Survival Guide To Living In Rural Areas | The Odyssey Online
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Health and Wellness

Survival Guide To Living In Rural Areas

It's the middle of nowhere versus you.

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Survival Guide To Living In Rural Areas
Huffington Post

Not all of us grew up with the luxury of having everything we needed in walking distance. We all didn't live in areas where going to the store meant around the block. We couldn't simply stroll over two streets and be at a pharmacy or pizza place. Living in a rural area may sound like a magical quiet paradise if you're one who enjoys being surrounded by copious amounts of trees and nothing but the sound of bugs and birds as your ambiance. If all of the above sounds like the place you called home, here are my tips to surviving it.

1. CARS, CARS, CARS

To get basically anywhere whether it be to get food, buy groceries, pick up medicine, whatever humans need, you will not be able to survive without one of these bad boys. Whether you have one of your own or have amazing friends who aren't too far to come kidnap you back to civilization, these are a must have. I know gas, insurance, maintenance is expensive but trust me you'll need to invest in one of these if you want to get anywhere.

2. ANIMAL ACCEPTANCE/PREVENTION

Animals. They're going to be everywhere. Depending where you are, the species will vary but regardless of what type of creature you're up against, it's best to know what's around you. For example, if you're like me and grew up in the mountains, bears are a normal sight. Make sure you're stocked with insect repellent because those little pieces of crap will be around a lot as well. Once you've accepted that you're going to be living amongst the wildlife, your time in the middle of nowhere might become a tad more bearable. (Pun intended.)

3. TAKE UP PHOTOGRAPHY

Since you're going to be surrounded by nature you might as well begin to appreciate the beauty around you. Step outside and take a look around you because while you'd much rather be in an area where there are actually people and not Narnia, chances are it will make a pretty rad photography shoot. If you're not that artsy, that's totally cool and you don't have to do this on the regular. It is, however, a neat way to pass the time.

4. USE YOUR TERRAIN FOR WORKOUTS.

I know what you're thinking, working out is annoying and hard and most of the time seems like the last thing you want to do. If you live in a rural area, though, a good use of the terrain could be jogging, riding your bike or simply taking your dog for a walk. Odds are you're in some random community with paths all leading back to the entrance so there are tons of roads that're all connected.

5. UNDERSTANDING POOR RECEPTION

Cell phone service is basically nonexistent. The best way to deal with this is to get your own private cell phone tower or a device that enhances your signal. You can also find out what provider is closest to you and consider switching to that particular one. Overall this is going to suck and you're going to have a difficult time speaking on your cell. Another good way would be to have a house phone, although these are becoming less and less frequent.

6. BECOME A PRO AT GIVING DIRECTIONS

Explaining to anyone how to find your house will become a difficult task that after a short amount of time you will or must master. When they get closer to your home that oh so reliable cell service will shortly decrease and your visitor will no longer be able to use their GPS to find you. Know where they're heading from and it's best to text them directions from the point of your area that sucks all the service.

It's not ideal to most and you'll find yourself cursing at the open air and nature and becoming very frustrated. Follow these tips and your time living far away from more humans will be an easier experience.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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