# Living Wisely/Take Care

It is wise to take care of yourself and others. Following general safety practices helps avoid common causes of premature death, disease, and injury caused by accidents or carelessness. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy life.

## Civility

Caring begins with civil behavior. Behaving civilly means conducting oneself in a respectful, polite, and considerate manner towards others. It involves adhering to social norms, values, and etiquette to promote harmonious interactions and maintain a civil society.
Behaving civilly is not just about adhering to a set of rules; it is a mindset and a commitment to treating others with dignity and respect. It promotes a culture of understanding, cooperation, and harmony, fostering positive relationships and a better social environment for everyone involved.
Improve your social skills.

## Health and Fitness

* Eat healthy foods.
* Spend time outdoors.
* Get regular exercise.
* Sleep Soundly.
* Stay up to date with vaccinations and medical check-ups.
* Get an annual physical. Follow the healthcare advice provided.
* Practice proper hygiene, including hand washing and covering coughs and sneezes.
* Avoid poisons and other toxic substances.
* Keep walkways clear of clutter and obstacles to prevent tripping and falling.
* Use non-slip mats in the bathroom to avoid slipping.
* Use handrails while on stairways and walkways.
* Use sunscreen.
* Enjoy only safe sex.

## Mental Health

* Be mindful of your mental health and seek support when needed.
* Take precautions to avoid suicide of yourself and others.
* Abandon abusive relationships.

## Personal Safety

* Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
* Look both ways before crossing the street.
* Keep your personal belongings secure and be cautious with strangers.
* Inform someone you trust about your whereabouts and expected return time.
* Avoid mobs.

## Vehicle Safety

* Maintain vehicles in good working order.
* Don’t drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs and be cautious of other drivers who may be impaired.
* Always wear your seatbelt and ensure passengers do the same.
* Avoid using electronic devices, texting, or other distractions while driving.
* Observe traffic laws and rules while driving, walking, or cycling.
* Wear a bike helmet or motorcycle helmet.

## Home Safety

* Take care to ensure gun safety whenever around firearms.
* Install secure locks on all doors and windows in your home.
* Use a peephole or doorbell camera to identify visitors before opening the door.
* Consider installing a security system or surveillance cameras for added protection.
* Don't publicize your vacation plans or absence from home on social media.

## Work Safety

* Follow safety protocols and guidelines provided by your employer.
* Use appropriate protective gear for your job, such as helmets, gloves, or safety glasses.
* Report any unsafe conditions or hazards to your supervisor or the relevant authority.
* Read and follow instructions for operating machinery or tools carefully.
* Ensure proper training and supervision when using equipment.
* Wear appropriate protective gear when working with tools or machinery.

## Fire Safety

* Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home and test them regularly.
* Have fire extinguishers in key locations, such as the kitchen and garage.
* Create a fire escape plan for your household and practice it regularly.
* Avoid leaving candles or cooking appliances unattended.
* Hire a qualified electrician for repairs or installations.
* Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords.
* Unplug appliances when not in use and turn off lights when leaving a room.

## Cybersecurity

* Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
* Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
* Be cautious of phishing attempts and suspicious links or attachments in emails.
* Regularly update your computer and mobile device software for security patches.

## Attend to Finances

* Deposit checks promptly.
* Pay bills promptly.
* Pay taxes on-time.
* File tax reports on-time.
* Respond to authorized requests for application forms, renewals, and other information.
* Create and Monitor a Budget
* Establish an Emergency Fund
* Review and Manage Investments
* Check Credit Reports Regularly
* Set Financial Goals and Track Progress
* Automate Savings
* Review Insurance Coverage Annually
* Plan for Retirement
* Minimize Debt
* Document Financial Records Securely
* Communicate with Financial Advisors or Planners
* Write a will
** Ensure it is properly witnessed and executed.
** Keep it up to date.
** Provide current copies to the executor, close relatives, and relevant others.

## Emergency Preparedness

* Create an emergency kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and first aid supplies.
* Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and evacuation routes in your area.
* Practice relevant emergency drills, such as evacuating the house in case of fire.
* Keep important documents (identification, insurance, etc.) in a safe place or backed up digitally.
* Stay informed about local emergency alerts and warnings.

## Water Safety

* Supervise children near swimming pools, bathtubs, or other bodies of water.
* Learn to swim and follow water safety guidelines.
* Avoid swimming alone or in areas with strong currents or unsafe conditions.

## Managing Risk

Manage various risks throughout your life so you can stay safe while you enjoy life.
* Take time to identify potential risks and hazards in different areas of your life, such as home, work, and personal activities.
* Consider both physical risks (e.g., accidents, natural disasters) and non-physical risks (e.g., financial, emotional).
* Prioritize and manage your finances:
** Develop a budget and financial plan to ensure you have sufficient resources to handle unexpected events or emergencies.
** Diversify your investments and assets to reduce the impact of financial risks.
** Regularly review and update your insurance coverage, including health, home, auto, umbrella, and life insurance.
* Develop contingency plans:
** Prepare contingency plans for different scenarios, such as natural disasters, accidents, or financial setbacks.
** Have emergency kits, including essential supplies, food, water, and necessary documents.
** Establish communication plans with loved ones in case of emergencies.

