“Having a clear mind and a clear space allows you to think and act with purpose.” -Unknown
In the moment, when time seems to freeze and it is just you facing a stressful, difficult, or dangerous situation, what does your brain do? Does it shut off and allow emotion to take over, or does it spring into hyperdrive? Are you moving suddenly at lightning speed or has your body frozen and seem unable to move? Keeping a clear mind during dangerous situations is the key to ensuring your safety and other’s safety, but how does one learn how to keep a clear mind when stressful and difficult situations arise only once in a while? While we are not wired to override our initial terror or reaction, once our brain snaps back to reality, here’s a few tips on how to handle the post terror experience:
If you are in a dangerous situation:
- Take deep breaths
- If the situation allows, this tactic has been taught to soldiers in a warzone for a reason. Many people hold their breath during the initial terror which cuts oxygen from the brain so a couple deep breaths will allow the brain to kick into gear and your post-terror reaction can begin processing into play.
- Focus on the Task at Hand
- If you are being followed while walking through a park at night, head straight for the nearest exit, even if it means hopping over the fence. If your home is suddenly invaded, grab your staged protection product and head to the farthest room away from the door, or escape from a window or door if safe to do so and call 911.
- By focusing on your next task, your brain will move from frozen to action. This is why it is important to be prepared and aware with multi-layered protection tools, as available in our Bundles
- Visualize Success
- In a dangerous scenario, your brain can easily run to the worst case possible. The second an intruder is known in your house, for example, switch the narrative from a victim to a survivor.
How to prepare your mind:
- Understand
- By reading up on the three main levels that happen when you experience a scary or stressful situation, you can have the choice and the power to shift your mindset.
- The three levels are: immobilization, mobilization, and engagement & connection
- Awareness
- What emotional or physical cues do you notice when you feel a smaller amount of stress and danger? Notice these signs and see them as a mini fight or flight.
- Recall
- Bring to mind previous experiences in which you were able to successfully overcome the stress or difficult situation. If you have yet to do so, begin to try new steps to help get you out of the situation and mindset such as physically removing yourself from the place you are in, journaling, and deep breathing.
- Intention
- With hope in mind, take one deep breath in and out and shift your mind to the third level
- Trust the Process
- Once you shift into the third level, this is when you can begin making logical decisions that may save your life or even simply release your stress. Remember to stay connected with the present to avoid slipping back to level one or two.
One example of a well-handled stressful situation was demonstrated by a Damsel Home Office Team member Judah, in a recent washing machine fiasco . His roommates discovered the washing machine broke and their landlord went to get it repaired. Once it was returned, however, the machine had a new problem. As Judah’s roommate began a cycle, something broke and flooded the entirety of the room, sending the house into panic mode. Upon reflection of the event, Judah recalls when he initially heard the roommate’s call for help. He waltzed into the room and immediately froze in place once his brain registered what was happening. Here, Judah recognized he was in freeze mode and immediately sprung out of it into action. He frantically tried calling the property manager while helping to try and dry up all the water. “[I] got vinegar all over my socks.” Judah recalls. Luckily, they were able to get the water to stop and the property manager helped to fix the problem all due to the engagement & connection Judah used to focus on the task at hand.
Judah is Damsel’s main Returns department processor and enjoys living with his roommates, despite the crazy antics like that washing machine story above! His hobbies include skateboarding, making music, and attending concerts at the local venues around town. Judah’s family is also a large part of his life and he always makes time for his little sister. Even though he has not been part of the Damsel family for long, Judah loves his job here and tries to help others gain a clear mindset when dealing with difficult and stressful situations!
The To Be Clear is the perfect compact stun device for your day-to-day activities! It is designed to be a conveniently portable device to seamlessly fit into any lifestyle with a permanent wrist strap. The unique design features a clear window, giving you a transparent view into the enhanced, 1.4 microcoulombs protection. Keep a clear mind with your To Be Clear and grab one from your local Damsel Safety Educator here today!
