Category: Safety

 Lucas Suku, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer


The second law of thermodynamics whispers in our ear that disorder is the natural destiny of all things. This relentless and inevitable law speaks of entropy, that measure of chaos that always tends to increase. In a universe that expands and cools, where everything tends to be or become disorganized, it is easy to see the shadow of entropy in the flow of our daily lives. 

Ludwig Boltzmann and Rudolf Clausius, pioneers in the fields of thermodynamics and disorder, taught us that randomness is a universal constant. But what happens when this physical principle crosses the threshold into our social reality? In contemporary society, entropy is not just a formula in a physics book; it is a palpable force, a tide threatening to overflow our most cherished structures. 

We live in times where disorder seems to be the norm. Pandemics, climate crises, political conflicts, and economic inequalities are the faces of chaos in our lives. These challenges constantly remind us that disorder is an ever-present possibility, an underground current that can emerge at any moment. 

However, we are not destined to be mere passive spectators of this social entropy. Just as nature requires energy to maintain order, society needs a collective effort to counteract chaos. Institutions, governments, businesses, and each of us as individuals have a crucial role in this battle against the tide of disorder. 

Institutions and governments are the architects of stability. Their policies can reduce inequalities, their programs can enlighten minds through education, and their laws can protect the fundamental rights of every citizen. These efforts are the pillars that support the roof of social order. For instance, policies that ensure universal access to education and healthcare not only benefit the directly affected individuals but also strengthen the social fabric as a whole. Businesses, with their vast resources and influence, also play an essential role. By operating ethically and sustainably, they can be beacons of responsibility in a sea of uncertainty. Their inclusive policies and green initiatives are vital energies that feed order in our communities. Companies that implement corporate social responsibility programs not only improve their reputation but also contribute to the stability and well-being of the communities in which they operate. 

But the true power resides in us, the individuals. Every small act of kindness, every moment of empathy, and every effort to care for our environment adds to the energy we need to counteract entropy. Volunteering, community participation, and a life lived with values of compassion and shared responsibility are the bricks with which we build walls against chaos. Imagine the impact if every person dedicated just one hour a week to community activities: the cumulative effect would be immense. 

Moreover, personal development and self-awareness are powerful tools in this struggle. By working on our own resilience and capacity to adapt, we can better handle the inevitable waves of disorder that life throws at us. Practices like meditation, regular exercise, and continuous learning not only improve our individual quality of life but also prepare us better to contribute positively to society. 

Despite the inexorability of the second law of thermodynamics, we are not doomed to a destiny of disorder. As a community, we can forge an order that defies the natural tendency toward chaos. This effort is not a challenge to the laws of physics, but a reaffirmation of our capacity to influence our environment positively. By uniting in a common purpose, we can manage disorder and build a more just, equitable, and sustainable society. 

In this constantly changing world, where entropy seems inevitable, each of us has the power to be an agent of order. Together, we can transform disorder into opportunities for growth and connection. Although entropy is a law of nature, our capacity to create order and harmony is infinite. Working side by side, we can show that, although chaos may be a universal constant, our response to it can be a beacon of hope and renewal. 

In conclusion, although entropy tells us that disorder will always increase, we must not surrender to this fate. Through individual and collective efforts, we can counteract chaos as well as build a more orderly and harmonious society. Every action counts, and together, we can defy the odds and create a better world for everyone.

 

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Lucas Sukutian, an economics professional from Toronto, blends his love for research with a passion for animals, books, and good food. Beyond academics, he values human connections and proclaims tennis as the ultimate sport.

Heidi Collie (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

When people speak about “the great outdoors,” what comes to mind? 

Perhaps it’s the lives and work of survival experts and outdoor aficionados such as Ben Fogle or the Special Air Service’s Bear Grylls. Maybe your mind wanders to dedicated researchers, such as primatologist Jane Goodall in the forests of Tanzania, or extreme athletes like world cyclist Mark Beaumont, or Russ Cook, who recently ran the length of Africa. Potentially, this topic transports you to the cinematic world of extraordinary survival biopics, such as Wild, Adrift, Soul Surfer or 127 Hours.

Whatever comes to mind, we can all agree that discussion of “the great outdoors” comes hand-in-hand with the narrative of survival. World media perhaps plays a part in this, exposing us to the aforementioned survival stories from the comfort of our sheltered, late-stage capitalist armchairs. However, the connection between nature and survival runs deeper than that. After all, every known religion teaches a flood story.

