful when planning your journey to enjoy the solo hiking, especially; you need to think about the night camping scene which could be difficult if everything is not planned well.

If you are planning for the solo hiking, then you need to read this article till the end. Following I am sharing some advice for night camping as a solo hiker and what type of important things you should care about etc.

Know The Size Of The Camp:

You don’t need to take a big size camp along with you. When you are hiking alone, a single person camp is enough to low your luggage and travel easily around. Make sure that your camp should be weather friendly. If it is going to rain there, your camp should be rain and waterproof so you can enjoy the full night sleep.

Light, Light, And Light:

A night alone can be scary and a bit creepy. You probably don’t want to get scared in mid of forest or at the top of the mountain. To keep it safe, do have plenty of light options along with yourself. Do not just rely on torch but also learn how to firewood.

Keep A First Aid Kit:

When you are alone, you need to be your doctor. Injuries are very common is hiking. So, you must need to bring your first aid kit. It should not be just basic aid kit but a full wilderness first aid kit so you can get rid of pain instantly and take care of yourself in a better way.

Make A Checklist:

Ask help from the other solo hiker and ask for the essential gears you must have for night camping as a solo hiker? Once you have a list, write it down and create a checklist with all the important items. Include everything in the list from the camp to the soap, fuel can and food etc.

Keep it Simple:

Weight matters a lot when you are hiking alone. You need to carry all the weight on your own. So keep everything simple and try to remove those gears which are not necessary and you can go without them without facing any issue.

Other than above, keep all the gadget along with yourself which include the camera, mobile, books to read and coffee cup to enjoy the view and feel yourself in nature.

Tips on buying Metric Wrench Set and Ways to Care

Tips on buying Metric Wrench Set and Ways to Care

A wrench is one of the more ubiquitous handy tools around the house. Its main use is in twisting to tighten or loosening a nut or fastener by the application of a particular amount of torque. Choosing a wrench is largely dependent not just on the make of the fastener but also on the space that you will have to work on around the fastener. There are wrenches that you can buy, both in standard or SAE and in metric measurements. It also follows that there are many types of wrenches as well as Digital torque wrench, Socket wrench, adjustable wrench etc.

The price of the wrench is dictated largely by the type of metal used and the finish. Those wrenches that are made up of chromium-vanadium alloy tool steels are of good quality: they are also understandably more expensive. These wrenches are drop-forged and are oftentimes shielded with chrome to prevent corrosion from setting in.

As there are many types of wrenches, so there are just as various types of sets. There are sets that have a single wrench design in every size available. Some other sets contain a mixture of wrench types – open type, box type, to name a few – coming in various sizes and can be made to adapt using both the standard and metric measurements. The sizes of these sets can get really enormous in some cases, running into hundreds of wrenches in a single set. You do not need this many wrenches in your house, as you can get by with a set that contains a combination wrench adjustable to both standard and metric measurements. The wrenches may measure from 6” to 10” and are enough to serve your household needs.

Metric Wrench Set

Nowadays, a Metric Wrench Set is increasing in usage all over. More people are shifting from the standard measurement wrenches to those that utilize the metric system. Sets that contain wrenches in metric measurements are being seen in almost all the utility tools of every car. Metric measurement is widespread, even in components that are being used around the world. A Metric Wrench Set, thus, is a practical choice.

There are many types and sizes of metric wrenches available. There are the usual types such as the open end type, box type, and the ratcheting varieties. You can also find Metric Wrench Sets containing various sizes and numbers of wrench units. The metric measurement commonly used in wrenches is millimeters, and the sizes can range from 3 millimeters to as much as 24 millimeters. The most widely used wrench sizes are those that are within the “teenage” sizes. Small wrenches are specially made in cases were elbow area for twisting is truly limited. In the same manner, when you need to reaching areas that are too far and tight to access, you can use a long wrench. There are even some wrenches that are shaped peculiarly for some particular purposes.

There is an increasing demand for a Metric Wrench Set. Since the metric measurement is largely used all throughout the world, the Metric Wrench Set is slowly replacing those using standard measurements. This means that you should always keep a set of Metric Wrench Set for your car, appliance, contemporary gadgets, and everything else in your house that requires the use of wrenches. If you do not have a set, you can make of an adjustable wrench, or perhaps a well-fitting pliers. These are not ideal tools for this purpose, however, so it will be more difficult to tighten or loosen the fastener that you intend to move.

