Best Ways To Survive A Winter Power Outage

March 21, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

This has been a pretty crazy winter and it’s not over yet. I’ve seen more snow and freezing temperatures this year than I personally have seen in at least 16 years. Unfortunately, I’ve also seen or heard about more power outages as well. With those, there are deaths nearly every time due to lack of emergency preparedness.

staying warm in a power outage in winter in a life or death situation that you must be prepared for to be sure to save your life and your familys life.

Winter power outages can be a challenging and uncomfortable experience, especially when temperatures drop to freezing or below. Without electricity, heating systems, and other essential appliances, it can be challenging to stay warm and safe.

However, there are several ways to stay warm during a winter power outage. By taking some simple measures and being prepared, you can keep yourself and your loved ones warm and comfortable until power is restored. In some cases, this could mean the difference in life or death.

In this article, we will discuss five effective ways to stay warm during a winter power outage, so you can be prepared and stay safe in case of an emergency.

Layer up: Wear several layers of warm clothing, including thermal underwear, socks, sweaters, gloves, and a winter jacket. Cover your head with a hat, wear gloves, and wrap a scarf around your neck to prevent heat loss.
Use blankets and sleeping bags: Cover yourself with blankets or a sleeping bag to keep warm. Place blankets over windows and doorways to prevent drafts and keep heat inside the room. You can also use heated mats, as long as you’ve already charged them up or have a generator that you can plug them into.
Use a fireplace or wood stove: If you have a fireplace or wood stove, use it to keep your home warm. Burning wood generates heat that can keep you warm, and it can also provide light.
Use alternative heating sources: If you don’t have a fireplace or wood stove, consider using alternative heating sources such as propane or kerosene heaters. However, use these heaters with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Stay active: Physical activity can help you generate body heat and stay warm. Do simple exercises such as jumping jacks or push-ups, or walk around the house to get your blood flowing. You can also engage in other activities such as reading or playing board games to take your mind off the cold.
Camp out Indoors: If you can’t get your hands on a generator or heater, consider camping out inside your home. A tent and sleeping bags can help keep you and any family members warm and safe, particularly through the night when temperatures tend to drop.

Hypothermia can be a concern at any age, but particularly for young children and older adults, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dress in loose layers, as opposed to one heavy layer, and make sure to stay dry. Even sweat from exercising can raise your risk of developing hypothermia.

In conclusion, staying warm during a winter power outage is crucial for your health and safety. By following the tips we have outlined in this article, you can keep yourself and your family warm and comfortable until the power is restored.

Additionally, make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, such as extra blankets, batteries, flashlights, and a first-aid kit. Being prepared and taking necessary precautions can help you weather the storm and stay safe during a winter power outage.

Here are a few other ways to stay warm during a power outage, especially when the temperature drops to 19 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Here are some additional tips:

Stay in one room: Try to stay in one room, preferably a small one, to conserve heat. Close the doors and use draft stoppers to prevent cold air from entering the room. You can also use a tent to keep that air warm.
Use hot water bottles: Fill hot water bottles with warm water from your hot water heater and place them in your bed or on your lap to stay warm. You can also wrap them in a towel or a blanket to prevent burns.
Use hand warmers: Hand warmers are small packets that generate heat when activated. You can place them in your pockets, gloves, or socks to keep your hands and feet warm.
Use a generator: If you have a generator, use it to power essential appliances such as heaters, electric blankets, and hot water heaters. However, use it with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Use a car battery: You can also use a car battery to power small appliances, such as a portable heater or a fan. However, be sure to use the correct adapter and follow safety precautions.

Remember, it’s important to stay warm and safe during a power outage, especially in very low temperatures. Keep yourself well-hydrated, eat warm and hearty meals, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can cause dehydration and make you feel colder. Stay alert for signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, and slurred speech, and seek medical attention if necessary.

The number of people who die of exposure during a power outage can vary depending on several factors, such as the temperature, the duration of the outage, and the availability of emergency services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 1999 to 2011, there were 16,911 deaths in the United States attributed to exposure to excessive natural cold. However, this number includes all deaths related to exposure to cold, not just those related to power outages.

It’s important to remember that exposure to extreme cold can be a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, infants, and people with chronic medical conditions. If you are experiencing a power outage during cold weather, take steps to stay warm and safe, such as those outlined in our previous answer. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hypothermia, seek medical attention immediately.

