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Hasan Harnett
Aug 4, 2023

Do Not Take Your Safety for Granted

How to Develop a Strong Safety Awareness Mindset


A young man overlooking the consequences of an unsafe world
A young man overlooking the consequences of an unsafe world

A lack of safety awareness can lead to severe consequences in an unsafe world. The truth is you never know who might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.


In the words of Winston Churchill, "Truth is incontrovertible, ignorance can deride it, panic may resent it, malice may destroy it, but there it is."


In this article, we will explore safety awareness while giving you practical tips to be a little safer in a dangerous world.


We will break safety awareness down into four main components for your review:

  1. Physical Safety

  2. Personal Safety and

  3. Mental Safety

  4. Emotional Safety

But before we discuss these items let’s talk about the world real quick.

 

The Consequences of an Unsafe World

You never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.
You never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.

The world can be a scary and dangerous place.


People are people, and everywhere you look, threats are lurking around every corner. Crime rates are either up or are trying to come down.


On average, 63% of all Americans fear bad things will happen to them or those they love.


No one is safe.

Even the most mundane tasks, like grocery shopping, can become dangerous.

 

Natural Disasters


Natural disasters are also becoming more frequent and devastating. Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes are leaving destruction in their wake, and people are struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath.


Here is dramatic video footage of natural disasters you may or may not have seen:


 

Best Acts of Kindness


With all this chaos and uncertainty, feeling overwhelmed and hopeless is easy. But even amid all the danger, there are still pockets of hope and kindness. People are coming together to support one another and make their communities safer. It's up to all of us to work together to create a better, more secure world for ourselves and future generations.


Here are some quick video footage of the best acts of kindness:

We hope you had an opportunity to watch some of the videos per the links above.

 

"Do-Not-Take-Your-Safety-for-Granted"

Do Not Take Your Safety for Granted Even in The Streets
Do Not Take Your Safety for Granted Even in The Streets

Safety Awareness


According to the Collins Dictionary:

  • Safety is defined as the state of being safe from harm or danger.

  • Awareness is being aware of something and knowing about it.

With this in mind, we will now break safety awareness down into four components (physical, personal, mental and emotional safety) in the real world.

 

Physical Safety


Physical safety refers to being free from harm or injury to one's body. It encompasses a variety of factors, such as protection from accidents, violence, and natural disasters.


You can implement physical safety through various measures, such as safety protocols, using safety equipment, and creating a safe and secure living space.

 
Five tips to improve your physical safety in your surroundings:

1. Be aware of your surroundings.

2. Keep your valuables out of sight.
3. Trust your instincts.

4. Stay alert and attentive.

5. Have a plan in case of an emergency.
 

In other words:


Take note of any unusual behavior or suspicious activity in the area and avoid it if possible.


If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in a particular situation, listen to your gut and remove yourself.


Avoid distractions like your phone or headphones when walking alone, and be aware of your surroundings.

Know the location of the nearest police station or hospital, and have emergency contacts readily available.


Your physical safety is paramount to your daily life. Whether you are at home, at work, or out in public, it is crucial that you feel safe and secure in your surroundings.


As a recap, keep your valuables close, trust your instincts, stay alert and attentive, and have a plan in case of an emergency.


Ensuring physical safety can help prevent accidents and injuries, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being.

 

Personal Safety


Personal safety refers to the measures and precautions to protect oneself from potential harm or danger. It encompasses many behaviors and practices, such as awareness of one's surroundings, avoiding risky situations or people, and learning self-defense techniques.


Personal safety is essential for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as everyone is vulnerable to threats to their well-being.

 
Here are five tips to improve your personal safety:

1. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

2. Carry a personal safety device, such as pepper spray or a whistle, and know how to use it.

3. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or high-risk areas, especially at night.

4. Stay connected with friends or family and tell them where you are and when you expect to return.

5. Take self-defense classes to learn practical protection skills in dangerous situations.
 

By taking proactive steps to stay safe, individuals can reduce their risk of experiencing harm and better protect themselves in potentially dangerous situations.


