Do you ever feel like you’re just barely keeping your head above water?
Like you’re doing everything in your power to stay afloat, but you’re not really progressing or moving forward?
This is what we call being in “survival mode.” It’s when you’re so focused on just getting through the day that you’re not really living, you’re merely surviving.
Sometimes it’s hard to recognize when we slip into this state of survival.
But, by being more aware of our behaviors, we can better understand our current state and take steps to move toward a healthier balance.
Here’s the thing: if you notice these behaviors in yourself, chances are, you’re in survival mode.
Let’s dive in and figure out how to regain control of our personal and professional lives.
1) You’re constantly in “fight or flight” mode
Feeling like you’re always on edge? Like at any moment you need to fight or flee from danger?
This constant state of high alert is a classic sign of survival mode.
In our everyday lives, we don’t typically face the same physical threats our ancestors did, like saber-toothed tigers or hostile tribes.
However, our body’s response to stress, deadlines, and overwhelming workload is the same – activating the fight or flight response.
This response is your body’s primitive way of protecting you from danger.
It’s great if you’re faced with a real threat, but not so helpful when you’re just trying to navigate a busy workday.
If you notice that you’re often feeling keyed up, anxious, or ready to react at a moment’s notice, chances are you’re operating in survival mode.
Recognizing this can be the first step toward finding more balance and resilience in your life.
2) Exhaustion is your new normal
Remember those college days when you could pull an all-nighter and still ace the exam the next morning? Yeah, me too.
But those days are long gone. Now, I find myself feeling tired all the time, no matter how much sleep I get.
I remember a time when I was working on a major project. The deadlines were tight and the pressure was high.
I was running on 4 hours of sleep every night, relying on coffee to get me through the day. And even when the project was over, I still felt exhausted.
This constant fatigue, my friends, is another sign of survival mode.
When we’re in survival mode, our bodies are working overtime to keep us going, which can leave us feeling perpetually drained.
If you’re feeling tired all the time despite getting enough sleep, it’s possible you’re in survival mode.
Recognizing this can help you take steps to cultivate more balance and restore your energy levels.
3) You’re neglecting your health
When we’re in survival mode, our focus narrows down to what’s immediately in front of us.
This often means that long-term goals, like maintaining our health, get put on the back burner.
Skipping meals or opting for fast food instead of cooking, neglecting exercise because you “just don’t have the time,” or even ignoring symptoms of illness because you can’t afford to take a day off – these are all signs that you’re in survival mode.
Interestingly, research shows that chronic stress, which is often associated with survival mode, can lead to health problems such as heart disease and obesity.
If you’ve been neglecting your health, it’s time to take a step back and reassess your situation.
4) You’re isolating yourself
One classic sign of survival mode is isolation. When we’re in survival mode, we often cut ourselves off from friends and family.
It’s not that we don’t value these relationships, but we’re so focused on getting through the day that we simply don’t have the energy for social interactions.
You might find yourself declining invitations, avoiding phone calls, or even spending your lunch breaks alone. While there’s nothing wrong with needing some alone time, consistent isolation can be a sign you’re operating in survival mode.
Humans are social creatures by nature. Our connections with others are vital for our wellbeing.
If you find yourself becoming more and more isolated, it could be a sign that you’re just trying to survive rather than truly live.
5) Your emotions are on a rollercoaster ride
There was a time when I would find myself laughing hysterically at a joke one moment, only to be on the verge of tears the next.
My emotions felt like they were on a wild rollercoaster ride, and I was just along for the journey.
This emotional instability is another sign of survival mode.
When we’re under constant stress, our bodies produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that can wreak havoc on our emotional state.
If you notice that your emotions are all over the place, swinging from extreme highs to extreme lows with no apparent cause, it’s likely you’re in survival mode.
Recognizing this is important for regaining control and finding emotional stability once again.
6) You’re constantly worried about the future
When in survival mode, it’s common to be consumed by worries about the future.
You might find yourself constantly thinking about what could go wrong, or how you’ll handle potential problems down the line.
This constant worrying can create a cycle of anxiety and stress that keeps us stuck in survival mode.
It’s like we’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop, and it prevents us from fully living in and enjoying the present.
If you find yourself constantly worrying about the future, it’s a sign you’re in survival mode.
Recognizing this can help you take steps to break the cycle and start living more in the moment.
7) You’re just going through the motions
The most definitive sign of survival mode is when you feel like you’re just going through the motions.
When every day feels like a repeat of the one before, and you’re not really living, but merely existing.
When in this state, it’s as if life has lost its color, and everything feels dull and monotonous.
It’s a clear sign that you’re in survival mode and need to make some changes.
Life is meant to be lived, not just survived. If you find yourself just going through the motions, it’s time to take action and regain control.
Don’t just survive – thrive!
Final thoughts: It’s about self-awareness
The complex nature of our behaviors and responses can sometimes be traced back to our inherent survival instincts.
One such instinct is the “fight or flight” response.
This primitive reaction to stress or danger has evolved with us, and while it can serve us well in some scenarios, it can also leave us stuck in a perpetual state of survival mode.
Being in survival mode isn’t necessarily a negative thing. It’s a testament to our resilience and our ability to adapt and persist in the face of challenges.
When it becomes our default state, it can rob us of the joy and fulfillment that comes from truly living.
Recognizing these behaviors in ourselves is the first step towards breaking free from survival mode.
With increased self-awareness, we can start to make changes that move us from merely surviving to truly thriving.
Life isn’t just about making it through each day – it’s about experiencing, growing, connecting, and finding joy in the journey.
If you find yourself stuck in survival mode, take a step back, reflect, and remember: you’re not just here to survive, you’re here to thrive.
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