Experiencing anxiety about freezing to death during a power outage is a common fear, especially if you live in an area with cold temperatures. Here are some tips that may help relieve your anxiety:

Be prepared: Having a plan in place for a power outage can help alleviate anxiety. Make sure you have emergency supplies on hand, such as blankets, extra clothing, flashlights, and batteries. Having these supplies can help you feel more in control and prepared for a power outage.
Stay informed: Stay informed about the weather and power outage updates from local authorities. Knowing what to expect can help you plan and reduce anxiety.
Practice relaxation techniques: When you start to feel anxious, take deep breaths, and practice relaxation techniques and natural healing such as meditation or yoga. These techniques can help reduce stress and promote feelings of calm.
Talk to someone: Talking to someone about your anxiety can be helpful. Consider speaking with a trusted friend or family member, a therapist, or a counselor. They can provide you with support and help you develop coping strategies.
Focus on the present: Try not to focus too much on the worst-case scenario. Instead, focus on the present moment and the things you can control. This can help you feel more grounded and less anxious.

Remember, feeling anxious about a power outage is understandable, but taking steps to prepare and stay informed can help alleviate anxiety.

NOTE:

Never use a generator indoors or within 20 feet of your house.
Have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every floor.
If you use your car to stay warm or charge devices, make sure it’s outside the garage.
Never use a device (such as an oven) to produce heat unless that’s its intended purpose.
Indoor portable heaters should have an automatic shutoff switch in case they tip over.

Ways to Practice Much Needed Self-Care

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

When being prepared for an emergency it is vital that you include preparing your mental self as well. There are ways to practice self-care, so you are fully prepared for any survival situation.

Putting focus on our own needs doesn’t always come easily, which can make the practice of self-care feel more elusive than it really should be.

Identify Judgment

What’s your relationship with your body? Do you judge yourself for being too fat, too thin, too old? Do you judge your sexual orientation, or your race, or your passions and abilities? Do you judge your emotions, tears, kindness, or need to do less or spend time alone?

All forms of judgment prove that the person who is judging has a sense of inadequacy or unworthiness, which makes it impossible to truly love yourself or others. Taking a stand for your needs is vital, especially when life or other people get in the way.

Ask yourself where this judgment comes from? What were you told when you was young, and who said them to you? What behaviors and beliefs have they led to? And are these behaviors helping you feel joyful and alive and allowing you to do your best in all things?

Set Structures

Once you’re aware of how you’re harming yourself, it’s time to put healthy self-care practices in place. Now is the time to remove those beliefs that cause you to be judgmental, then exchange them for new healthy beliefs that help you become your best self.

Removing those sources might mean letting go of toxic people in your life, reduce watching the news or social media stories that are negative or hurtful to yourself or others. It also means that you have a zero tolerance with that voice in your head which spews negative judgmental stories.

Paying attention to those positive things that help you and encourage you through out your day. Some of these might be the number of hours of sleep you get, how much exercise you get or the quality of food you eat. It could also be spending time with friends and loved ones, doing something creative, or taking regular breaks throughout your day. If it gives you a sense of peace and joy then you’re on the right path.

Staying on Top

We might have full intentions of staying on this path to thriving, but life will always present new challenges that will throw us off. Some days it may not be possible to follow your strategy of peace and happiness, so how do we continue this plan of action, so we can face the struggles that life present? One of my favorite strategies is the “IF – THEN” plan. This highly effective practice will keep you on track.

An example is: You are always saying yes to everyone that asks for financial help, even though you can’t really afford to and often it hurts your bank account and sometimes your credit score. With the “IF-THEN” plan you can have a response planned out, so you don’t cause emotional and financial chaos the next time this happens. Such as, If they has for help, Then I will smile and let them know I can’t assist them at this time. Having this practiced will help you to reduce the thoughts of, “Will they hate me?”, “I have to say yes” or “I can’t say no”.

Of course there will be unpredictable stressors that will happen as well. To be prepared, take a moment to think about your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energy about that situation. You’ll know if it doesn’t feel positive or joyful. If you don’t, pay attention to your sleep, food, fun and fresh air. Do you need more sleep, healthier food, to have more fun, or indulge in some fresh air? Do you need distance from your inner chatter or critic?

You must be committed to nurture yourself, providing the self-care that you so desperately need and your quality of life will improve.

Thank you for reading my blog on the Ways to Practice Much Needed Self-Care. Dragoyle wishes you a high quality of life with much joy, peace and love. If you liked this blog, please comment below and I’ll give you 10% OFF your next order at dragoyle.com

What A Beginner Needs To Know About Raising Chickens

March 11, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

Raising chickens can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. However, with the current prices of eggs at the supermarket many people are now turning to raising their own chickens, so they have fresh eggs without paying the high egg rates at the store.