For many of us, surviving the outdoors relates to personal experience as well. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel widely and recall without hesitation that the moments when I have been most afraid have been when face-to-face with nature—pulled under four-foot waves in South Africa, hiking Mt. Snowdon in horizontal hail, crouching under my seat in an exposed boat near Istanbul, sheltering from thunder and lightning in Mexico, battling dust and dehydration in Death Valley’s 100°F desert climate, and similarly sunburned out from an excavation near Jerusalem.

Unfortunately there’s no one survival hack for navigating the individual challenges of a planet and climate that are more varied than ever. Read, research, prepare, respect and—if you’re a religious person—pray that it respects you back.

With that said, the past two decades have certainly seen a shift in perception across Western culture. Spearheaded by the work of human biologists like Gary Brecka, modern research preaches the many health benefits of being outdoors. Brecka simplifies this to magnetism, oxygen and light—that we need to be exposed to the oxygen levels of fresh air, the vitamins of sunlight and the alkalinity from being barefoot directly on earth. There are also complex psychological benefits associated with all five senses in the outdoors, with the recent introduction of nature-based therapy programs as a way of managing PTSD. With a greater understanding of biophilia—our innate human instinct to connect with the outdoors— some say we have come full circle, seeking out an understanding of—and connection with— the natural world in a way that many Indigenous communities famously never lost.

Here we may consider another connection between survival and the outdoors: our survival depends on nature.

Finally, it would be wrong to talk about the connection of nature and survival without addressing the (critically endangered) elephant in the room. Since the dawn of the geological era we have come to refer to as “the anthropocene,” the question is not of us surviving nature, but of nature surviving us. 

With Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports exposing tangible threats from climate change like famine, drought, heat and pollution, among other things, we are beginning to understand that this planet will be completely unrecognizable by the year 2100. Only yesterday my elderly neighbor was chatting to me about how she loves to bring her grandchildren to the coastal spot that she grew up visiting. With sea level rises on track to cause complete submersion of all beaches, it struck me that—if granted the privilege of old age—I simply won’t be able to bring mine.

My hope is that, as a society, we may regard the outdoors with reverence and respect, with an appreciation of its necessity, but an acknowledgment of its fragility. Scientifically, we have all the tools we need to keep our planet liveable. At this point, the challenge is political.

It doesn’t matter whether you are reading this as an “outdoorsy” person or not, we all need to get behind this movement. Identifying as someone who has never hugely connected with nature or the outdoors, journalist David Wallace-Wells articulated the challenge aptly in the introduction of his 2019 book The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming:

“I may be in the minority in feeling that the world could lose much of what we think of as ‘nature,’ as far as I cared, so long as we could go on living as we have in the world left behind. The problem is, we can’t.”

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Moses Lookman Kargbo, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Parenting in today’s world is a multifaceted journey, filled with complexities and challenges. As caregivers, we are tasked with not only nurturing our children’s physical and emotional well-being, but also with instilling in them the values and beliefs that will shape their identities and guide their choices throughout their lives. At the intersection of religion, diets and politics lie some of the most deeply ingrained aspects of human identity and culture. In this article, we delve into the importance of passing down these values to our children and explore strategies for navigating the intricate terrain of parenting in a diverse and rapidly changing society.

Understanding the Role of Religion

Religion plays a significant role in many families, serving as a source of spiritual guidance, community and identity. Transmitting religious beliefs to children involves not only teaching them about rituals and practices, but also instilling in them a sense of reverence and respect for their faith. However, in today’s increasingly pluralistic world, parents often find themselves grappling with the challenge of navigating religious diversity within their families and communities. Balancing the preservation of one’s own religious traditions with fostering an inclusive and tolerant attitude towards others’ beliefs is essential in raising children who are empathetic and culturally aware.

Exploring Dietary Choices

Dietary choices are also aspects of family life that carry significant weight in shaping children’s health and well-being. Parents play a crucial role in educating their children about nutrition and instilling in them healthy eating habits from a young age. Moreover, food is deeply intertwined with culture and identity, and parents must navigate the delicate balance between honoring family traditions and embracing diverse culinary practices. Teaching children about the ethical and environmental implications of their food choices is also essential in fostering a sense of responsibility and mindfulness towards the planet and future generations.

