June 29, 2025 • 11 mins
"Have you done enough?" The prepper journey can sometimes feel like a never-ending quest. The fear of being unprepared can easily overshadow the progress and efforts you’ve made. How do you beat “Prepper Anxiety”? Listen to find out.
Go to https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/prepper-checklist/ for the FREE essential prepper checklist. Use the password StayReady.
Are you concerned about rising medication costs and shortages? You can add medications such as antibiotics to your First Aid kit with a Jase Case. You can now get your daily meds too! Click http://jasemedical.com/?rstr=21271 to GET 10% OFF and be ready in case of emergency! Use Code JAM-3045 to get the discount.
For additional information on coping with stress through these shaky times, check out my blog at https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/blog/. I also give tips for putting together a checklist at https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/2024/06/19/the-preppers-checklist-an-essential-tool-for-survival/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Free audio post-production by alphonic.com Have
you done enough?
The prepper journey can sometimes feel like a
never-ending quest.
The fear of being unprepared can easily overshadow
the progress and efforts you've made.
How do you beat prepper anxiety?
Listen to find out.
(00:24):
Hi, I'm the urban lady prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
Prepper anxiety is a common hurdle, as the
fear of being unprepared can easily overshadow the
progress and efforts you've made.
But with the right mindset and strategies, it's
(00:47):
possible to overcome this anxiety and build confidence
in your preparedness.
By setting achievable goals, celebrating small victories, and
tapping into a supportive community, you can transform
your prepping journey into a positive and empowering
experience.
I'm going to present practical ways to build
mental resilience and adopt healthy prepper strategies, enabling
you to focus on what's truly important without
(01:09):
the anxiety.
There are common triggers that spark anxiety among
preppers, and we need to know how to
identify them before they become overwhelming.
By dissecting these elements, we can more effectively
address and manage anxiety.
One obvious trigger is the fear of the
unknown.
Uncertainty about the future can fuel fear, particularly
(01:30):
when it involves disasters or emergencies.
Preppers often worry about scenarios they can't predict,
and whether they've done enough, gotten enough, and
prepped for the right thing.
Economic concerns are another.
Financial instability can lead to anxiety about being
unprepared, especially since social and economic instability can
disrupt everyday life and future plans.
(01:51):
You may wonder if you've saved enough, make
enough, and what will happen if you lose
your income before you've reached your prepping goals.
Another trigger is information overload.
Too much information can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
The constant flow of news, chatter, and endless
notifications creates stress as you try to navigate
through it all, and you might begin to
(02:13):
doubt if prepping even matters.
A recent example would be the pandemic.
Many people felt heightened anxiety due to the
illness, death, unclear guidelines, and fluctuating information.
Many lost work and struggled to provide for
themselves and their loved ones.
For many preppers, it may have been their
first experience with an event that would test
their mettle and if their preps were adequate.
(02:36):
The psychological and physical impact of prepper anxiety
can be profound.
Chronic anxiety may lead to fatigue since constant
worry drains energy.
It can cause insomnia, disrupting sleep patterns and
leading to exhaustion and a weakened immune function.
It can also manifest as irritability and difficulty
concentrating, making it hard to focus on tasks.
(02:59):
Physical symptoms can include headaches, muscle tension, and
stomach issues.
Emotional signals may present as frustration, sadness, or
hopelessness.
Preppers should be aware of these signs to
get a handle on them early.
Overcoming prepper anxiety requires practical strategies that promote
a balanced approach to preparedness.
By using these tactics, you can reduce anxiety
(03:22):
and boost your confidence.
Most importantly, remember that wherever you are in
your prepping journey, you're still better off and
more knowledgeable than you were before.
Let me say that again for the nail
biters in the back.
Remember that wherever you are in your prepping
journey, you're still better off and more knowledgeable
than you were before.
(03:44):
Now exhale and reset.
Identify key priorities, focusing on what's most important
and starting with the basics.
Food, water, light sources, a first aid kit,
batteries, alternative cooking methods such as a grill
or camp stove, a cooler or two, ice
packs, a NOAA radio, and a power source
(04:05):
such as a portable power station, and a
can opener.
You will need these things regardless of the
scenario.
Of course, I'm speaking loosely because there are
other basic items you should have.
You can get a free copy of my
checklist which outlines the essentials.
I will provide a link to that in
the description of this episode.
Next, consider the scenario most likely to occur
(04:28):
in your area and add preps that would
be appropriate for that.
Is it flooding?
Tornadoes?
Think about what is most likely to occur
rather than an obscure end-of-the-world
scenario.
If you live in a tornado-prone area,
chances are you'll experience one of those before
an alien invasion or the supervolcano erupting.