There are several reasons why you may choose to raise chickens for eggs rather than buying them at the store:

Freshness and Quality: Freshly laid eggs have a different taste, texture, and nutritional value than store-bought eggs. Home-raised eggs are usually richer, more flavorful, and more nutritious.
Control over the chickens’ diet: When you raise your own chickens, you have control over what they eat, which directly affects the quality of their eggs. You can choose to feed your chickens organic or non-GMO feed, for example, and you’ll know exactly what they’re consuming.
Better for the environment: Raising chickens in your own backyard can be more environmentally friendly than buying eggs from large-scale commercial operations. You can reduce waste by composting the chicken manure and using it as fertilizer for your garden, and you’ll have less packaging waste from egg cartons.
Sense of accomplishment: Raising chickens can be a fulfilling hobby and a great source of pride. You’ll have the satisfaction of producing your own food and knowing where it comes from.
Reduced cost: Although there is an initial cost associated with setting up a coop and buying chickens, raising your own chickens can actually be more cost-effective in the long run. You’ll save money on eggs, and you may also be able to sell surplus eggs to friends, family, or neighbors.

Overall, raising chickens for eggs offers many benefits that go beyond simply providing fresh eggs. Whether you’re looking to save money, produce your own food, or simply enjoy a new hobby, raising chickens can be a great choice.

Here are some important things to consider when starting out:

Choose the right breed: Different breeds of chickens have different temperaments, egg-laying abilities, and hardiness. Consider what you want from your chickens (such as meat, eggs, or companionship) and choose breeds that fit those needs.
Housing: Chickens need a safe and secure place to live, known as a coop. Your coop should be large enough for the number of chickens you have, and provide adequate ventilation, protection from predators, and a roosting area.
Feed and water: Chickens need a balanced diet of feed, water, and occasional treats. Make sure they have access to clean water at all times, and feed them a commercial chicken feed that provides all the necessary nutrients.
Health and safety: Keep your chickens healthy by monitoring their behavior, looking for signs of illness, and regularly cleaning their coop. Chickens are also at risk from predators, so make sure their housing is secure and protect them from outdoor hazards.
Laws and regulations: There may be local laws and regulations regarding the keeping of chickens, so be sure to check with your city or county government before setting up your coop.
Patience and commitment: Raising chickens requires time, patience, and a commitment to their care. Regular tasks include feeding, watering, collecting eggs, and cleaning the coop.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to successfully raising happy and healthy chickens.

The Truth About Sleeping Bags

March 1, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

Sleeping bags are an essential item for anyone who enjoys camping or spending time outdoors. They provide a warm and comfortable place to sleep, even in the most rugged and remote locations. A sleeping bag is essentially a large, insulated bag that zips up around a person, creating a warm and cozy cocoon to sleep in.

One of the most important considerations when choosing a sleeping bag is the temperature rating. Sleeping bags are typically rated for their ability to keep a person warm in various temperature ranges, ranging from summer bags that are rated for mild temperatures, to winter bags that can keep a person warm in sub-zero temperatures. It is important to choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the weather conditions you will be facing, as being too cold or too hot can greatly impact the quality of your sleep.

down is soft fluffy feathers that often are placed in sleeping bags to keep a person warm and comfortable

Another important consideration when choosing a sleeping bag is the type of insulation used. There are two main types of insulation used in sleeping bags: down and synthetic. Down insulation is made from the soft, fluffy feathers found under the outer feathers of ducks and geese. It is lightweight and compressible, making it ideal for backpacking trips where space and weight are a concern. However, down insulation can be expensive, and it loses its insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulation, on the other hand, is made from polyester fibers that are designed to mimic the insulating properties of down. It is less expensive than down insulation, and it retains its insulating properties even when wet. However, synthetic insulation is typically heavier and bulkier than down insulation.

The shape of a sleeping bag is another important consideration. Sleeping bags come in a variety of shapes, including rectangular, semi-rectangular, mummy, and double. Rectangular sleeping bags are the most spacious and comfortable, but they are also the least efficient at retaining heat. Semi-rectangular bags are slightly more tapered than rectangular bags, providing a better balance between comfort and warmth. Mummy bags are the most efficient at retaining heat, as they are designed to fit snugly around a person’s body, but they can be restrictive and uncomfortable for some people. Double bags are designed for two people to sleep in, providing ample space for couples or families.

Other factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag include the size and weight, the type of fabric used for the shell and lining, and any additional features such as pockets, hoods, or draft collars. It is also important to consider the type of camping you will be doing, as different sleeping bags may be more appropriate for car camping versus backpacking.

In conclusion, sleeping bags are a crucial piece of camping gear that can greatly impact the quality of your sleep while outdoors. When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider factors such as temperature rating, insulation type, shape, size and weight, fabric, and additional features. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a sleeping bag that will keep you warm and comfortable no matter where your outdoor adventures take you.

