There’s a fine line between merely surviving and truly living.

Survival mode is when you’re just getting by, doing the bare minimum to keep your head above water. Yet, true living is embracing each day with purpose, joy, and satisfaction.

Often, it’s our daily habits that determine which side of the line we fall on.

These seemingly insignificant routines can either propel us towards a fulfilling life or keep us stuck in a monotonous existence.

In this article, I’m going to share 7 daily habits that might be holding you back from truly living, and trust me, they’re not always what you’d expect.

By acknowledging these habits and taking steps to change them, you can shift from just surviving to thriving.

So let’s dive right in, shall we?

1) Constantly worrying about the future

One of the biggest habits that keep us stuck in survival mode is constant worrying.

Imagine a deer caught in headlights. It’s frozen, unable to think or move, just waiting for the potential danger. That’s how we become when we’re constantly worrying about the future.

The human brain is wired to anticipate threats and protect us from danger. But when this protective mechanism is overactive, it can keep us stuck in a constant state of worry and fear.

This, in turn, prevents us from truly living our lives.

Worrying about the future takes away our ability to enjoy the present. It robs us of our peace and keeps us in a state of constant anxiety and stress.

The key here is to find a balance between planning for the future and living in the present.

Understand that not everything is within your control, and it’s okay. Learn to accept uncertainty and embrace change.

Remember, life is happening right now, in this very moment. Don’t let constant worry about what might happen next keep you from truly living.

2) Neglecting self-care

If there’s one habit I’ve personally learned can keep you stuck in survival mode, it’s neglecting self-care.

In the hustle and bustle of life, I found myself constantly on the run, always ticking off tasks from my to-do list.

Work responsibilities, family commitments, social obligations – they all piled up and the first thing that went out of the window was self-care. I was surviving but not truly living.

I was eating on the go, skipping workouts, compromising on sleep, and barely finding time to relax and unwind. I thought I was being efficient but in reality, I was just wearing myself out.

It wasn’t until I fell sick due to exhaustion that I realized how important self-care is. Taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity.

It’s like putting gas in your car – you can’t expect to keep going without refueling.

Since then, I’ve made it a point to prioritize self-care. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes off during the day to meditate or making sure to eat healthy meals instead of resorting to fast food.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s the fuel that keeps you going, empowering you to live your life fully rather than just surviving through it.

3) Being a slave to technology

In today’s digital age, we are more connected than ever before.

However, this constant connection can sometimes keep us stuck in survival mode rather than letting us live our lives to the fullest.

Studies have shown that excessive screen time and social media usage can contribute to feelings of anxiety and depression.

It’s not uncommon for us to spend hours scrolling through our feeds, comparing our lives with others, and feeling inadequate as a result.

Moreover, being constantly available and responsive to work emails and messages blurs the line between work and personal life, adding to the stress.

The irony is that while we’re connected virtually, we’re often disconnected from the real world around us.

We miss out on genuine personal interactions, the joy of nature, and even the simple pleasure of a quiet moment.

It’s not about completely giving up technology — it’s a crucial part of our lives. But it is about creating healthy boundaries.

Set aside specific times for checking emails or social media. Make time for real-life interactions. Remember that it’s okay to unplug sometimes.

Technology is a tool meant to enhance our lives, not control them. Use it wisely to truly live rather than just survive.

4) Living in the past

Holding onto past mistakes or dwelling on past successes can be a major roadblock in truly living.

When we constantly revisit our past, we’re not just replaying events; we’re often reliving the emotions associated with them. This can leave us feeling stuck, unable to move forward.

Whether it’s a failure, a bad relationship, or even a time when you were at your peak, clinging to the past prevents us from enjoying the present and embracing the future.

The truth is, you cannot change what has already happened. But what you can control is how you react to it and what you learn from it.

Use your past experiences as a guide, not a destination. Learn from your mistakes and your successes, but don’t let them define you.

Life is happening right now, so don’t miss out on it by living in the past.

5) Overcommitting

There was a time in my life when I found myself saying ‘yes’ to almost everything.

Projects at work, social invitations, volunteering opportunities – if someone asked, I was there. I wore my busyness like a badge of honor, believing that the more I did, the more valuable I was.

But in reality, I was burning out. My life was a whirlwind of commitments, and I barely had a moment to breathe. I was surviving each day rather than actually living.

It took a serious toll on my health and well-being before I realized that it’s not about how much we do, but the quality of what we do. Saying ‘no’ isn’t negative; it’s necessary.

Since then, I’ve learned to value my time and energy. Balancing commitments and setting boundaries has allowed me to focus on what truly matters and it has made a world of difference.

Remember, life isn’t a race to do the most. It’s about doing what matters most. Don’t let overcommitment steal your chance of truly living.

6) Negative self-talk

The way we talk to ourselves has a profound impact on how we live our lives.

Negative self-talk, where we constantly criticize or undervalue ourselves, can trap us in survival mode.

Statements like “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never be good enough” create a self-fulfilling prophecy. We start believing these statements, and they start shaping our reality.

This destructive habit can hinder our personal and professional growth, damage our self-esteem, and limit our potential.

But the good news is that we have the power to change this narrative. By consciously shifting our self-talk from negative to positive, we can significantly improve our outlook on life.

Start by catching yourself when you engage in negative self-talk. Replace these thoughts with more positive, empowering statements.

Instead of “I can’t”, say “I’ll try”. Instead of “I’m not good enough”, say “I’m a work in progress”.

Remember, your words have power. Use them to uplift yourself and to create a life you love living, not just surviving.

7) Ignoring your passions

At the core of truly living, rather than just surviving, lies the pursuit of our passions.

Ignoring what you love doing, what lights you up and gives you a sense of purpose, can keep you stuck in survival mode.

Life becomes a series of tasks to be completed rather than an exciting journey to be experienced.

Your passions are not distractions. They are integral to your well-being and happiness. They bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment that no amount of money or recognition can provide.

So make time for your passions. Even if it’s just a few hours a week, do something that brings you joy.

It could be painting, writing, gardening, running, cooking – whatever it is that you love.

When you start incorporating your passions into your daily life, you start truly living. You move from a state of survival to a state of thriving. And that’s where the magic happens.

Final thought: It’s all about choice

The essence of truly living, rather than merely surviving, is deeply intertwined with the choices we make each day.

The daily habits we’ve discussed, from constant worrying to neglecting self-care, are not inescapable traps. They are simply choices we’ve fallen into, perhaps unconsciously, over time.

But just as these habits were formed, they can be changed. It starts with awareness and is followed by conscious, intentional action.

Remember, every day presents a new opportunity to choose differently. To choose to live in the present rather than in the past or future.

To choose self-care over constant busyness. To choose positive self-talk over self-criticism. To choose passion over indifference.

And as the renowned psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”

Ultimately, choosing to truly live is a journey, not an end goal.

It’s about making small shifts in your daily habits that gradually lead you out of survival mode and into a more fulfilling, joyous existence.

So I leave you with this final thought: What choices will you make today that will move you closer to truly living?

What small shifts can you start implementing in your daily routine?

Remember, the choice is always yours.