(04:49):
It becomes easier to tailor your preparedness when
you take into account more common events rather
than stressing out about one of the many
extreme doomsday scenarios that may not happen or
not in your lifetime.
Break tasks into manageable pieces.
Achievable steps make large goals more attainable.
You may not think you have enough in
your pantry, but grabbing a couple of extra
(05:10):
cans of food and some water here and
there will build your stash up before you
know it.
You may have gardening goals, but instead of
believing you'll perish if you don't have a
micro-farm, start with things that are easy
to grow, such as herbs, or one or
two vegetables you love that you can plant
in a container, or something that's mad easy
to grow like potatoes.
This will boost your confidence while providing you
(05:32):
with something you can eat until you're ready
to expand your garden.
Set timelines, not deadlines.
Timelines help in maintaining focus and accountability without
the anxiety of a deadline.
Instead of fixating on big goals that may
be financially out of reach, look into alternative
ways or items that may serve the same
(05:53):
purpose on a smaller and less expensive scale.
This can help you budget wisely and research
options with less pressure.
For example, I wanted a full house generator,
but I developed a facial tick when I
found out how much it would cost for
my tiny house.
But, instead of feeling that I couldn't survive
a disaster without it, I got two power
(06:13):
stations that provide power to the important things,
like my cell phone and laptop, and a
couple of power banks.
I then bought a portable solar panel to
charge items that could be recharged by it.
My coolers and ice packs will keep the
food from my fridge cold, and I have
enough light sources to suit my purpose.
I couldn't survive without that big, noisy, zombie
(06:34):
-attracting generator.
The idea is not to be discouraged when
you don't have quote-unquote all the things.
If you have the basics and shelter, and
you can grab food and water when you
want it, you're much better off than most
and better off than you think.
Another example is the goal of a full
camping setup in case you need to bug
(06:54):
out into the wild.
If, based on your budget, it may take
two months, create a checklist and tick off
items as you can obtain them within that
time frame, rather than having a set deadline
hanging over your head that will upset you
if you don't make it.
Focusing on incremental progress helps to manage expectation
and reduce anxiety.
Create quick wins and celebrate them to build
(07:16):
momentum.
Regularly assess your progress to stay on track
or see if any adjustments need to be
made for new developments.
For example, if your area is predicted to
have a dry summer and now there's a
risk of drought or water restrictions, consider adding
a rain barrel.
You're addressing a current situation, but not making
drastic changes to your main prepping plan.
(07:38):
Also, checking in on yourself may motivate you
to do more.
Prepping in this way fosters a positive mindset,
encouraging continued effort and reducing feelings of inadequacy.
If you've been quietly prepping and starting to
feel like an island, having a supportive community
can significantly reduce prepper anxiety.
Connecting with like-minded individuals offers emotional support
(08:00):
and knowledge sharing.
Engaging in community activities fosters a sense of
belonging and shared purpose.
Online forums, such as Reddit, have prepper subreddits.
Local groups with in-person meetings can strengthen
ties and provide practical help.
And networking events offer opportunities to learn and
grow from others.
(08:21):
These communities provide reassurance, resource sharing and emotional
support, which are invaluable in reducing anxiety.
Hopefully, this has eased the uncertainty you may
have about your preparedness.
Now, you need to cultivate and maintain a
healthy prepping mindset.
Embracing self-sufficiency with confidence is critical for
overcoming prepper anxiety.
(08:43):
So, acknowledge your skills, recognize your abilities and
knowledge.
Trusting in your abilities and preparation efforts builds
self-assurance.
If you're feeling doubtful, remind yourself of what
you've accomplished.
This can give you a boost and keep
you motivated.
Reflecting on past successes will reinforce what you're
capable of achieving.
Also, continually learning new skills enhances self-reliance.
(09:08):
What would you like to learn that will
enhance what you've done so far?
Maybe you'd like to learn canning.
Or maybe get CPR, AED certification.
This mindset reduces fear and encourages a proactive
approach to challenges.
Since mental resilience is essential during tough times,
practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation
(09:29):
can strengthen mental fortitude.
Embrace adaptability.
Change is happening rapidly all around us right
now, and flexibility helps us deal with unexpected
situations.
And don't forget to incorporate self-care routines.
This will help with clarity, stress relief, and
support your mental health.
Building resilience not only helps in managing anxiety,
(09:52):
but also enhances overall preparedness.
Lastly, maintaining a positive outlook is vital for
reducing prepper anxiety.
Focus on the positives and the progress made
in your journey.
Not toxic positivity that offers platitudes without allowing
you to feel genuine emotions and learn how
to deal with them.
Surround yourself with positivity through supportive networks and
(10:14):
uplifting media if you feel overwhelmed by negative
news.