Hope you enjoyed this article about sleeping bags. Feel free to comment and enjoy 10% OFF your first order at dragoyle.com

Eggs Are Expensive, Should I Use Potatoes?

February 26, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

While using potatoes as a substitute for Easter eggs may be an interesting idea, there are a few reasons why it may not be the most practical solution.

Firstly, potatoes are not as durable as eggs, which are specifically designed to withstand being boiled and decorated. If you try to boil a potato for an extended period of time, it may become soft and fall apart.

Easter egg potatoes. Not a good idea to replace expensive eggs for easter

Additionally, decorating a potato in the same way as an egg may not be as easy or as visually appealing. Eggs have a smooth surface that takes well to dyes and paints, whereas potatoes have a rougher surface that may not take color as well.

Finally, while potatoes may be cheaper than eggs in some regions or at certain times of the year, they are still a food item that needs to be cooked and consumed. If you use potatoes for Easter egg decorating, you may be sacrificing food that could have been used for sustenance.

In conclusion, while using potatoes as a substitute for Easter eggs may be an interesting experiment, it may not be the most practical or visually appealing solution. It may be more cost-effective to shop around for less expensive eggs or to consider alternative, non-food-based decorations.

Visit Dragoyle.com for more fun blogs!

How to survive an avalanche

February 20, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

Here at Dragoyle.com we love being outside and in the mountains. We previously posted about sledding down mountain trails safely, but what if you triggered an avalanche while sledding?

An avalanche is when snow or ice slides down a mountain and buries you in its fast approaching path. If you get caught in an avalanche, your best chance of survival is to stay calm and wait for rescue workers to arrive on the scene.

Stay calm

The most important thing to do is stay calm and stay put. If you can’t get out of the way, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Obviously just staying away from the avalanche’s path is preferred. Sometimes you can’t tell where an avalanche might be at. It may not look like it at first, but after an hour or two it could become a nightmare of crevasses and rockslides as snowmelt turns into ice when temperatures start dropping below freezing.

Check the air

If you are caught in an avalanche and was able to survive. You should then look for signs of life around you. There might have been others there weren’t so lucky. If you find someone first check for a pulse, breathing and movement. If you find someone who is alive, make sure they are able to move their arms and legs without difficulty before looking for someone else.

If there’s another person nearby, ask if they’re okay; if so then try to get them out as soon as possible. If there isn’t anyone else around you’ll need to keep yourself warm by using your clothing or sheltering under a rock until help arrives, but be aware this could take hours depending on how far down the slope your avalanche was triggered from.

Look up, down and sideways to see if anyone else is buried.

Looking for someone buried in an avalanche is one of the most important things to do when you’re out skiing or snowboarding. It’s also one of the hardest things to do, because it requires that you look at everything around you while also trying to assess what exactly has happened, where it has happened and if it is safe to move forward.

If someone else is buried in an avalanche: Look up! Look down! Look sideways. It doesn’t matter how big or small they are—you want to make sure there isn’t another person under all that snow before moving on with your search for help!

Signal for help or call 911

You need to call or help, most of the time in an avalanche situation you won’t have cellphone service and will need a long distance walkie talkie to contact someone. Be sure and be prepared before an emergency happens and set your walkie talkie to the same channel as the emergency service in your area.

If you can’t signal for help or call 911, use your voice to try and get someone’s attention. If that fails, use a flashlight to signal them in the direction of your location.

If all else fails and there is still no sign of life from anyone outside of where they were skiing (or snowboarding), then it might be time to consider making a break for it on foot—but only if there are no signs of avalanches in the path ahead!

Do not try to dig yourself out of the snow.

If you are buried in snow, do not try to dig yourself out. Digging yourself out could be dangerous and may cause further injury or death. In addition, if there is a chance that your shovel did not penetrate all the way through when it hit something solid (such as another person), then digging will only make things worse!

If you are buried under a large amount of snow and debris, staying calm is essential for survival because being able to think clearly will help keep panic at bay while waiting for rescue workers or others who might help find people who have been trapped by avalanches in mountains throughout the world!

Don’t try to dig yourself out of the snow or move around on your own; this could cause more harm than good. Instead, stay still and wait until help arrives.

If there are no rescuers nearby, then it’s time to start thinking about how best to get out of this situation without causing any further damage or injury—or even death! Before attempting anything else (including standing up), make sure that all of your basic functions are intact: Breathing is vital; so too is blood flow throughout all major organs (heart beating strong). Finally, make sure that none of these organs are damaged beyond repair; if so then obviously stop trying anything else right away!

Once rescuers arrive tell them all the information you can about your injuries and about anyone else you know of that might have been involved in the avalanche as well. Then let the rescuers take over and rescue.

