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The Signs You're in Survival Mode and How to Get Out of It

Posted by Kelsey Juntwait on

Have you ever found yourself constantly in fight or flight mode? Feeling like you're just trying to survive day by day? Then you're definitely not alone. Many people often find themselves stuck here, in something termed "survival mode". And survival mode can often lead to chronic stress, fatigue, and burnout. But how do you know if you're actually in survival mode? And more importantly, how do you break out of it? 

What is Survival Mode?

Survival mode is a natural response of the nervous system to a perceived threat or danger. The "fight or flight" response kicks in, triggering the release of hormones such as adrenaline that increases heart rate and blood pressure, and causes rapid shallow breathing, all to prepare the body for action. In survival mode, the focus shifts towards survival, and the capacity for rational thinking and decision-making can be compromised.

This state can become chronic in response to intense or prolonged stressors, leading to exhaustion, anxiety, and even the development of physical and mental illnesses. 

How to Recognize if You're in Survival Mode

If you've ever experienced a time where you felt like you were just going through the daily motions simply to get by — that's what survival mode is all about.

Survival Mode is a state of mind where you become laser-focused on the present moment, on simply getting through each day, rather than on achieving long-term goals.

People tend to find themselves in survival mode during difficult times, such as during a crisis or after experiencing a significant setback. In survival mode, everything feels overwhelming, and the idea of planning for the future can feel nearly impossible. 

Additionally, it's crucial to understand that being in survival mode is sometimes unavoidable, especially during tough times such as financial crises, health issues, and family problems. However, it's entirely possible to break free from survival mode by recognizing the signs and taking appropriate action. This may involve seeking help from others, prioritizing self-care, and setting realistic goals. Remember that self-awareness, self-compassion, and a positive mindset are key components in breaking free from survival mode and living the life you desire. 

Challenges of Surviving in a Stressful Environment

Survival mode is a state of mind that is activated when we are pushed to our limits and forced to react quickly to a stressful situation. One of the most important aspects of surviving in such an environment is maintaining mental and emotional stability, as anxiety and fear can trigger extreme reactions that may put us in danger. When we are in survival mode, our instincts take over, and we need to be able to control our emotions and think logically.

Also, it's important to acknowledge that being in survival mode can take a toll on our mental health. It is crucial to practice self-care and seek help when needed. Additionally, taking the time to learn new skills and staying informed about potential threats can give us a sense of preparedness and control in uncertain situations. 

Mindset Adjustments to Help Overcome Survival Mode

When you find yourself in the midst of a challenging situation, it can be difficult to keep a level head. However, understanding what’s going on right now and being able to assess the situation objectively is key to adjusting your mindset for survival mode. It’s important to take a step back and remind yourself that this is not a permanent state of affairs. 

Besides, when you find yourself in survival mode, it's important to remember that you have the power to take control of your situation. With a plan of action in place, you can start to shift your mindset and focus on making progress towards a brighter future. Breaking down your goals into manageable steps can help you stay motivated and build resilience in the face of challenges. 

Healthy Habits to Break the Cycle of Survival Mode

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the cycle of survival mode. Our jobs, relationships, and daily responsibilities can all leave us feeling drained and stressed out. However, it's crucial to take proactive steps to break out of this cycle so we can prioritize our health. By making small changes, such as getting more sleep or practicing somatic exercises, we can shift our focus from simply surviving to thriving.

In times of crisis or when life is just overwhelming, it can be easy to slip into survival mode. This is when we neglect our basic needs and focus solely on making it through each day.

It's important to remember that self-care is not selfish; it's necessary for our well-being. So, when life gets tough, don't forget to prioritize your health and well-being. It may just be the key to getting through survival mode and coming out on the other side stronger than ever.

By making self-care a priority, we can increase our chances of thriving even in challenging circumstances.

Somatic Exercises To Get Out Of Survival Mode For Good

Somatic exercises are a powerful tool in getting out of survival mode. Our nervous system can become stuck in this stress response, leading to chronic tension, pain, and anxiety. But somatic exercises allow us to release this tension and retrain our nervous system towards relaxation and resilience.

With consistent practice, somatic exercises can support us to feel more grounded, present, and nourished in the moment, allowing us to move beyond survival mode into a life of greater ease and vitality.

Try a somatic exercise program today to finally stop living in survival mode!