## Overcome Addictions

Overcoming addiction can be a challenging journey, but it is possible with the right strategies and support. Here is some advice for avoiding and overcoming addictions.
* Recognize and accept the problem:
** Acknowledge that you have an addiction and understand the negative impact it has on your life.
** Be honest with yourself about the consequences and the need for change.
* Seek professional help and support:
** Consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist who can provide guidance and treatment options.
** Join support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) to connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
* Build a strong support system:
** Surround yourself with positive influences who support your recovery.
** Communicate your needs to friends and family members who can offer encouragement and understanding.
** Consider involving a therapist or counselor in your journey to provide additional support and guidance.
* Develop coping mechanisms and stress management techniques:
** Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.
** Identify triggers and develop strategies to avoid or deal with them effectively.
** Learn and practice relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety and cravings.
* Make lifestyle changes:
** Remove triggers and temptations from your environment, such as removing alcohol or drugs from your home.
** Establish a structured routine that includes healthy habits, regular sleep patterns, and a balanced diet.
** Engage in physical activities and hobbies that provide fulfillment and reduce boredom.
* Set realistic goals and celebrate milestones:
** Break down your recovery journey into smaller, achievable goals.
** Celebrate your accomplishments along the way to boost motivation and self-confidence.
* Educate yourself about addiction:
** Learn about the science and psychology behind addiction to better understand the challenges you face.
** Educate yourself on the effects of substance abuse and the benefits of recovery.
* Practice self-care and self-compassion:
** Take care of your physical and mental well-being by prioritizing self-care activities.
** Practice self-compassion and forgiveness, understanding that overcoming addiction is a process that takes time and effort.
* Engage in ongoing support and aftercare:
** Attend regular counseling or therapy sessions to address underlying issues and prevent relapse.
** Stay connected with support groups and engage in ongoing recovery programs.
** Consider aftercare programs or transitional housing to help maintain sobriety during the early stages of recovery.
* Stay motivated and committed:
** Remember your reasons for wanting to overcome addiction and stay focused on your goals.
** Surround yourself with positive reminders and affirmations.
** Celebrate each day of sobriety as a personal achievement.
Remember, everyone's journey to recovery is unique, and it may require multiple strategies and attempts to overcome addiction successfully. Be patient with yourself and never hesitate to reach out for help when needed.

## Don’t be a jerk.

Avoiding behaviors that make you come across as a jerk is important for maintaining positive relationships and promoting a harmonious environment. Here is some advice to help you avoid being a jerk:
* Practice empathy and kindness:
** Put yourself in other people's shoes and consider how your words and actions may affect them.
** Treat others with kindness, respect, and compassion.
* Be mindful of your words:
** Think before you speak to avoid hurting or offending others.
** Use language that is considerate and inclusive.
** Avoid gossiping or spreading rumors.
* Listen actively:
** Give others your full attention when they are speaking.
** Avoid interrupting or dismissing their opinions and experiences.
** Show genuine interest and empathy in their thoughts and feelings.
* Be aware of your body language:
** Pay attention to your non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions, posture, and gestures.
** Maintain open and approachable body language, showing that you are receptive to others.
* Practice humility:
** Recognize that you don't know everything and be open to learning from others.
** Avoid being condescending or belittling others based on their knowledge or experiences.
** Admit your mistakes and take responsibility for them.
* Respect boundaries:
** Be mindful of personal space and boundaries of others.
** Seek consent before touching someone or sharing personal information about them.
** Respect people's time, privacy, and individual preferences.
* Be mindful of your impact on others:
** Consider how your actions and behaviors might impact the well-being and feelings of others.
** Avoid dominating conversations or constantly seeking attention.
** Be aware of the power dynamics within social or professional settings and strive for equality and fairness.
* Practice constructive criticism and feedback:
** When offering criticism or feedback, do so in a constructive and respectful manner.
** Focus on the behavior or issue at hand rather than attacking the person.
** Offer solutions or suggestions for improvement.
* Cultivate self-awareness:
** Reflect on your own attitudes, biases, and behaviors.
** Seek feedback from others to gain insight into how you are perceived.
** Be willing to acknowledge and work on areas where you can improve.
* Apologize and make amends when necessary:
** If you realize that you have acted inappropriately or hurt someone, apologize sincerely and take steps to make amends.
** Learn from your mistakes and commit to personal growth.
Remember, it's normal to make mistakes occasionally, but it's how you respond and make efforts to change that defines your character. By practicing empathy, kindness, and self-awareness, you can cultivate positive relationships and avoid being perceived as a jerk.
* ↑ ChatGPT contributed to these lists.
* ↑ These guidelines are incomplete and culturally non-specific. They are only provided as a general guide to avoiding some of the most common causes of injury and accidents.