The need for safety is deeply rooted in our human nature. Much like the sense of belonging and connectedness, human beings crave security, and they do so in different spheres of life. Feeling safe allows us to go about our lives more mindfully and think clearly. It also enables us to make more rational decisions and manage the emotions we experience with more ease.
The question is: What are the steps you can take to ensure you’re feeling calm and safe on a daily basis? In this article, we’ll look at different factors that contribute to our overall feeling of safety and security and what you, as an individual, can do to ensure that these needs are being met.
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Safety as a basic human need
We can’t really talk about meeting our need for safety and security without mentioning Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. First appearing in the American psychologists paper “A Theory of Human Motivation” from 1943, the hierarchy of needs remains relevant even today. In this hierarchy, the need for safety appears at the second level, right after physiological needs (sleep, shelter, food, etc.). If the need for safety and security isn’t being met, then that individual won’t be able to strive to meet other, higher levels of need (e.g. belonging, esteem, and self-actualization).
Now, there are different types of safety needs that we’re going to discuss – physical, financial, and emotional safety. All three are vital components for an optimal quality of life, and whether or not these safety needs are being met will largely determine our ability to focus, perform, and thrive.
Physical safety
When talking about meeting your need for safety and security, physical safety is typically the first thing that comes to mind – and for good reason. When we feel physically unsafe, it’s much more challenging to go about our day and concentrate on the task at hand. This also inevitably lowers the overall quality of life due to increased amounts of stress and a general feeling of insecurity.
To address these safety requirements, some individuals may hire security agencies such as the Global Security Group for an additional layer of security. Whether you’re on the go, attending a special event, or in need of protective services round the clock, these professionals can meet a range of different safety and security needs. Others may employ various safety measures to enhance the overall security level of their homes and work environments, whether by installing fire safety features and door locking systems or by using biometric attendance systems at the office. Other examples of physical safety include vehicle and gadget safety features, job security, a safe work environment, and different insurance policies.
Financial security
Being financially secure is another way of meeting your need for safety and security. And we’re not only talking about being able to pay all the monthly utility bills on time or cover basic daily necessities. We’re also talking about an individual’s ability to meet any unexpected financial burdens that will inevitably come their way (e.g. accidents, emergencies), not to mention the importance of saving for the future and planning for retirement. All these are vital components as they serve as building blocks of financial security and capability while also indicating financial independence.
One of the ways an individual can boost their financial security is by relying on various services and products offered by the banks. From different saving and investment schemes such as insurance plans and mutual funds to different types of savings accounts, it is possible to lay the foundation for future financial security by simply thinking in advance and making smart moves. Other ways to add value to an individual’s financial security include government policies (e.g. labor laws, minimum wages act) and cyber laws that provide protection against financial frauds.
Emotional safety
Last but not least, another vital safety aspect is emotional safety. This safety need is related to the relationships we have with other people – whether at home, school, work, or some other type of environment. Our surroundings and the people we are surrounded with deeply affect us in terms of emotional safety. When we’re surrounded by the people we can trust, talk, and collaborate with, we’re able to perform to the best of our ability. We’re also more likely to share our thoughts and ideas in an environment where we feel encouraged to, i.e. the one that’s open-minded, cooperative, and friendly.
A workplace that encourages interaction and collaboration will go a long way in fulfilling one’s need for emotional safety. Other than the workplace, individuals can also rely on different clubs, social events, parties, and family get-togethers to ensure that their emotional safety needs are being met.
Meeting different safety needs as key to thriving in life
Safety is one of the basic needs we have as humans. It allows us to not just survive but also thrive in life, and it largely determines its overall quality. By meeting your need for safety and security – physically, financially, and emotionally – you are laying the foundation for your well-being as well as enabling yourself to focus on other aspects of life aside from survival.