If you have any questions contact us at support@dragoyle.com or visit dragoyle.com for more blogs, thriving tips and survival hints.

10 Healthy Ways To Deal With Stress

February 18, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

Stress has been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes and may other life threating health issues. Dragoyle is a huge believer in thriving in life. You can’t do that with a ton of stress. Stress puts you in survivor mode, lets learn to survive, so you can Thrive with 10 healthy ways to deal with stress.

Stress creeps up as you’re surviving life, growing your business while also trying to manage the day-to-day. Stress can be a powerful motivator, but what happens when it’s not delt with?

High levels of stress can impact sleep and lead to more serious mental health issues. Learning how to deal with stress is an important skill for every entrepreneur.

What causes stress?

Stress is a reaction in the body causing a “fight or flight,” response, which is the primary function of stress. When your brain senses danger, it produces a physical and emotional response to safeguard the body.

Sometimes our fight-or-flight response activates when we aren’t in real danger which is what causes physical signs like increased heart rate, dizziness and faster breathing.

Stressors can be split into two types:

External stressors. These are situations usually out of your control and forced by your environment and by different changes occurring in your life.
Internal stressors. These include thoughts or behaviors and habits usually that you can control, like your daily schedule or sleeping patterns.

How stress affects you mentally and physically

Mother works on a laptop at the table looking stressed while kids run around behind her

Small amounts of stress can be motivational and even empowering. This type of stress, referred to as acute stress, is generally not worrisome.

An external stressor may be a fast-approaching vehicle, about to hit your car. A stress response may be triggered, heightening your senses and providing a boost of energy needed to quickly maneuver out of the way.

The Yerkes-Dodson law states that managed levels of stress can actually lead to increased work performance, interest in your hobbies, family and friends, as well as, a longer attention span on normal life tasks.

Chart demonstrating the Yerkes-Dodson theory — *Harvard Business Review*

The effects of too much “bad” stress

Humans are not designed to live in a constant state of high stress.

Chronic stress, often referred to as “bad stress,” can happen as a result of sustained exposure to a toxic workplace environment, an abusive relationship or financial problems.

Chronic stress can painfully impact one’s life physically, spiritually and mentally. Studies have shown that continuous stress can wreak havoc on the body’s immune system, cause depression and damage organs. Those who don’t find healthy ways to deal with your stress may also see an impact on mental health—prolonged stress can lead to depression and anxiety.

9 healthy ways to deal with stress

Understanding how to use stress to your advantage is a skill that you can master over time. You can become an expert at having healthy relationships, good time management and to use good stress as an energy boost during an emergency. But this relies on keeping bad stress at bay. Here’s how to manage stress using daily habits and making adjustments to your mindset.

1. Prioritize what’s important

A family with children lay together and giggle

Stress often results from having too many demands that divide your attention. Prioritize these demands, then tackle them one at a time in the order that both meets your goals, is most important and brings a feeling of accomplishment.

When prioritizing tasks, ask yourself two questions:

What is the importance of this task? Does it help me meet my personal and professional goals? Is it in line with my personal values? Does it contribute to my overall health and wellbeing?
How urgent is it? Will putting of this task have negative consequences for myself or others at work or at home?

The answer to these questions will help you organize your demands into four categories. Write out the list below and put our demands into the correct section.

A chart demonstrates the 4 quadrants of the Eisenhower matrix

Using this framework can help you sort out your to-do list and focus on what matters most to you, while ignoring, delegating, or outright deleting the rest.

2. Learn to say no

For many, say no can be challenging. Overcommitting can lead to unhappiness and unfulfilled promises, as stress creeps in and your schedule gets crazier. Learn to say no carefully and thoughtfully to save space to focus on the promises made that are more meaningful to you and the people around you.

3. Get physical

Two people jog together in a city setting

The thought of adding exercise to your schedule shouldn’t cause even more stress. That’s why it’s important to pick a workout that you enjoy. Activities as simple as walking the dog or doing 15 minutes of desk yoga can have a positive impact.

Most people know that getting some exercise can have positive impacts on your mental and spiritual health which is linked to lowering stress levels and improving your overall health.

4. Take time to relax

Technology is great, but causes stress when you’re forced to juggle multiple projects, stay in touch with friends and family, and manage, not only your life, but your work from your phone. These days the world expects an instant reply, dependency on technology could be causing increased stress.

💡 Tips:

Turn off non-essential phone notifications
Try a meditation app to de-clutter your mind for short burst of time
Disconnect from devices and meet friends in person

5. Automate and delegate

Most people can find it hard to relinquish control, especially those who are independent. Learning to outsource can free up time to focus on what matters. Once you’ve organized your tasks and stressors the urgent–not important category is a great place to pass some of your duties down to others.