Don't go down prepper rabbit holes that may
induce more fear or feelings of inadequacy.
Practice gratitude for the progress you've made, the
stash you've built, and the knowledge you have.
Breathe, give yourself grace, and give yourself some
credit as you continue along your prepping path.
(10:37):
It all matters and it all makes a
difference.
Believe that.
Take it easy and be safe out there.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Free audio post-production by alphonic.com Have
you done enough?
The prepper journey can sometimes feel like a
never-ending quest.
The fear of being unprepared can easily overshadow
the progress and efforts you've made.
How do you beat prepper anxiety?
Listen to find out.
(00:24):
Hi, I'm the urban lady prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with
practical emergency preparedness.
But of course, all are welcome to be
better prepared for whatever happens next.
Prepper anxiety is a common hurdle, as the
fear of being unprepared can easily overshadow the
progress and efforts you've made.
But with the right mindset and strategies, it's
(00:47):
possible to overcome this anxiety and build confidence
in your preparedness.
By setting achievable goals, celebrating small victories, and
tapping into a supportive community, you can transform
your prepping journey into a positive and empowering
experience.
I'm going to present practical ways to build
mental resilience and adopt healthy prepper strategies, enabling
you to focus on what's truly important without
(01:09):
the anxiety.
There are common triggers that spark anxiety among
preppers, and we need to know how to
identify them before they become overwhelming.
By dissecting these elements, we can more effectively
address and manage anxiety.
One obvious trigger is the fear of the
unknown.
Uncertainty about the future can fuel fear, particularly
(01:30):
when it involves disasters or emergencies.
Preppers often worry about scenarios they can't predict,
and whether they've done enough, gotten enough, and
prepped for the right thing.
Economic concerns are another.
Financial instability can lead to anxiety about being
unprepared, especially since social and economic instability can
disrupt everyday life and future plans.
(01:51):
You may wonder if you've saved enough, make
enough, and what will happen if you lose
your income before you've reached your prepping goals.
Another trigger is information overload.
Too much information can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
The constant flow of news, chatter, and endless
notifications creates stress as you try to navigate
through it all, and you might begin to
(02:13):
doubt if prepping even matters.
A recent example would be the pandemic.
Many people felt heightened anxiety due to the
illness, death, unclear guidelines, and fluctuating information.
Many lost work and struggled to provide for
themselves and their loved ones.
For many preppers, it may have been their
first experience with an event that would test
their mettle and if their preps were adequate.
(02:36):
The psychological and physical impact of prepper anxiety
can be profound.
Chronic anxiety may lead to fatigue since constant
worry drains energy.
It can cause insomnia, disrupting sleep patterns and
leading to exhaustion and a weakened immune function.
It can also manifest as irritability and difficulty
concentrating, making it hard to focus on tasks.
(02:59):
Physical symptoms can include headaches, muscle tension, and
stomach issues.
Emotional signals may present as frustration, sadness, or
hopelessness.
Preppers should be aware of these signs to
get a handle on them early.
Overcoming prepper anxiety requires practical strategies that promote
a balanced approach to preparedness.
By using these tactics, you can reduce anxiety
(03:22):
and boost your confidence.
Most importantly, remember that wherever you are in
your prepping journey, you're still better off and
more knowledgeable than you were before.
Let me say that again for the nail
biters in the back.
Remember that wherever you are in your prepping
journey, you're still better off and more knowledgeable
than you were before.
(03:44):
Now exhale and reset.
Identify key priorities, focusing on what's most important
and starting with the basics.
Food, water, light sources, a first aid kit,
batteries, alternative cooking methods such as a grill
or camp stove, a cooler or two, ice
packs, a NOAA radio, and a power source
(04:05):
such as a portable power station, and a
can opener.
You will need these things regardless of the
scenario.
Of course, I'm speaking loosely because there are
other basic items you should have.
You can get a free copy of my
checklist which outlines the essentials.
I will provide a link to that in
the description of this episode.
Next, consider the scenario most likely to occur
(04:28):
in your area and add preps that would
be appropriate for that.
Is it flooding?
Tornadoes?
Think about what is most likely to occur
rather than an obscure end-of-the-world
scenario.
If you live in a tornado-prone area,
chances are you'll experience one of those before
an alien invasion or the supervolcano erupting.
(04:49):
It becomes easier to tailor your preparedness when
you take into account more common events rather
than stressing out about one of the many
extreme doomsday scenarios that may not happen or
not in your lifetime.
Break tasks into manageable pieces.
Achievable steps make large goals more attainable.
You may not think you have enough in
your pantry, but grabbing a couple of extra
(05:10):
cans of food and some water here and
there will build your stash up before you
know it.
