In the wake of a disaster like Hurricane Helene, things can feel pretty overwhelming. Drawing on some strategies from the game of Survivor can actually offer helpful lessons for getting through tough times and ensure you’re taking care of yourself along the way.

1. Manage Your Resources Wisely:
   In Survivor, contestants have to be careful with their resources—whether it’s food, water, or shelter—because they’re limited. In real life after a hurricane, the same idea applies. You might be dealing with limited power, clean water, or access to supplies. Prioritize what you have, ration where necessary, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Managing resources well can give you a sense of control, which is super important during uncertain times.
2. Lean on Your Community:
   Just like contestants form alliances on Survivor, in a crisis, your community can be your greatest strength. Neighbors, friends, and family can provide emotional support, a hot meal, or even a place to stay. This isn’t the time to go it alone. Asking for and offering help strengthens those relationships and creates a sense of unity, which is essential when things feel out of control.
3. Be Flexible and Adapt:
   On Survivor, nothing stays the same for long. Players have to constantly adapt to new challenges, and flexibility is key. After a hurricane, life might not get back to normal right away, and that’s okay. You might need to adjust your daily routines or even relocate temporarily. The more you can stay flexible and roll with the changes, the quicker you’ll find your footing again.
4. Think Ahead, Even While in Crisis:
   Contestants who do well on Survivor always have a long-term plan, even when they’re dealing with immediate challenges. In the aftermath of a hurricane, it’s important to not just focus on the short-term, like getting through the next few days, but also think ahead about rebuilding and recovery. This could mean filing insurance claims, applying for disaster assistance, or creating a plan to get your home or work life back in order. Strategic thinking can help you regain a sense of direction and hope for the future.
5. Take Care of Yourself Along the Way:
   In Survivor, those who last are the ones who take care of their mental and physical health. After a hurricane, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but making time for self-care is crucial. Whether it’s a few quiet moments for deep breathing, getting a good night’s sleep, or simply checking in with your emotions, taking care of yourself is key to avoiding burnout. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and self-care helps you stay strong through it.

Just like in Survivor, navigating through a disaster requires a balance between practical strategy and taking care of your well-being. The more you focus on both, the stronger you’ll be as you move through the challenges and toward recovery. And if you are not a Survivor viewer, you can always start NOW by binging past episodes on Parmount Plus as well as current episodes on Wednesday nights at 8PM EST.