Engaging with Political Values

Politics, though often viewed as a divisive topic, is an integral part of civic life that cannot be ignored in the process of raising informed and engaged citizens. Parents have a responsibility to instill in their children a sense of civic responsibility and empower them to participate actively in democratic processes. Teaching children about different political ideologies and encouraging them to think critically and engage in respectful dialogue with others who hold differing views is crucial in fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding within families and communities.

Finding Balance and Harmony

Finding balance and harmony in the transmission of values to children requires a holistic approach that integrates religious, dietary and political beliefs into the fabric of family life. Establishing open lines of communication, fostering trust, and understanding and empowering children to make informed choices are essential strategies for creating a nurturing and supportive environment in which children can flourish. Embracing individual agency and allowing children the freedom to explore and question their beliefs are also key in fostering independence and self-discovery.

Practical Tips and Recommendations

Throughout history, families have grappled with the challenge of passing down values to their children, each navigating the intersection of religion, diets and politics in their own unique way. From multicultural families who embrace diversity to families with deeply rooted religious traditions, there are countless examples of successful value transmission and intergenerational understanding. However, there are also common pitfalls and challenges that families encounter along the way, from generational divides to external influences. By sharing our stories and learning from one another, we can glean valuable insights and strategies for overcoming these challenges and nurturing resilient and compassionate individuals.

Establishing family rituals and traditions, seeking support from community resources, and remaining flexible and adaptable in our parenting approaches are practical steps that parents can take to navigate the complexities of passing down values to their children. By incorporating these strategies into our daily lives, we can create a nurturing and supportive environment in which our children can thrive and grow into compassionate and empowered individuals.

Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. As caregivers, we hold the profound responsibility of shaping the future through our interactions with our children. By embracing the complexity of passing down values in a diverse and rapidly changing world, we can raise children who are resilient, empathetic and equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world with grace and integrity. Let us embark on this journey with open hearts and minds, guided by the belief that our efforts today will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.

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Leave your thoughts for Moses in the comments below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube to stay up-to-date with Low Entropy news!

Arsh Gill, Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

With most things in life comes a combination of risk and reward. To determine what the risks and rewards are, one must understand what they could  gain or lose. In order to assess this, you want to identify your risk tolerance, which will look different for everyone. What one views as a high or low risk tolerance is going to be unique and tailored to their own situations. Hence, there usually isn’t a golden piece of advice that will produce a win-win situation. 

I assess risk and reward from a zoomed-out perspective. By this I mean it’s important to consider what aspects of your life matter the most to you in order to flourish and achieve goals. These areas can include your academic, career, social and financial aspects of life. Conducting an analysis of these variables assists me in determining how I want to proceed in choosing a particular decision. Personally, I truly believe that to reach my future goals, there are many small risks and sacrifices I have to make in order to be successful and live the life I desire. Reminding yourself of where you want to be in the future can be very beneficial to understanding the relationship between risk and reward. 

Personally, there are certain things I am willing to sacrifice and other areas where I know will not risk anything. For example, during a very stressful exam period, I am willing to risk skipping the gym, which will put me behind in my workout routine and potentially throw off my consistency. However, I will gain extra studying time. With that extra studying time, my grade is more likely to improve, which is a great reward for such a risk.

On the other hand, during the exam period, I am not willing to skip hanging out with friends and family because this is what makes me happy and motivated to continue studying. Therefore I take a conscious risk that will reduce my studying time and possibly lower my grade. However, there is a certain reward, as hanging out with friends and family reminds me of my passion for school and inspires me to continue fighting for my dream. This short period of spending quality time with the ones I love can actually be beneficial for my academic endeavors. 

Another example is related to investment,  such as investing money or time into a business or relationship. In these scenarios, I would ask myself if these opportunities are worth my energy, time, money and happiness. Asking yourself important questions is key to being aligned with who you are, because at the end of the day, everything simply becomes a lose-lose situation if you do not go after what you love in life. You can choose to invest energy into something with the hope of being rewarded in a greater, more positive change in your life, one that acts as a stepping stone to another level in your life. But it’s just as important to understand that you could potentially lose something, so you need to have a backup plan. 

