Your situational awareness is how aware you are to your surroundings and possible threats in that environment. It fluctuates depending on many factors. Some people walk through life oblivious to their environment-- when they get into trouble they become victims.

So how do you raise or use your situational awareness?

Open your eyes and think! Then ask yourself some questions:

• Am I in the city or suburbs or the middle of nowhere?
• Am I in a "nice" or rough section of town?
• Am I too remote or desolate?
• Is it day or night?
• Does everything look right?
• Does it "smell" right?
• What does my gut say?
• Are there crowds (That isn't always a good thing)?
• Am I alone?
• Where are my "exits" from the immediate situation?
• Am I focused on being a tourist and distracted?
• Am I still on guard?
• Do I know the lay of the land?
• Is langauge an issue?
• Am I prepared for trouble?
• Do I really have the skills to help myself?
• Do I have somewhere to go in the event of trouble?
• Did I do my "homework" before I came here?

Most people I know glide through life without considering their situations carefully-- they assume where they are is like home . . . that can be a mistake. Help yourself and start considering your situation!

Thank you for visiting the Self Reliance Workshop and come back soon for more . . . follow me on Twitter at SelfRelianceWS, DvrcdDadFrglDad, and Surfcasting2Day.

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Related Posts:
Personal Safety and Self Defense Skills: How to Avoid Detection  
Personal Safety and Self Defense Skills: How to Throw a Punch  
Personal Safety and Self Defense Skills: How to Kick a Door In 

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DDFD believes that self reliance and self sufficiency are the roads to individual freedom.  He is dedicated to living a quality life through frugality, personal growth and productivity, and defensive entrepreneurship.  He also enjoys cooking from scratch and fishing.