Navigating life can feel like walking through a battlefield sometimes.

At some point or another, we all switch into survival mode. It’s a psychological state where our main focus is just getting through the day, not thriving or enjoying life. It’s like being stuck in quicksand; the more you struggle, the deeper you sink.

But here’s the real kicker – many of us don’t even realize we’re trapped in this cycle of constant stress and survival. Psychology can help us identify this.

So I’m going to share seven signs that you’re stuck in survival mode without even knowing it.

1) You’re constantly stressed

In our fast-paced world, stress is a constant companion.

But here’s the thing – if you’re perpetually feeling stressed, that’s not normal. It’s a clear sign you’re stuck in survival mode.

Psychology explains that when we are in survival mode, our body is flooded with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare us to either fight or take flight – a response that was crucial for our ancestors’ survival but less so in our modern lives.

So yes, we all face stress. But if you’re constantly feeling on edge, like you’re battling a lion instead of just dealing with traffic or a difficult boss, it might be time to take a step back and reassess.

2) Lack of enjoyment in activities once loved

Here’s a personal confession: I used to love painting. It was my go-to activity whenever I needed some “me time”. But there was a period in life when I found myself too exhausted even to pick up a brush.

Have you ever felt the same?

Maybe you used to enjoy reading, hiking, cooking, or playing an instrument, but now those activities seem more like chores than fun. If things you once loved no longer bring you any joy, it’s another sign that you might be stuck in survival mode.

Psychology tells us that when we’re stuck in survival mode, our capacity for enjoyment diminishes. We’re so consumed with just getting through the day that there’s no energy left for anything else.

If you can relate to this, it might be time to hit pause and rethink how you’re living your life. After all, life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured.

3) Difficulty focusing on tasks

Did you know that when our brains are in survival mode, our ability to concentrate can decrease significantly?

This is because our brain prioritizes immediate dangers over long-term tasks, a mechanism that would have been beneficial in primal times when immediate threats were often a matter of life or death.

However, in modern life, this can translate to an inability to focus on work, studies, or even everyday tasks. You might start a task only to find your mind wandering off after a few minutes. Or perhaps you find it hard to remember instructions or absorb new information.

If this sounds familiar, don’t be too hard on yourself. Your brain is just doing its job – trying to protect you. The key is to recognize this sign and work towards creating a safer, less stressful environment for yourself.

4) You’re always tired

Let’s face it, we all have those days when we feel like we’re running on empty. But if you’re always tired, no matter how much sleep you get, you might be stuck in survival mode.

When we are in survival mode, our body is in a state of hyperarousal. This means it’s constantly preparing to respond to a perceived threat.

This constant state of readiness eats up a lot of energy, leaving us feeling perpetually drained.

And it’s not just physical exhaustion. Survival mode can also lead to mental fatigue as your mind is constantly racing, trying to anticipate and manage potential threats.

5) You’re isolating yourself

Once, I went through a phase where I stopped catching up with friends. I’d make excuses, cancel plans, and preferred to stay home alone. At the time, I thought I was just being an introvert.

It turns out, isolating oneself is a common symptom of being in survival mode.

When we’re in survival mode, our brains can interpret social interactions as potential threats. As a result, we might start avoiding people, even those we’re close to. It’s not about not liking them anymore; it’s more about self-preservation.

If you’re finding that you’re withdrawing from social events more than usual, or if interacting with people leaves you feeling drained, it might be time to check in with yourself. You’re not just being antisocial; you could be stuck in survival mode.

6) You’re neglecting self-care

When was the last time you took a moment for yourself? If it’s been a while, you could be in survival mode.

In survival mode, our minds are so focused on tackling immediate threats that we often neglect our own wellbeing. This doesn’t just mean skipping the gym or a healthy meal. It can also mean not taking the time to relax, reflect, or engage in activities that nurture our mental health.

Healthy habits like exercise, balanced meals, and mindfulness practices might take a backseat. Worse, you might not even notice that you’re neglecting these things because your mind is so preoccupied with just getting through the day.

7) You’re always in a rush

In survival mode, there’s always a sense of urgency. There’s no time to slow down and enjoy the moment because your mind is always racing to the next thing.

This constant rushing is your mind’s way of keeping you on high alert. It’s as if your internal alarm system is always switched on, ready to respond to the next threat.

If you find that you’re constantly rushing, even when there’s no real reason to, it could be a sign that you’re stuck in survival mode. This rush might seem productive, but it’s often counterproductive, leading to stress and burnout.

The most important thing to remember is that life is not a race. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to take a moment for yourself. You don’t have to live your life in constant survival mode.