Overall, understanding what you view as important and taking into consideration what your future goals are is what will help you determine the relationship between risk and reward in the different aspects of your life. Just because one thing worked for someone else does not mean it’ll work for you, nor does it have to. It’s easy to compare your situation to others, but that’s always a surface-level comparison. You may not truly know what somebody lost to get to where they are now. Following such a mindset and using thorough analysis is what helps me navigate complex situations and tough decisions with confidence and clarity to assess risk and reward relationships. 

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Erica Prosser (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Irish dramatist and author George Bernard Shaw allegedly said something to the effect of “Youth is wasted on the young.” I actually don’t agree with this sentiment for the most part (not many among us would make the same stupid, impulsive decisions now that previously led to arguably some of the most memorable times of our lives), but I do believe it fits when discussing the matter of health. 

As an elder millennial, I spend a lot of time complaining in our signature way (via dark-humored memes), that facts like “mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell” are forever branded on our brains, yet no one thought it might be a good idea to teach us how to manage our money, communicate effectively or regulate our emotions. Honestly though, as someone who spent my formative years in the era of “thinspiration” and “heroin chic,” I find the number one skill that I’m still lacking is how to effectively take care of my health. We were never taught how to nourish our bodies, choose movement that felt good, or identify the link between our mental and physical health, and now many of us are struggling with body dysmorphia and chronic burnout. 

I was a relatively athletic kid/teen, I played club soccer along with two or three school sports, and I had a parent who always kept us active. What I was putting in my body just never really crossed my mind. So imagine my surprise when I moved out, started working two jobs while going to school full-time, and suddenly I was packing on the pounds at a rapid rate. Add a couple of pregnancies into the mix and suddenly I’m 10 years older with lower back pain, constant exhaustion, pelvic floor issues and bursitis in my hip, wondering what the hell happened. Somehow, despite it having happened over the span of several years, it still felt like a shock to the system. It really did sneak up on me. 

Even with the mounting evidence that I needed to make a change, I was still putting my health on the back burner. I was still relatively active, chasing my two kids around, working out somewhat regularly and sticking to what I liked to call a “medium” diet—relatively healthy with lots of fruit and veggies, but with a pretty substantial amount of picky-eater-approved “beige” food mixed in. I told myself I needed to focus more on my mental health and that I still “had time” to figure out my physical health. Then in the same year, two of my family members had heart attacks. They were both in their early 60s at the time and one would have been fatal had he been on his boat fishing, like he often was, instead of home with his wife. 

This truly blew my mind. I found it almost unfathomable that not one, but two seemingly healthy individuals who lived an “average” lifestyle very similar to mine could be unknowingly putting so much stress on their bodies that they almost lost their lives. I realized then that all of these items on my to-do list—learn more about nutrition, find exercise that you enjoy, practice yoga, add in mobility, meditate, get enough sleep, work on your mental health etc . . .—were not individual tasks to be taken on, but instead all pieces of a puzzle that together, made up my overall health. They were all interconnected, and when I started neglecting one, the others were sure to follow. 

Now the irony here is not lost on me that to avoid burnout you must initially add more things to your to-do list. But the great thing is that when you get into a rhythm, they actually make every other aspect of your life substantially easier and more enjoyable! And while I believe everything in life ebbs and flows (i.e. I don’t ALWAYS practice what I preach), I’m still hoping to spend my later years embracing adventure and vitality, traveling the world and chasing my grandkids around in the pool, all fuelled by a foundation of good health.

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Sasna Nawran (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer


Life is a balancing act. We all want to stay safe and secure, but we also crave excitement, adventure and a sense of fulfilment. 

The tricky part is figuring out where to draw the line between self-preservation and living a boring, sheltered life. It’s a dilemma that many of us face, whether we realize it or not. 

Let’s dive into this topic and see if we can find that sweet spot where safety meets satisfaction.

What is Self-Preservation?

Self-preservation is our natural instinct to protect ourselves from harm. It’s what keeps us from doing reckless things like jumping off cliffs or driving at breakneck speeds. 

This instinct is crucial for our survival. It tells us to wear seatbelts, to avoid dark alleys at night and to look both ways before crossing the street. In short, self-preservation is about making choices that keep us safe and healthy.

But sometimes, this instinct can go overboard. If we’re too focused on avoiding risks, we might end up avoiding life itself. We might skip out on new experiences, shy away from challenges and miss opportunities for growth and happiness. That’s where the concept of a boring, sheltered life comes in.