Because of this, a Metric Wrench Set should be in the toolbox of any self-respecting handyman or those who claim to subscribe to the do-it-yourself dogma. A thoroughly complete set of wrenches, i.e. a set that contains hundreds of variously sized and shaped wrenches, can often be found in mechanic and auto service shops. If you have a contemporary car to work on, a Metric Wrench Set is a must. A proper tool likewise keeps you from hurting your hands and fingers from working on ill-fitting pieces.

Caring for A Wrench Set

As a very simple but vital tool, a wrench requires adequate care. The wrench does the invaluable job of tightening or loosening fasteners, and no other tool can perform this task quite effectively. The wrench, simply put, is the only tool that is adequately designed to work on nuts and bolts.

Wrenches that are of good quality are often made from chromium-vanadium alloy. A chrome finish is then applied so that carrion can be prevented. Still, even in the case of high quality wrenches, you should care for these tools. You should store them properly to prolong their life span. With proper care, high quality wrenches will serve you for a long time.

These are just some of the ways to care for your wrench:

  1. Always see to it that you put your wrenches in their respective cases after use. The case is manufactured to keep the wrenches from the harmful effects of the environment.
  2. Even when your wrenches do not come with a case, it is extremely important to keep them away from wet areas, form places with hot temperatures, or in places where there are corrosive vapors. The vapor, high temperature, and the humidity will eventually take their toll on the chrome plating.
  3. Store adjustable wrenches at the smallest available setting. Keeping it them a large setting may cause them to catch on the other tools inside the storage box.
  4. After use, make it a habit to clean your wrench free of whatever residue that may have been left on its surface during usage.
  5. Put lubricant on your wrench when you deem it warranted. That way, you prevent undue friction from affecting the surface of your wrench.
  6. Do not drop your wrench. This can make your wrench weak at certain portions. Not only that, the impact can also affect the calibration of your wrench as well.

To sum it up, a wrench, being an indispensable tool, requires as much care with frequent use. If you like our article, then share it and ask something then comment.

How Are Substance Abuse and Anger Related?

There may be more to anger than just feelings. Sometimes, when people seek help from psychologists for their anger issues, an assessment may reveal that one of the reasons behind their anger is extensive drug or alcohol use.

In cases where substance abuse is present, feeling angry may be a symptom of drugs or alcohol affecting their brains. Often, the more you abuse drugs or alcohol, the angrier you become.

Substance abuse may lead to anger for several reasons. For instance, if individuals stop using alcohol or drugs and are going through withdrawal, they may experience guilt and relationship problems. They may be angry about these problems and worry about solving them. They may turn to alcohol or drug again because they feel that their situations are hopeless.

 

What Are the Connections Between Anger and Substance Abuse?

Anger, violent tendencies, and aggression often co-occur alongside substance abuse. In some instances, anger may lead to a drug or alcohol addiction:

  • Stresses of life may be overwhelming, leading individuals to cope with their frustration and anger by indulging in alcohol or drugs
  • Rage becomes so intense that people turn to alcohol or drugs to numb their pain
  • Anger issues may cause problems at home or work, prompting distressed individuals to use substances to cope

 

In other situations, substance abuse may lead to anger:

  • Abusing drugs such as Klonopin may produce side effects that cause aggression or anger
  • Alcohol may cause repressed anger to bypass an individual’s normal restraint
  • Cocaine abuse may cause violent and aggressive behavior
  • Substance abuse may cause problems such as financial stress, DUIs, work conflicts, job losses, or relationship turmoil that may lead to anger, particularly if any of these events occur simultaneously
  • Dependence on alcohol or drugs may create resentment and anger

 

It is important to remember that the presence of anger is not the issue. At one point or another, everyone feels angry. Sometimes, people even become enraged. Anger is a part of life, and it is sometimes unavoidable. When the furious feelings last for extended periods, occur frequently, cause violent behavior, or consume a person, then they may become dangerous.

