Shabby Chic Boho New reports show that around 1 in 2 women feel unsafe walking alone after dark. These estimations are frightening and certainly call for better policies to make cities and public areas safer and more comfortable for everyone. However, while waiting for these radical changes to happen, it doesn’t hurt to find ways to feel safer and more confident during your daily activities. In this quick-start guide, we’ll look at a few best practices that allow you to boost your safety levels and peace of mind when walking, driving, or enjoying your everyday life. Let’s dive in.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While you should be able to walk comfortably everywhere, this isn’t always the case. So, it is smart to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking at night or in areas you are not familiar with. To boost awareness, consider the following tips:
- Avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones
- Walk with confidence and purpose
- Notice who and what is around you
- Stick to well-lit, populated routes
- Keep your belongings close and secure
- Trust your instincts if something feels off
- Identify exits and safe places as you walk
- Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas
- Make eye contact with people around you
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it usually probably is. This rule applies with any interaction, be it as you walk down the street and you notice someone following you or when meeting a new date at a public place. If your instincts tell you that this isn’t safe, consider removing yourself from the situation or calling friends or family. While this isn’t always easy, it may pay off to be aware of the initiatives of your local government. For instance, in the UK, the “Ask for Angela” initiative allows you to discreetly ask for help from bar or venue staff if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. By asking for “Angela,” staff are trained to respond by helping you exit the situation safely or by contacting authorities if needed. Every area may have different strategies in place, so it may be worth checking what’s available at your local council.
Take Measures to Prevent Accidents
While it is important to have safety measures in place, prevention is just as important. For instance, if you drive often, regular maintenance may help you avoid dangerous breakdowns or being stranded along a road in uncomfortable situations, such as at night or in unfamiliar areas. Similarly, if you spend time at home or at work, you can reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls by keeping rooms clear of clutter, securing loose rugs, and cleaning up spills.
Learn About Self-Defense
In an ideal world, self-defense should not be needed. However, having the right knowledge and tools at hand can help you feel more secure and confident as you enjoy your daily routines. For this, you may consider signing up for self-defense classes that may help you learn how to react promptly in a dangerous situation, without feeling overwhelmed by panic. You may also invest in women self-defense tools and gadgets that boost confidence and personal safety, such as whistles, alarms, or pepper spray. Before carrying any self-defense tools, always check the local rules and regulations to make sure they are allowed and can be carried legally in your area!
Share Your Plans with Someone You Trust
Ideally, you’ll want friends and family members that you truly trust to know your work schedule. If you are planning a trip or weekend away, also share plans and be in touch with them throughout. This is important for your peace of mind, as well as theirs. However, be sure that these plans are not overly shared or made public, and consider being mindful about what you post on social media. This is essential to avoid information about private routines ending up in the wrong hands and putting you at risk.
Keep Emergency Contacts Handy
Last but not least, be sure to keep emergency contacts at hand at all times. There are many digital tools that can help with this today. For instance using an AirTag or a connected smartwatch can alert emergency services in the event of an emergency and even share your location in real time, so that intervention can be more efficient and targeted. Also, don’t forget to create a medical ID and add in your emergency contacts on your smartphone. This is a 5-minute task that can truly come in handy should you experience an emergency.
If you are unsure about the best ways to protect yourself, keep in mind that help and support is just around the corner. Reach out to experts to find more ways to feel safe in your daily life. Remember that this is your right!
*Featured image: Image: Freepik