The Sheltered Life

Living a sheltered life means sticking to what’s familiar and comfortable. It means avoiding risks, steering clear of the unknown and staying within our comfort zones. 

On the surface, this might seem like a good strategy. After all, if we never take risks, we never get hurt, right?

Well, not quite. While avoiding risks can keep us physically safe, it can also lead to a life that feels monotonous and unfulfilling. 

Imagine a life where every day is the same: same routine, same faces, same places. There’s no excitement, no surprises, no growth. Over time, this kind of life can leave us feeling stuck, unsatisfied and even regretful.

Finding the Balance

So, how do we find the balance between self-preservation and living a full, exciting life? It starts with recognizing that not all risks are created equal. 

Some risks are worth taking, while others are best avoided. The key is to differentiate between the two and make informed decisions.

How would you do that? Below are some simple tips.

Evaluate the Risk: Before jumping into something new, take a moment to assess the risk. Is it a calculated risk or is it something that could cause serious harm? 

For example, trying a new hobby or traveling to a new place can be rewarding and relatively low-risk. On the other hand, engaging in dangerous activities without proper preparation can be harmful.

Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Growth happens outside of our comfort zones. Challenge yourself to try new things, even if they seem a bit intimidating at first. 

This could be as simple as taking a different route to work, trying a new cuisine or signing up for a class. The more you step out of your comfort zone, the more confident and resilient you’ll become.

Set Realistic Goals: Setting goals can help you push yourself without going too far. Start with small, achievable goals and gradually work your way up to bigger challenges. 

This way, you can build your confidence and skills incrementally, reducing the risk of feeling overwhelmed or discouraged.

Learn from Failure: Failure is a natural part of life. Instead of letting it deter you, use it as a learning opportunity. 

Each failure teaches us something valuable and helps us grow stronger. Embrace failure as part of the journey rather than a reason to stop trying.

Seek Balance: Balance is the key to a fulfilling life. It’s okay to have days when you play it safe and days when you take a leap of faith. 

Listen to your intuition and find a rhythm that works for you. Some days you might feel like pushing your limits, while other days you might need to recharge and take it easy.

Embrace your Life 

Ultimately, the goal is to live a life that feels rich and meaningful. This means embracing both safety and adventure, knowing when to hold back and when to push forward. It’s about making choices that protect us without confining us.

Remember, life is short. We don’t want to look back and realize we missed out on amazing experiences because we were too afraid to take a chance. At the same time, we don’t want to endanger ourselves unnecessarily. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s one that’s worth striving for.

So, go ahead and take that trip, start that project or have that conversation you’ve been avoiding. Live fully, but wisely. Protect yourself, but don’t hold yourself back. Find that thin line, walk it with confidence and make the most of every moment. 

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Cassandra Di Lalla (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

It’s always been very interesting to me to learn about what people fear and why they’re fearful, because a person’s vulnerability is an integral part of their personality.

Everybody’s different, yes, we know that already—but are we aware of all the fears existing among us? Highly unlikely.

There are also different levels of fear. For example: “Ew, there’s a spider—someone do something!” versus a deep-seeded fear in which the person might feel as though they can’t escape what they just saw or can’t enter a place ever again because they’re so distraught.

Sometimes, stress becomes a key player too. For some people, the fears they have may be trauma-based—stemming from a negative or uncomfortable experience that made them turn away every time thereafter in order to prevent having to relive the experience. To be honest though . . . sometimes we just don’t know why we’re so afraid of certain things, but we just are, and our bodies automatically go into fight or flight mode.

I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a fearful person, and I mainly blame that on two things: my deep-rooted trauma and my astronomical levels of anxiety. Some of my fears are more common, in the sense that many others have the same fears that I do. I’d like to list off some of my fears so you can have an idea or better understanding:

Spiders – Because, well, I just am. There’s just something about them that makes me feel so uneasy. Even the tiniest one sets me off and I have no idea why. It’s more of an “Ew oh my God, ew” kind of icky feeling that makes my skin crawl, but I’m fearful nonetheless. Tarantulas? No. Absolutely not. Goodbye.

