Originally posted by Draconifors:

Three basic things to keep you alive (plus obvious things like don't get hit too much or fall off cliffs):
- Keep your HP and stamina up with food
- Always be aware of what is around you; some dangers can be sneaky or sudden
- Don't overestimate yourself, or underestimate enemies or even the land itself (Very hard when starting out.)

Other helpful things:
-Always have the "Well Rested" bonus on. Helps with health and stamina regeneration, it also has a hidden exp bonus as well
-Being cold (at night) hurts regen, better to be warm and around the base at night, especially in the early game
-Same with wet, drop a fire and rest a bit to get dry and reset Well Rested if possible