Automation involves using tools to complete simple tasks. This can be anything from an automatic watering system to a social scheduling calendar that post regularly for you.

Outsourcing can mean hiring a virtual assistant to manage personal tasks, or hire a house cleaner, dog poop cleanup company or yard service.

6. Breathe deeply

An older woman does yoga breathing exercises in a park

Science has explored the link between deep breathing and stress response. As deep breathing expands your lungs and “encourages full oxygen exchange,” it helps to slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure.

Deep breathing can be added to your daily schedule for 20 minutes, two times a day. If you prefer a guided approach, try a meditation app or group yoga class that focuses on breath and mindfulness. My favorite app is Insite Timer, I’ve been using it for years with great success and it’s free.

7. Practice self-awareness and know your limits

Your body is constantly sending you warning signs or physical symptoms when your body is overwhelmed with toxic stress. Back pain, stomach issues, or headaches may show up as direct reactions to chronic stress. Pay attention to your body. Do not ignore these stressors as they can lead to more serious health issues.

8. Engage in meaningful pursuits

A person with tattoos doodles on a tablet

If When your job or home stress is piling up, take a minute to seek activities that stimulate your brain, encourages imagination, works muscles that aren’t normally used or something that always puts a smile on your face.

Creative activities can actually lower cortisol levels, a hormone that is noted as a marker of stress. If your regular schedule is in front of a digital screen, spend your free time disconnecting and try a hands-on activity that works out a new part of your brain.

9. Ask for help

Sometimes stress can reach a level that is beyond personal intervention. When it becomes impossible for you to use the techniques described here, reach out to a friend or family member, join a support group, or call a professional mental health expert. If you feel overwhelmed, isolation can make your stress levels even worst, don’t wait and reach out. Even if you don’t want to.

Manage stress for mental and physical health

By adding a few of these stress management techniques to your daily routine can help reduce your stress and improve the symptoms that chronic stress causes.

10. If these stress management techniques are too difficult or you just don’t have time for them, you might consider CtrlStress.

With Ctrlstress, you’ll have the tools you need to manage your stress no matter where you are or what you’re doing. Imagine feeling calm, focused, and in control no matter what life throws your way. You’ll be able to handle any situation with ease, knowing that you have the power to manage your stress and maintain your composure

The best part? Ctrlstress is easy to learn and quick to apply. With just a few minutes of practice each day, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the skill and taking control of your stress. And, unlike other stress management techniques, Ctrlstress doesn’t just treat the symptoms. With repeated use, it will actually lessen your body’s response to stressful situations, making you more resilient in the face of adversity.

The benefits of Ctrlstress don’t stop there. Imagine how your life will change when you’re no longer bogged down by stress and anxiety. You’ll have more energy, more focus, and more time to enjoy the things you love. You’ll be able to excel in your career, build stronger relationships, and achieve your goals with ease.

Presented by Dragoyle LLC
dragoyle.com

How To Survive Everything Apocalyptic, Part 3

February 5, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

How To Survive Everything Apocalyptic, Part 3

In How to survive everything apocalyptical, part 2 we talked about how important it is to watch the economy and the products and services that are offered, so you can create win-win trades to increase the chances of your community to start to thrive.

In economics, there are two main divisions to consider: microeconomics (micro) and macroeconomics (macro).

When we look at individual actions and choices, or the decisions made by companies, we are looking at the micro side of things.
Policies or data that apply to the economy as a whole rather than to an individual or company, are the realm of macro.

When we hear news of the unemployment rate of a country, the growth rate of developing nations or information from the latest Federal Reserve Board meetings, the discussion has turned to macro.

Economics is the study of how individuals (at the micro level) and societies (at the macro level) can use their limited available resources to deal with the problem of the constant wants.

Even if you view yourself as a minimalist, there are still items you would like to acquire for yourself. Maybe you don’t envision yourself with a Porsche or Maserati, but there is always something that you want which is in short supply.

Clean water, perhaps? Whenever we have a situation where there isn’t enough to go around, so that everyone has as much as they want, economists say there is scarcity. There are a several ways to deal with scarcity.

Essentially, these revolve around the idea of how goods and services should be distributed among the people in the community. Decisions are made to guide societies in answering three key questions:

What to produce
How to produce it
For whom are those things being produced for.

The way a community chooses to answer these questions will have a significant impact on the quality of life of the people who live in that community. At one end we have a free market economy. The three questions of what, how, and for whom, are decided by individuals with no intrusion from the government.

