“A Criminologist’s Experience in 2026”
Hello guys, how are you? Today, I want to share some general information based on my observations. I am a criminologist, and my experience is in self-defense.
If we look closely, everything a person does in this world is performed by the human body. But if a person does not protect their own body, then nothing truly happens. Everything that humans achieve—like inventions, new technologies, and many other things—is done by humans themselves.
However, I have seen many people who work day and night but do not take proper care of their bodies, which is extremely important. Working day and night is not a bad thing, but if you neglect taking care of yourself, then all that work is essentially wasted.
Everyone thinks, but most of the time my observation is that people do everything except take care of themselves. If we look at different countries, many young lives are destroyed due to hard labor, yet they still do not get proper rest. Why is that?
In my opinion, the main reason is that the more they work, the less they are paid. Low wages combined with high expenses make life extremely difficult. This does not happen in every country, but it does exist in some, and it is largely due to the system.
People often talk about this issue, but the authorities rarely listen, and powerful people do not speak about it because they are benefiting from the existing system.
In today’s era, most young people observe this system and feel disappointed because they see both those who work hard every day and others outside, and they wonder what their own future will be. In this pressure, they often feel stuck and hopeless.
We need to stand against such systems wherever they exist so that true equality can emerge, because otherwise, we remain trapped in frustration and despair.
Now I want to share a story with you. During our research, when we completed the entire process, we discovered that even educated people commit crimes. Our research topic was street crime, and when we looked for the reasons behind it, we found that unemployment was one of the main causes. Poverty pushes many people— even educated ones— into street crime.
But think about it: when educated people also get involved in crime, who will correct them? They already know what is right and wrong. This is why I believe the real solution is to fix the system itself, so that such crimes do not happen in the first place.
I understand that crime can never fully disappear as long as humans exist, but we can definitely reduce it. There are many examples of this throughout history.
I completed my degree, but I did not take a job. Why?
I chose not to follow a traditional career path because I believed it would limit me to a specific field and prevent me from achieving true satisfaction. Instead, I turned toward the online world, where opportunities are broader and creativity has no boundaries. This decision marked the beginning of my independent journey.
Whether my approach is appreciated by everyone or not doesn’t matter to me. What truly matters is the sense of fulfillment I get from doing meaningful work. That’s why I created my own website and started working on my own terms.
Why Self-Protection and Inner Balance Matter
Self-protection isn’t only about physical safety — it starts with mental clarity and inner balance. Without a stable mind, even the best safety habits are hard to maintain.
Neglecting your own well-being gradually weakens mental stability, leading to stress and emotional strain that can be difficult to recover from. This is especially common among young adults today, many of whom face rising mental health challenges without realizing it.
Self-care isn’t optional — it’s a foundation. According to NIMH’s guidance on caring for your mental health, simple daily habits like staying connected, managing stress, and getting enough rest play a direct role in emotional stability.
Protecting your mental peace and maintaining inner balance should come first — because every other part of life, including physical safety and decision-making, depends on it.
How to Protect Yourself: Practical Self-Protection Habits
Self-protection isn’t just about physical defense — it starts with daily habits that keep your body, mind, and awareness sharp. Here are the practices I follow and recommend based on my own experience as a criminologist.
- Set aside time for yourself. In a fast-paced routine, personal well-being often gets ignored. Even 10–15 minutes a day dedicated to yourself can reset your focus and reduce stress.
- Reflect daily. Before sleeping, ask yourself: “What did I do today, and how much time did I give to my own well-being versus others?” This small habit builds long-term self-awareness.
- Know your limits. Pushing your body and mind beyond capacity every day weakens both. Respecting your physical and mental limits is a core part of self-protection.
- Learn to say no. Protecting your time and energy means not saying yes to everything. Only take on what you can genuinely handle without burning out.
- Keep a clear mind. A stressed or confused mind is one of the biggest risks to personal safety. Proper sleep, balanced meals, and quiet moments help you think and react clearly.
- Stay alert to your surroundings. Whether you’re out in public, at work, or online, situational awareness helps you spot risks before they escalate. Simple tools like pepper spray can add an extra layer of protection when you’re out alone.
- Build genuine confidence. Trusting your own decisions and instincts — without arrogance — makes you naturally harder to target.
- Keep learning. Basic self-defense skills, understanding human behavior, and staying informed all add to your personal security. If you’re just starting out, our guide on why self-defense is essential is a good place to begin.
“Why Self-Protection Is Important”
If we think carefully, self-protection is extremely important because first and foremost, it is about protecting oneself, and only then can we focus on others and other things.We have observed that many people do take care of themselves, but on the other hand, some people completely neglect their own well-being.
“Self-protection is not selfish. It is smart. When you are safe and strong, you can face problems without fear.”
1. Prioritize Your Health
Your health is your foundation. If your body and mind are not strong, handling life’s challenges becomes difficult. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being should always be your first priority.
2. Maintain Mental Clarity
A clear mind leads to better decisions. When stress and confusion take over, it becomes harder to think properly. Protecting yourself means keeping your thoughts balanced and focused.
3. Stay Aware of Your Environment
Being mindful of your surroundings—whether online, at work, or in daily life—can help you avoid many risks before they even arise. Awareness is a key part of self-protection.
4. Build Inner Confidence
When you understand your limits and take care of yourself, your confidence naturally grows. This confidence helps you act wisely and handle situations more effectively.
5. Learn to Set Boundaries
Protecting your time and energy is essential. Saying “no” when needed is not wrong—it is a sign of self-respect and personal strength.
6. Keep Learning and Growing
Knowledge is one of the strongest forms of protection. Whether it’s life skills, personal development, or new information, continuous learning empowers you.
Remember: Your safety and well-being always come first, and everything else follows.
Conclusion
Self-protection is the foundation of a balanced and fulfilling life. It is not selfish — it is essential. By taking care of your physical and mental health, setting boundaries, staying aware, and continuously learning, you create a strong base to face challenges confidently.
Neglecting yourself leads to stress, confusion, and even mental health issues. When you prioritize your well-being first, you not only protect yourself but also become better equipped to help others and make meaningful contributions to society.
Remember: Your safety, health, and peace of mind always come first — everything else follows naturally.
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About the Author
M. Bilal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and writes about self-defense and personal safety for CrimTechHub. His articles draw on his academic background in criminology along with hands-on research into self-defense practices and everyday safety habits.