You may have gardening goals, but instead of
believing you'll perish if you don't have a
micro-farm, start with things that are easy
to grow, such as herbs, or one or
two vegetables you love that you can plant
in a container, or something that's mad easy
to grow like potatoes.
This will boost your confidence while providing you
(05:32):
with something you can eat until you're ready
to expand your garden.
Set timelines, not deadlines.
Timelines help in maintaining focus and accountability without
the anxiety of a deadline.
Instead of fixating on big goals that may
be financially out of reach, look into alternative
ways or items that may serve the same
(05:53):
purpose on a smaller and less expensive scale.
This can help you budget wisely and research
options with less pressure.
For example, I wanted a full house generator,
but I developed a facial tick when I
found out how much it would cost for
my tiny house.
But, instead of feeling that I couldn't survive
a disaster without it, I got two power
(06:13):
stations that provide power to the important things,
like my cell phone and laptop, and a
couple of power banks.
I then bought a portable solar panel to
charge items that could be recharged by it.
My coolers and ice packs will keep the
food from my fridge cold, and I have
enough light sources to suit my purpose.
I couldn't survive without that big, noisy, zombie
(06:34):
-attracting generator.
The idea is not to be discouraged when
you don't have quote-unquote all the things.
If you have the basics and shelter, and
you can grab food and water when you
want it, you're much better off than most
and better off than you think.
Another example is the goal of a full
camping setup in case you need to bug
(06:54):
out into the wild.
If, based on your budget, it may take
two months, create a checklist and tick off
items as you can obtain them within that
time frame, rather than having a set deadline
hanging over your head that will upset you
if you don't make it.
Focusing on incremental progress helps to manage expectation
and reduce anxiety.
Create quick wins and celebrate them to build
(07:16):
momentum.
Regularly assess your progress to stay on track
or see if any adjustments need to be
made for new developments.
For example, if your area is predicted to
have a dry summer and now there's a
risk of drought or water restrictions, consider adding
a rain barrel.
You're addressing a current situation, but not making
drastic changes to your main prepping plan.
(07:38):
Also, checking in on yourself may motivate you
to do more.
Prepping in this way fosters a positive mindset,
encouraging continued effort and reducing feelings of inadequacy.
If you've been quietly prepping and starting to
feel like an island, having a supportive community
can significantly reduce prepper anxiety.
Connecting with like-minded individuals offers emotional support
(08:00):
and knowledge sharing.
Engaging in community activities fosters a sense of
belonging and shared purpose.
Online forums, such as Reddit, have prepper subreddits.
Local groups with in-person meetings can strengthen
ties and provide practical help.
And networking events offer opportunities to learn and
grow from others.
(08:21):
These communities provide reassurance, resource sharing and emotional
support, which are invaluable in reducing anxiety.
Hopefully, this has eased the uncertainty you may
have about your preparedness.
Now, you need to cultivate and maintain a
healthy prepping mindset.
Embracing self-sufficiency with confidence is critical for
overcoming prepper anxiety.
(08:43):
So, acknowledge your skills, recognize your abilities and
knowledge.
Trusting in your abilities and preparation efforts builds
self-assurance.
If you're feeling doubtful, remind yourself of what
you've accomplished.
This can give you a boost and keep
you motivated.
Reflecting on past successes will reinforce what you're
capable of achieving.
Also, continually learning new skills enhances self-reliance.
(09:08):
What would you like to learn that will
enhance what you've done so far?
Maybe you'd like to learn canning.
Or maybe get CPR, AED certification.
This mindset reduces fear and encourages a proactive
approach to challenges.
Since mental resilience is essential during tough times,
practicing stress management techniques like mindfulness or meditation
(09:29):
can strengthen mental fortitude.
Embrace adaptability.
Change is happening rapidly all around us right
now, and flexibility helps us deal with unexpected
situations.
And don't forget to incorporate self-care routines.
This will help with clarity, stress relief, and
support your mental health.
Building resilience not only helps in managing anxiety,
(09:52):
but also enhances overall preparedness.
Lastly, maintaining a positive outlook is vital for
reducing prepper anxiety.
Focus on the positives and the progress made
in your journey.
Not toxic positivity that offers platitudes without allowing
you to feel genuine emotions and learn how
to deal with them.
Surround yourself with positivity through supportive networks and
(10:14):
uplifting media if you feel overwhelmed by negative
news.
Don't go down prepper rabbit holes that may
induce more fear or feelings of inadequacy.
Practice gratitude for the progress you've made, the
stash you've built, and the knowledge you have.
Breathe, give yourself grace, and give yourself some
credit as you continue along your prepping path.
(10:37):
It all matters and it all makes a
difference.
Believe that.
Take it easy and be safe out there.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.
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