1. What to produce: If you want to start up a hamburger stand because you see a hole in the market, you do it. How you make the hamburgers is up to you. If you want to buy all your meat and produce with in your community, that’s your choice. If you want to press your hamburgers in a waffle iron, that is your choice. If you want to spread peanut butter on your hamburger buns, that is also your choice. Whom you market to is also up to you. Everything is up to you, if you succeed, you are rewarded by increased profits.

The flip side of that is if you make bad decisions (peanut butter hamburgers?), you also have to face the losses resulting from your poor choices. This is not a comfortable easy kind of economic system. It is a dog-eat-dog world and you’re wearing bacon underwear.

2. How to produce it: Success is not guaranteed no matter how much work you put in. However, the anticipation of financial gains or being your own boss motivates many people to give it a try, even though the fear of losses can create caution.

On the other end is a command economy. In a command system the questions of what, how, and for whom are answered by the government. People aren’t free to choose what they want to produce, how or for whom. If you want to be a doctor, but the government decides you will be a gymnastics coach, you’d better learn that front handspring. The biggest problem with the command system is that it doesn’t respond very fast when things go wrong. The chain of command is the person that is controlling the economy and it slows down production.

In a market economy, if you work in a wood factory and the saw that cuts the wood needs a new blade, you can order a replacement from your supplier.

In a command economy, you notify the boss and he starts filling out the paperwork to request a saw blade from the government approved saw blade shop. Now you get to wait for permission to acquire that blade. That paperwork is sitting on the desk of some bureaucrat’s office. Government, can’t act quickly enough to effectively deal with all of your communities problems, in timely manner.

3. For whom are those things being produced for: Every economy combines individual freedom and government control in varying amounts. In market leaning economies, governments frequently step in to regulate businesses. In the US, for instance, you aren’t supposed to sell alcohol to consumers unless they are 21 or over. In command-leaning economies, there are exceptions to total government control.

Economic systems help to create the ways communities organize and allocate resources to reach certain goals. Market systems give these decisions to the individuals guided by market forces, while command systems are more carefully coordinated by government officials.

At the macro level, attention is often concentrated on three areas – price stability, low unemployment, and economic growth. Achieving this trifecta is referred to as economic stability. When economists consider economic growth the only real consensus is that the community all wants economic stability.

Thank you for reading about the third part of How to Survive Everything Apocalyptic. If you are in need of survival or prepping gear, feel free to check out our Prepping & Survival collection.

Top 10 Doomsday Preppers Supplies

January 30, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

It is essential to have the proper doomsday prepping gear to keep you and your family safe for disaster and emergency situations.

Doomsday preppers have become increasingly popular in recent years and with good reason. Natural disasters, civil unrest and pandemics are all becoming more frequent, it’s become urgent to take the necessary steps to prepare for a worst-case scenario with a prepper gear list.

To help you get started, here are the top 10 doomsday preppers supplies you should have in your arsenal.

1. Water: Water is essential for survival, it’s important to have an ample supply for drinking, cooking and sanitation. Your water should be stored in large containers for long-term use, I use 50 Gallon containers. Water purification tablets and filters are also essential for making sure the water is safe to drink. If you run out of water, you’ll need a few different ways to create clean drinking water, such as water filter straws or gravity fed water filtration systems. Another way to have a fresh water supply is to build an air fountain system, which pulls water out of air and provide fresh drinking water daily.

2. Non-perishable food: Non-perishable food prep for emergency items are essential for survival. Be sure to stock up on grains, canned, freeze-dried and dried foods. They are the best options for long-term storage with a long shelf life. Having your own Freeze Dryer is a great way to go. You can create wonderful meals now, freeze dry your left overs to put into storage for later.

3. Shelter: Shelter is key to surviving any extreme emergency situation. With tents, tarps and canopies you have a great way to stay safe and dry. Depending on the are you live in, you’ll need a different type of shelter. If you are in a desert, you’ll want a canopy or tarp to keep the sun off you and sleeping bags for the colder nights. In colder areas you’ll need an all weather tent to protect you from even the coldest of nights with below zero sleeping bags. At the very least, bring some paracord to help you create a shelter out of nearby brush and trees.

4. Warm clothing: In a doomsday scenario, it’s important to have adequate clothing to keep you warm, so you can layer up in the cold and layer down in the heat. Wool and synthetic materials are best for cold weather and cotton is best for extreme heat. Be sure to have a secondary set of clothing in a water proof dry bag, just incase everything gets wet. Having dry clothes to put on after being soaked can often save your life.

5. First Aid Kit: Having a well-stocked disaster first aid kit is a must for any doomsday prepper. It should include bandages, antiseptic, antibiotics, and other medical supplies. Don’t forget to include any prescription medication that you are taking. Having a protective waterproof pill container for those meds is important to keep them safe and secure.

