With the holidays fast approaching shopping in crowded stores is inevitable. Crowded venues, especially shopping malls, are prime targets for thieves, carjackers and abductors. Implementing these personal safety tips can make your shopping experience enjoyable and most importantly, safe.

Suddenly, you are in a situation where you are being verbally attacked. You must take immediate action for your personal safety. Your conditioned response may prevent verbal aggression from easily escalating into a physical attack. Here are six things you can do to diffuse verbal aggression.

Running outside is generally considered a safe sport. However, as with any activity that takes you out and about in the world, it definitely has its risks for predator assault. Women are especially vulnerable to assailants due to our strength and size. Women runners, therefore need to stay smart and balance personal safety practices with the way we love to run.

What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is awareness. It is a state of mind that can be trained, enhanced and made very powerful through consistent daily training. A Mindful Defense mindset is what will make the difference in your ability to anticipate and react rationally and effectively. A mindful person is by second nature keenly aware of their here and now situational experience. They are in tune to their breathing, mind and body responses, and have control over their ability to stay sharp and persevere should the need arise.