Vomit – If I see, hear or smell someone getting sick, then I’m definitely outta there faster than the speed of light. I’m so fearful, you have no idea. I am mortified and “panic’ doesn’t even begin to describe it. By the time it happens, it’s already too late . . . but because it terrifies me so badly, I block my ears, I keep my eyes and mouth closed, and I pinch my nose shut after fleeing the scene. Oh, and I start crying. Yes, it’s that bad. I absolutely cannot handle it. The worst is when I’m not able to escape it, like when I’m on a plane, for example.

Deep waters – I will not go in the deep end of a pool because I downright refuse. In fact, if the water passes my shoulder, then I’ve already screwed myself over. It’s weird because I can swim—not great—but I can swim nonetheless. This one time in Costa Rica, I almost drowned. True story. How? Let me tell you. The area I was in was only knee-deep, so I was fine, right? Wrong! Because if you take one step forward to the left or to the right, all of a sudden it gets incredibly deep, and you’re not expecting that! So, I stumbled and I ended up underwater. Then, this baby wave (truly a tiny wave, but remember, the ocean had consumed my entire body at this point) pushed me even further, so I had to try and get myself back up, all while I was panicking. But wait, there’s more! So, when I was finally able to get my head above water, the ocean’s current decided to go against me, and this time I noticed my mom suddenly became a lifeguard and pulled me from under the wave to help me reach the shoreline. I was petrified to say the least.

Death – I know that we’re not immortal and that we’re all going to die eventually. I’m a firm believer in death being premeditated from birth. We’re never really prepared for death, but what if we were able to be? What if we were able to know what God’s plan was and how exactly we’re “meant to die”? What if we were able to change our lives for the better, and what if our “best before” date was extended because we were more health-conscious? Nobody should feel as though their life was cut short because of their expiration date. Non-perishable items such as canned goods are all shelf-stable, so why can’t us humans be non-perishable, or at least perish on our own terms? After we turn to ash, our remains are just biodegradable and disintegrated matter that nobody will ever know about.

Although I have a laundry list of other fears, it’s safe to say that all humans are afraid of at least a small handful of things in life. 

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Cassandra Di Lalla lives life purposefully. She enjoys reading, writing and mental health initiatives. She’s an animal lover for life and an innovative individual always finding new ways to create.

Cristina Crescenzo (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

Many things in this world scare me: clowns, birds, public speaking, parties and even something as non-threatening as butterflies. However, none of these things would be my honest answer to the question: “What terrifies me the most?” It is something that makes me feel far more vulnerable than any other phobia could. It’s the fear of being alone.

I don’t mean being alone in the traditional sense, like being left alone in my house overnight; it is the fear that everyone I ever loved might abandon me. I never want to be left alone on my own personal solitary island. That is why I try so hard to be liked: I over-talk, over-smile and over-laugh because I assume perpetual happiness equals everlasting relationships with others. 

I write this now knowing full well that there is no such thing as perpetual happiness. Eventually, you will get tired, and that’s when the feeling of enduring sadness commences. Unfortunately, I have never been one to feel in half measures, so instead of excessive joy, I cry too much, I overindulge in every melancholy feeling and every half-thought-out impulse that pops into my head, and worst of all, I knick people with the knife I put into my own back. Therefore, maybe I should amend my previous response to something along these lines: What terrifies me the most is that I feel too much. It is because of my emotional dysregulation that I dread being left alone with only my contradicting thoughts as company. 

The funny part about all this is that I can honestly say I am in the best place, mentally, that I have ever been in my life. It’s just that I still live with that internal fear of not knowing what emotions I will get that day and if I might burst like a balloon because there are just too many for me to hold at once. I also say this fully aware that each new day a person receives in the morning comes with the unknown of the events and the feelings they will bring, but I am also one of the people who believe that they feel too much for one body to bear. Yet, it’s not like I don’t want to feel anything at all, so where can I find a proper balance? There is only so much a prescription and bi-monthly conversations with a therapist can do. That is why, I suppose, I am always a little bit afraid. I am proud of my growth, but sadly, I can’t say that I fully trust my mind or heart. I don’t know about you, but I can’t think of anything more terrifying than that. 

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My name is Cristina Crescenzo and there are many days when I have no idea what I am doing, but writing for this blog makes me happy as I try to figure things out.

