Understanding Survival Mode: Signs and Solutions
When you think of “survival mode,” it’s natural to imagine a sudden animal attack or an earthquake. However, survival mode can also occur in everyday life, manifesting as a lack of productivity or even a pile of unwashed dishes. You might scold yourself for being lazy, assuming there are no crocodiles lurking in your toilet. But did you know that your body can enter survival mode if it feels overwhelmed, signaling that your demise might be imminent?
This survival response can be triggered by prolonged grief, severe abuse, or burnout. It’s akin to booting a computer in safe mode, where only essential functions are active. Are you unsure if you’re in survival mode or just being lazy? Here are some signs to help you distinguish between the two.
Signs You May Be in Survival Mode
Lack of Focus
One of the primary indicators of survival mode is a lack of focus. Have you ever read the same page ten times without absorbing the content? Do people call your name, and you don’t hear them? If you find yourself zoning out and unable to complete tasks you usually handle with ease, you might be in survival mode. Your brain’s higher functions shut down in favor of basic survival, deprioritizing tasks like calculus homework or work projects.
Forgetting Basic Needs
In survival mode, you might neglect your basic needs. You might suddenly realize, “I haven’t brushed my teeth today or showered in three days. Did I even eat today?” Survival mode leaves you feeling drained, unable to perform daily activities well due to a lack of physical and emotional resources.
Constant Tiredness
Do you feel exhausted even though you haven’t done anything strenuous? You haven’t been to boot camp, nor are you training for the Olympics, yet you relate to Han Solo stuck in carbonite, both physically and mentally. This could be survival mode trying to conserve energy. You feel tired, so survival mode screams, “Conserve energy! Stay still! Sleep!” Ironically, this makes you feel even more tired, perpetuating a cycle of fatigue.
Emotional Reactivity
Whether you’re usually laid-back or naturally energetic, you know when you’re more reactive than usual. If you find yourself snapping or lashing out at insignificant things or bursting into tears without reason, survival mode might be at play. In survival mode, our brains react impulsively to ensure our safety, bypassing executive functioning skills.
Memory Issues
Another sign of survival mode is memory issues. Have you ever felt like you have no idea what you did yesterday? You might feel disconnected and foggy. When someone asks you something simple, and you draw a blank, it could be survival mode affecting your memory. Trauma can complicate memory recall, making the who, what, and where of daily life difficult to remember.
Single-Task Focus
Normally, you might be a multitasking powerhouse, capable of writing a paper while listening to an audiobook and sipping coffee. But lately, you can only focus on one task at a time. Your brain is in “battery saving mode,” akin to a smartphone that reduces speed and disables multitasking to conserve energy.
Understanding and Overcoming Survival Mode
“You are not lazy, unmotivated, or stuck. After years of living in survival mode, you are exhausted. There’s a difference.” While survival mode can resemble laziness, it’s crucial to identify the underlying cause of your actions or inactions. Are you consciously avoiding tasks, or are you unknowingly clinging to life?
Being in constant survival mode is neither healthy nor happy, so it’s essential to address the root causes. Making small changes in your daily routine and seeking professional help can be a great starting point on this journey.
Did any of these points resonate with you? What insights have you gained about yourself or others? Share your thoughts, discuss, and comment—we’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for joining us on this exploration of survival mode. See you soon!
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