BLOG | Nature as a crisis preparedness masterclass
Have you ever wondered how animals and plants cope with harsh conditions, such as the winter months? Bears go into hibernation, trees lose their leaves, and flowers wilt until spring arrives. It is not an accident; it is nature’s response to winter as a crisis. Similarly, we must learn to adapt and build resilience because crises will inevitably occur in our lives.
Squirrels stock up in autumn because they know winter is approaching. Some animals, such as flies and snow buntings, develop a denser winter coat or replace their summer coats with white ones to better hide in snowy conditions. Nature adapts exactly as it needs to; evolution has shaped animal and plant survival strategies for millions of years.
As humans, we adapt to different seasons. When winter arrives, we look for warmer clothes, eat more calorie-dense foods, and try to adjust to shorter days and colder weather. We Estonians are experts at seasonal adaptation because we have no choice. Our bodies adjust to temperature changes, our metabolism slows down to conserve heat, and our moods can fluctuate seasonally. Perhaps we can also consider the quieter period in winter as a kind of energy-saving mode, which can translate into a desire for more time alone or with loved ones.
Crises and resilience: what can nature teach us?
Adaptation also involves resilience, and thus crisis preparedness. Bears and hedgehogs do not hibernate simply because it is comfortable; it is necessary for survival. Without it, they would be unable to cope with the harsh winters, as food is more difficult to obtain and energy is expended in cold weather. Species have evolved to cope because changing seasons are a constant crisis that occurs repeatedly.
Similarly, as humans, we must develop resilience and crisis preparedness; unfortunately, one of the unavoidable realities of life is that we will be affected by various crises. Life brings difficult times, whether they are the dark winter months, personal difficulties, or significant societal changes. Reminiscence is ineffective, but wise adaptation can get us through the most difficult times.
Preparedness for crises is critical for both nature and humanity. Foraging for food, for example, is not something that only humans do; many animals do it instinctively. Similarly, humans accumulate resources, not only materially but also in the form of skills and knowledge.
Mental resilience and crisis skills
In psychology, we frequently discuss mental resilience, defined as a person’s ability to adapt to and recover from adversity. This is critical in today’s world, as times are difficult. However, the alternation of periods of instability and stability in geopolitics is as predictable as the seasons, so it is worth accepting it as an unavoidable reality. Relationships between countries, like seasons, are generally of a kind that the individual citizen cannot influence.
It is obvious, therefore, that in these times, it is most important to adapt, to consider what my abilities, skills, and resources are that will help me prepare for various types of crises. Crisis preparedness refers to having the knowledge and skills to deal with unexpected difficulties. It could be something as simple as knowing how to remain calm in a stressful situation, or something more practical like being able to cook without electricity or gas. Just like nature, humans must be resourceful and adaptable.
Nature as teacher
If we look closely, we can learn a lot from nature. When trees shed their leaves in the autumn, it is not destruction, but rather preparation for a new beginning. When rivers freeze, it does not mean that life stops below them; in the spring, the ice melts and the flow resumes. When animals hide in harsh conditions, it is not a sign of weakness, but rather of survival. When members of a specific species collaborate, they can solve complex problems in novel ways.
Nature teaches us that change and hardship are not always the end of the road, but rather an opportunity for new beginnings. Resilience and adaptability are more than just survival strategies; they are an inherent part of life. When we’re tired, we can take a cue from nature and rest. When faced with a challenge, we must be creative and seek solutions.
Just as spring always follows winter, there is always a new opportunity even in the most difficult times. Nature never gives up; it adapts, evolves, and finds a way forward. We have the ability to do the same. And if we are prepared – mentally, physically, and practically – our chances of emerging stronger from crises increase dramatically.
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