6. Emergency Kit: You’ll also want to have an emergency prep kit around, there are many types to choose from, so be sure to find a doomsday prep kit that includes what is needed in your area and choose depending on your family size.

7. Backup Power Sources: The disaster prepper will need a backup power source such as solar lighting with USB to power other devices, solar panels with Portable Solar Generator Power Station, a solar or cranking style flashlight and radio (so you can keep up with any news and have light at night).

8. A Way To Make Fire: You’ll need to have a way to make fire to heat water and cook your food. Be sure to bring a fire building kit with magnesium metal rods and paraffin swabs to help you make a fire in any type of weather or conditions. Another fire making tool is the solar fire making device. In the case of a flood or sever weather, you’ll also want to make sure you have waterproof matches in your prepper survival kit. If you have propane in you stash, grab a Mini Cooker Burner to cook on the go.

9. Communication Devices: What if your phone is dead or the satellites are down? You’ll need to have a way to call for help or at least communicate with the rest of your group. If you do have your phone and the satellite is up, you’ll need to be able to keep the power on with a solar power bank or a cell phone self cranking device. Another great way to keep in communication is with a radio transceiver, a CB radio or long range 2-way walkie talkie.

10. Self-Defense: Of course firearms and ammunition is the best way to defend yourself from looters, scavengers and rapists, but if you don’t have access to guns, there are other essential preppers gear you can use. Our Wolf Ax and Shovel can be super useful building your emergency shelter, but also provide protection from dangerous animals and human scavengers. Buy a crossbow and practice now, you’ll want to be a good shot in a fast acting emergency. Be sure to also have a variety of good sharp survival knives for protection.

There are many other doomsday preppers supplies that you need to have, such as gas masks, vegetable seeds, duct tape and a ton more. However, this list of 10 doomsday preppers supplies is a great start.

Don't just survive, Thrive with Dragoyle LLC, we are here to help your life and survival get better so you are prepared for disaster, doomsday, emergencies and life in general

If you have any questions feel free to contact us or visit dragoyle.com

How to Safely Speed Sled Down Snowy Mountain Trails

January 20, 2023 / tbarkle68 / Leave a comment

Speed Sledding down a snowy mountain is one of my favorite winter activities, but you must be careful. I’ve been sledding down mountain trails for years now and there are some safety precautions that really need to be used.

Trina Dragoyle Owner snow sledding with a sped sled on a snowy mountain top

We had a group go up a few years ago, we hiked up 5 miles into a snowy steep mountain trail, it was wet and slippery, but we were stoked to get started on our downward speed sledding.

One of the sledder’s were flying down the mountain, but couldn’t turn a corner fast enough and went off the edge of a cliff falling about 30 feet into some trees below. She sliced up her arm, got knocked around with bruises and scratches, but gratefully she lived through the experience. It could have been much worse and even life threatening. She could have avoided that fall and the major injuries by following a few safety tips.

To safely speed sled down snowy mountain trails, you should follow these steps:

Make sure you have the right equipment, including a sled designed for high-speed downhill travel, a helmet, and other protective gear. A helmet is perfect, but I use a thick beanie. Thick layered gloves, such as a thinner pair of gloves that fit tight with a think warm pair on the outside. Warm wool socks, 2 pair. Thermals under pants with a thick over the pants layer to put on when you get to the top. (Don’t wear all these layers when you’re hiking, if you start sweating while hiking, be sure to stop and take off layers. You do NOT want to be sweating in cold weather.)
Choose a sledding trail that is appropriate for your skill level and experience. Avoid trails that are too steep or have obstacles or corners that could be dangerous at high speeds. Research the hiking trails around you, try a few smaller ones first until you can easily steer your sled.
Start slowly and cautiously, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the trail and your sled.
Keep your body in a low, streamlined position, and use your legs and arms to control your speed and direction.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and avoid sledding near other people or in areas with steep drops, cliffs or other hazards.
If you lose control of your sled, try to steer it back on course, but if you can’t jump off the sled and walk away from a potentially fatal accident.
Always sled with a buddy or a group, and make sure someone knows where you are going and when you plan to return.
Be prepared for the cold weather, and dress appropriately in layers to stay warm. Bring a backpack with extra layers and emergency supplies with a first aid kit. Make sure your phone is fully charged.

beautiful mountain with snow sledders having fun

It’s difficult to find the right speed sled, most retail stores don’t sell the correct type of sled for these types of trails and the few that I found weren’t strong and would be a hazard in a strong slope. You’ll probably need to find your snow sled online.

Sledding down a mountain is rewarding, exhilarating and beyond fun!