Smart Self Defense Advice Starts By Avoiding Confrontation

Avoiding the very situations that make things dangerous for you is the first step in self-defense once you leave your home. While something could happen to you in your own house, the odds are highly more likely that you if you were attacked, it would be away from home while you are out and about. While you do not have to be 100% on guard every time you walk away from home, you should know enough to be not only self-aware but also aware of what is going on in your surroundings.

There are a few general ideas you can employ that will greatly lessen your chances of a harmful confrontation with a criminal. For instance, walk with your head held high to present a front of self-confidence and assurance. Criminals would rather prey on someone more timid and mousy who are less likely to put up a fight. Keep the expensive jewelry at home as well as the revealing clothing as they just beg for a criminal approaching you.

Avoid public transportation like the bus, subway or cab when the area is deserted or after-hours. You want to keep people around you to prevent yourself from being isolated and attacked. If taking it is necessary, wait in a well-lit populated place like a diner or coffee shop. Always choose an aisle seat close to an exit so you are not blocked in and can make a clean getaway if need be.

Your car has the potential as a criminal hotspot so you should take steps to avoid any attacks or problems in this area. For instance, do not exit or try to get to your car when it is in an isolated area as you do not know who is hiding nearby hoping for a crack at someone. Always lock your car, regardless of the errand you are running and always check the backseat for stowaways before unlocking the door. Never pull the car over for any reason if someone you do not know drives along side you pointing to a potential "trouble" spot on your car like a low or flat tire. Continue on until you can get to a well-lit public place. Ask for an escort to your car as attackers are less likely to approach anyone with company. Also, do not get into your car if approached by an attacker. Instead run away because if you are caught inside the vehicle, your chances of escape and injury are virtually zero.

Think about the clothing you wear when you are out and about, whether it is to the grocery store, work or a nightclub. You want to be sure that if you are walking or plan to be in an area where there is potential for harm to wear clothing that is not restricting. Being able to run away without tripping on four inch heels or getting tangled in your own billowy clothing or constricted by too tight clothing is essential to escaping potential attackers.

During your exercise regiment outdoors, you have to maintain vigilance to avoid injury and attacks. For instance, all too often women will put on their headphones to walk or run outdoors but the problem is the music from the headphones can block sounds like approaching footsteps or other people moving to fast in your direction. Let the sounds of nature be your exercise companion or at least just tune in to the music with one ear instead of two. Stalkers like creatures of habit so you will want to change your outdoor exercise routine several times a week so that a potential attacker cannot get a handle on your activities.

There are always going to be dangers lurking behind every corner on the street, sidewalk, parking lot, jogging path and parking garage. It is up to you to anticipate these dangers and take appropriate actions to prevent or combat a dangerous situation.