Situational Awareness: The Key to Staying Safe Before Danger Finds You
Self-defense is like insurance—you hope you never have to use it. But the reality is, every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted (RAINN, 2024). This statistic is a sobering reminder that we must take proactive steps to detect and avoid danger before it escalates.
Holistic self-defense isn’t just about punches and kicks. It starts with the mind—developing awareness, trusting your instincts, and making small adjustments that keep you in a position of power. By mastering situational awareness, you can reduce your risk and confidently navigate the world.
What is Situational Awareness?
Situational awareness means being conscious of your surroundings, identifying potential threats, and making informed decisions to avoid danger. Studies show that criminals look for easy targets—people who are distracted, unaware, or appear vulnerable (Wright & Decker, Burglars on the Job, 1996). Simply being aware can make you a less attractive target.
Simple But Powerful Ways to Stay in Control
Here are some effective strategies to keep yourself in the power position:
✅ Sit with your back to a wall – This ensures no one can come up behind you unnoticed.
✅ Know all exits in any space – When entering a new place, take a mental note of exits so you can leave quickly if necessary.
✅ Keep your valuables in front of you – Whether at a restaurant or café, avoid placing your purse or belongings on the back of a chair where they’re easy to grab.
✅ Trust your instincts – Humans tend to second-guess their gut feelings, but studies show that intuition is often our brain processing danger before we consciously recognize it (Gavin de Becker, The Gift of Fear). If something feels off, trust it and act accordingly.
✅ Use your senses—avoid headphones – If you must wear them, keep the volume low or use just one earbud so you remain aware of your environment.
✅ Scan your surroundings – Pay attention to who is near you, the layout of the space, and anything that seems out of place.
✅ Don’t ignore red flags – If your gut tells you something isn’t right, don’t rationalize it away. Your intuition is your built-in warning system.
Awareness is Your First Line of Defense
Self-defense is not just about reacting to an attack—it’s about preventing one. Being alert, setting boundaries, and positioning yourself strategically can deter a potential threat before it even starts. Criminals seek easy targets, and a person who looks aware, confident, and prepared is far less likely to be chosen.
Learn More & Take Action
Want a deeper dive into how situational awareness can keep you safe? Watch my latest YouTube video where I break this down further: Watch here.
Make self-protection a priority—follow me on Instagram for more tips, and sign up for my emails to stay informed. Awareness is power. Stay in control. Stay safe.