Some people who are addicted to alcohol or drugs have problems dealing with anger and expressing it appropriately. Anger and relapsing from sobriety are often linked because addicted individuals may abuse drugs or alcohol to mask their feelings.

People who are not able to express their anger healthily may use additional alcohol or drugs as a means of coping with their strong emotions. This behavior only creates and drives a destructive cycle. If you want to abstain from substance abuse without relapsing, it is vital to learn how to manage your anger in positive and constructive ways.

 

Why Is It Difficult to Manage Your Anger If You Are Addicted to Alcohol or Drugs?

Addicted people may have learned to express their anger in unhealthy ways from those close to them when they were still young.

The addicted person may deny feeling angry about a traumatic event such as the loss of a loved one, a rape, or child abuse. As a result, they may experience increasing feelings of anger and resentment even without realizing it.

Addiction prevents individuals from healthily expressing their feelings of anger.

Although addicted people may be angry with themselves, they may also blame the people around them for their problems.

 

How Does Substance Abuse Impact Anger?

People who use alcohol or drugs to cope with their problems often do not know how to manage their anger. Rather, they express anger in negative ways, which may include:

  • Screaming violent threats
  • Emotionally blackmailing other people. They may ignore their loved ones for extended periods without letting them know why they are angry
  • Becoming aggressive whenever they are angry. They may push, punch, kick, or hit others
  • Blocking their feelings of anger and avoiding confronting the issues that are causing their anger
  • Plotting revenge on the people who they believe have wronged them

 

How Can You Appropriately Deal with Your Anger?

Here are ways to handle your feelings of anger without turning to alcohol or drugs:

  • Walk away if things seem like they are spinning out of control. Leaving gives you physical and emotional space. It may help you cool off before going back and addressing the situation more rationally and calmly
  • Take a few deep breaths until you are feeling calmer and then evaluate the circumstances. Try to look at the situation from the other person’s perspective
  • Learn how to express anger positively using assertive and nondefensive forms of communication
  • Avoid toxic people and situations that make you angry
  • Express your anger creatively. For instance, consider painting, writing a song, singing, or describing your emotions in a journal
  • Exercise to channel your feelings of anger. You may do this by punching a gym bag, running, swimming, or participating in other physical activities.

 

One worrisome yet interesting aspect about the relationship between anger and substance abuse is that many people do not realize that they have anger issues or that anger and substance abuse are linked. People who know they have trouble managing their anger may downplay it as a symptom of drug or alcohol abuse. They may assume that when they become sober, their anger will automatically fade away.

For people with anger disorders, addressing emotions is not that easy. To bring healing to the mind, spirit, and body and encourage recovery, people need to address both their anger and their substance abuse.

 

Finding Help

Anger management will be ineffective for people who are angry and continue to abuse drugs such as Klonopin and alcohol. Since they are struggling with both anger and substance abuse, the best course of action would be to seek help from a rehab center for alcoholics or a rehab facility for drug abuse.

Once people successfully complete rehab programs, they are often less angry. Occasionally, individuals may require anger management programs because different people require different treatments.

 

Using Meditation

Another way to handle anger in a healthy way is by meditation. Once you have decided to receive the help you need in a rehab center, resentment and anger may still sneak up on you, even in recovery.

When things are going well, it may be easier to maintain your resolve to be sober. When you become stressed because of a huge argument with your partner, financial problems, or a long day at work, you may feel angry and dwell on everything that is going wrong.

In the past, you may have used alcohol or drugs as a crutch to deal with such problems. The situation may feel overwhelming and you may find it difficult to maintain your sobriety.

That is where meditation may help. Meditation may help you focus on what is presently happening in your life while allowing you to leave your past behind. It allows you to release your worries and fears, even if this release is only for a short time.

As an added bonus, you do not require any special skills to do it, and you may meditate almost anywhere at almost any time. All you need to do is clear your mind, concentrate on your breathing, and relax your body. There are also a variety of guided meditation options for anger management.

Although meditation does not erase all of your problems, you may be surprised at how much it may put them into perspective. A few moments of peace and some time alone may be all you need to change your attitude and overcome your problems. Letting go of anger may help improve your mental health and aid in your sobriety.