In today’s world, it’s important to know how to defend yourself in case you find yourself in a dangerous situation. Whether it’s walking alone at night or encountering a potential attacker, having some basic self-defense skills can help you stay safe and feel more confident in your daily life. Here are some tips on basic self-defense that you can use to protect yourself.
Stay tuned for more in this Life Skills Series. I will cover everything from personal skills, health and safety, physical habits, vehicle maintenance, home skills, professional skills, and financial skills. If you missed the first post, check out the information on how to use a calendar/schedule here. Today we will cover: basic self defense strategies everyone needs to know.
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Basic Self-Defense: Life Skills Everyone Should Master
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the most important things you can do to defend yourself is to be aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to who and what is around you and staying alert to any potential threats. If you’re walking alone at night, for example, keep your phone in your pocket and your headphones off so you can hear what’s happening around you. If you’re in a crowded area, be aware of any suspicious behavior and trust your instincts. If going out alone during the dark, always let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back. Never leave alone without your cell phone.
- Use Your Voice
Your voice can be a powerful tool in self-defense. If someone is threatening you or making you feel uncomfortable, speak up and let them know that their behavior is not acceptable. Yell for help if you need it, and try to make as much noise as possible to attract attention. You can even try wearing a whistle around your neck or bringing a personal alarm that makes a loud noise at the press of a button.
- Learn Basic Self-Defense Techniques
Learning some basic self-defense techniques can help you feel more prepared and confident in dangerous situations. There are many different types of self-defense, from martial arts to simple physical maneuvers. Some basic techniques include:
- Blocking: Use your arms or legs to block an attacker’s strikes.
- Striking: Use your fists, elbows, knees, or feet to strike an attacker’s vulnerable areas (such as the groin or eyes).
- Escaping: Use techniques such as pushing or pulling to escape from an attacker’s grasp.
- You can try some self defense moves here.
- Carry Self-Defense Tools
There are many self-defense tools you can carry with you for added protection. These include pepper spray, personal alarms, and even tactical pens. Make sure you research the laws in your area regarding self-defense tools before carrying them.
- Practice Situational Awareness
Situational awareness means being aware of your surroundings and potential threats at all times. This can help you avoid dangerous situations and respond quickly if you do find yourself in one. Practice situational awareness by scanning your surroundings regularly, avoiding distractions, and trusting your instincts.
6. Use Common Sense and trust your instincts
If you are having to walk across a parking lot in the dark or if you are parked in a parking garage, practice common sense. Let someone know where you are. This might mean texting them and making a quick phone call to check in. Don’t be afraid to use location services on your cell phone to send your location to someone you can trust. There are apps like Life 360 that can do this automatically for you.
Lock your car doors once inside. Lock your house doors if home alone. Don’t answer the door if you aren’t expecting company. If something doesn’t feel right or if you see someone suspicious, go back into a public space and avoid being isolated from others. There is safety in numbers.
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