Diny Davis (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer

“Safety should never be a priority. It should be a precondition” – Paul O’Neill

Safety is a universal concern, something that affects everyone regardless of age, gender or background. Safety, in its essence, is about protection from harm. Whether it’s physical security or emotional stability, the need for safety is inborn into our beings. However, the way we perceive and react to potential dangers can vary dramatically. The lines between cautious precautions and excessive fears often blur, raising a significant question: when does common sense end and being overly cautious begin? In this post, we discuss this balance and explore how to navigate safety concerns smartly, without letting fear take control.

Understanding Common Sense Safety

Common sense safety refers to the basic, practical actions that are widely accepted as necessary to protect ourselves and others. Let’s break down what this typically involves:

Everyday Precautions

*Observing Traffic Rules: Whether as a pedestrian or driver, adhering to traffic signals and signs is one of the most important acts when you are out of your home.

*Home Security: Locking doors and making sure that your windows are properly closed at night or when away from home to prevent unauthorized entry are important. 

*Health Measures: Regular handwashing, especially before meals or after visiting public places, is one of the important health measures to prevent illness.

These actions don’t just protect us; they create a safer environment for everyone.

Workplace Safety

*Following Protocols: Whether it’s wearing protective gear in a factory or following all the safety measures in an office setting, workplace safety is non-negotiable.

*Emergency Preparedness: Regular drills and training should be given to employees to handle potential workplace emergencies like fires or earthquakes.

Engaging in these practices shows a level of responsibility and awareness without crossing into excessive caution.

Identifying Over-Cautious Behaviors

Sometimes, what starts as a simple precaution can spiral into fear-driven actions. Here are some scenarios where caution might overshadow common sense:

Unreasonable Avoidance

*Fear of Driving: Avoiding driving altogether despite safe conditions and one’s own driving competence because of getting hurt or hurting someone.

*Avoiding Public Spaces: Deliberately avoiding social interactions or public places due to an exaggerated fear of accidents or illness.

Excessive Measures

*Over-sanitizing: Compulsively using hand sanitizer to the point where it might cause skin issues.

*Overloading on Security: Installing multiple security systems at home where a simpler system would suffice.

*Misunderstanding Risk: Risk is an inherent part of life. To make informed decisions about safety, we need to understand the actual risks involved in our daily activities. For instance, driving a car poses a certain risk that we can easily overcome by wearing seatbelts and obeying traffic laws.

These actions might not only cause inconvenience, but can also lead to heightened anxiety and unnecessary expenses.

Finding the Right Balance

Striking the right balance between sensible precautions and irrational fear is crucial. Here’s how you can maintain this balance:

Assessing Risk Accurately

*Educate Yourself: Understanding real vs. exaggerated risks is a stepping stone in managing fear. For instance, knowing the actual statistics about car accidents or crime rates in your area can provide a realistic perspective that guides your precautions.

*Understand Fear and Anxiety’s Role: Fear is a natural emotion that helps us recognize danger. However, when fear is based not on real, immediate threats but on false manifestations, it can become unreasonable. It’s essential to recognize when fear stops being a helpful alert system and starts being an obstacle.

*Emotional Resilience: Building emotional stability helps in managing fears and anxieties related to safety. Techniques like mindfulness, counseling and open conversations about fears can help in mental and emotional defenses.

Rational Risk Assessment

*Feasibility: Assess if the precaution is reasonable. Is it adding any real value in enhancing safety?

*Necessity: Distinguish between what is necessary and what is an excessive safeguard.

Listening to Others

Sometimes, getting a second opinion helps. Discuss your safety measures with friends or experts. If everyone thinks you’re going overboard, maybe it’s time to reassess.

Embrace Safety, Avoid Fear

Maintaining the balance between safety and freedom involves several strategies that encompass awareness, education and emotional intelligence. Incorporating common sense into our daily routines is essential for personal and community safety. Safety is about making informed choices, not about living in constant fear. It’s about empowering ourselves with knowledge, staying informed and developing the emotional power to face the world confidently without being restricted by fear.

Let’s adopt measures that protect us and build confidence. Remember, the goal of safety isn’t just to survive, but to thrive.

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Diny Davis is an aspiring author who is passionate about fitness and a strong believer in the close connection between physical and mental health. She is a journalism, psychology and literature graduate, a loving wife and a caring mother who maintains a balance in her work and personal life while giving emphasis to self-care.