For instance, if you are unaware of your surroundings while walking on the street, you may become an easy target for muggers. Similarly, you may fall prey to identity theft or fraud if you are not cautious with your personal information. You must know your surroundings and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety.


Aside from physical and personal safety, feeling unsafe or vulnerable can impact your mental well-being, leading to stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns.

 

Mental Safety

According to the National Institute of Mental Health , mental illnesses are common in the United States. It is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021).


Your mental safety is essential for your well-being to handle stress, anxiety, and other challenges that life throws us.


Without mental safety, we can become overwhelmed and feel like drowning. So, taking care of our mental health and ensuring that we feel safe in our minds is crucial for living a happy, healthy life.

 
Here are five tips to feel safe and secure with your mental safety:

1. Practice self-care regularly, including exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.

2. Identify and manage sources of stress in your life, such as work or personal relationships.

3. Seek support from friends, family, or a mental health professional if needed.

4. Develop positive coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions, such as deep breathing, meditation, or journalism.

5. Set boundaries and prioritize your needs to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
 

Being aware of your online activities and their potential risks is crucial.


For example, if you are not careful with the people you associate with, you may end up in toxic relationships that can negatively impact your mental health. Likewise, if you are not mindful of your online activities, you may become a victim of cyberbullying, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.


If you are unfamiliar, cyberbullying is a severe issue that can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. By being mindful of your online behavior and protecting yourself, you can prevent cyberbullying and promote positive mental well-being.


Remember to stay safe both online and offline.

 

Emotional Safety


Emotional safety fosters healthy connections and creating a positive personal growth and development environment.


Emotional safety is where people feel secure and comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment, rejection, or harm.


It means having a sense of trust, respect, and openness in relationships, whether with friends, family, or romantic partners.

 
Here are five tips to feel safe and secure with your emotional safety:

1. Practice self-care and self-compassion.

2. Surround yourself with supportive people who respect your feelings and opinions.
3. Communicate openly and honestly with those around you. 4. Set boundaries and stick to them.

5. Practice mindfulness and self-awareness.
 

In other words:


Take time to prioritize your needs and allow yourself to rest and recharge when needed.


Be kind and forgiving to yourself, and avoid negative self-talk.


Build relationships with those who make you feel safe and uplifted, and distance yourself from those who are critical or dismissive.


Express your feelings and needs clearly and respectfully, and listen actively to others without judgment or defensiveness.


Be clear about what you are comfortable with and are not, and communicate those boundaries to others.


Stand up for yourself when others cross your boundaries.


Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment, and learn to regulate your emotions in healthy ways.


Stay present at the moment and avoid dwelling on past regrets or future worries.


Emotional safety is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and promoting mental well-being. It allows individuals to communicate their needs, set boundaries, and express themselves authentically without feeling ashamed or vulnerable.

 

Conclusion


A lack of safety awareness can lead to severe consequences in an unsafe world. In this article, we broke safety awareness down into four main areas:

  1. Physical Safety

  2. Personal Safety

  3. Mental Safety

  4. Emotional Safety

63% of all Americans fear bad things will happen to them or the people they love. It's no wonder why people constantly live in fear, looking over their shoulders and wondering if they will be the next victim.


Therefore, "do-not-take-your-safety" for granted. Rather take proactive measures to maintain your physical, personal, mental, and emotional safety is crucial because you never know who or what might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.


Written by Hasan Harnett

Hasan Harnett, Defense Coach, Instructor, & Author
Hasan Harnett, Defense Coach & Author

Meet Hasan - the holistic defense coach who can help you protect yourself, loved ones, and others. With his comprehensive system integrating fitness, fighting arts, and firearms, Hasan is the leader in superior self-defense strategies, tactics and intelligence.


He'll empower you to feel less mortal and more confident in your abilities.

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