It’s how you see yourself.
Be confident. It’s an unfortunate fact that some people have “victim” written all over them. This is not to say that they’re to be blamed for being attacked, but rather, their lack of confidence makes attackers deem them as the easier target. If you have a problem with your self-esteem, you might want to remedy that fact first and before enrolling in any self-defense class.

Avoid traveling alone.
Attackers can be anywhere at any time of the day. It’s best to have someone with you even if you’re simply walking to the grocery a block away from your home or climbing down a flight of stairs to the parking lot. Although your desire for independence and self-reliance is appreciated, don’t cut your nose to spite your face. Attackers have stronger chances of getting to you when you’re alone so travel in company as often as you can.

Take note of “peak hours”.
Attackers prefer to make a move when there’s less likely to be people around. These “peak hours” generally take place in the wee hours of the morning and when people are probably at home sleeping and not alert enough to respond quickly to calls for help.

Be cautious about where you’re going.
Don’t venture to places that are too dark for you to assess potential threats in your surrounding. If a place is unfamiliar, don’t take unnecessary chances and make sure you only take well-traveled paths where it’s easy for you to be seen or heard if anything happens.

Secure your environment.
Bad things don’t just happen outside. They can also happen at home or in your workplace. Don’t wait for something to happen. Take pre-emptive action by securing your environment. You can start by developing safety habits like double-checking that all doors and windows are locked at night. If you can have a burglar alarm system installed, so much the better!

Listen to your gut instincts.
Lastly, do stay alert and pay attention to your surroundings. If your guts are warning you about a particular place or person, do as your instincts bid you. Even if there’s no apparent threat and retreating makes you feel silly, there’s no harm in taking extra precautions, is there?

image credits to gabemac

Don’t Panic
Panic is arguably your brain’s greatest opponent when you’re under attack. Once panic enters your mind and takes control, you will become unable to protect yourself because panic is making you think that anything you do is futile. If you want to defend yourself against an attack, the first thing you need to do is not to panic and become hysterical.

Stay in Control
It’s alright to be afraid. Fear is a natural reaction and it can even help you become more cautious. It helps you choose between smart and stupid risks. Fear can even prevent dangerous things from happening. Fear commonly acts together with instinct and if your survival instincts are warning you away from something or someone, it’s best to pay attention to them and go the other way.

But fear can also defeat you if, as with panic, you allow it to take over your brain. Fear can render you immobile and make you indecisive at the worst possible moment. If you’re under attack, it’s alright to acknowledge your fear but make sure that you’re able to move and think in spite of it.

Be Flexible
Don’t let ego overpower your common sense. Yes, you have your stun gun with you. Yes, you’re a proud black belter. But if there are options available, options that won’t have to put you in a direct confrontation with your would-be attacker then it’s important to seize such options. Better be safe and silly than sorry and hurt!

Your mind must also be flexible enough to accept what’s happening. Let’s say you’ve taken all the necessary precautions and yet you still find yourself under attack. Accept that and move on. You’ll only put yourself at greater risk denying reality.

Find Out What They Want
It’s important to determine your attacker’s objectives as early as possible. This way, you’ll know if what he’s after is something worth fighting over. Make sure that you don’t make any assumptions as those can get you into further trouble.

Don’t Give Up
Your body obeys your mind and it should never be the other way around. Even if you’re physically hurt, you need to understand that yielding to your attacker will only put you in further pain. Don’t let your brain give up thinking ways to save yourself and you’ll be fine.

image credits to hurleygurley