Living life on autopilot can feel like a comfortable cruise, yet beneath the surface, it may be a sign that you’re stuck in survival mode. The rhythm of routine can become a mask, hiding the fact that you’re merely surviving rather than truly thriving.

This state of being isn’t always easy to detect.

Unveiling this reality requires a keen sense of self-awareness and a deep dive into our subconscious patterns. It invites us to step away from the noise and monotony of our daily lives to truly interrogate our state of being.

Here are some telltale signs that you might be stuck in survival mode without realising it, according to psychology. 

Spotting these signs can be the first step towards shifting from merely surviving to genuinely thriving.

1) You’re constantly on edge

Living in a state of constant stress and anxiety is a clear sign you’re stuck in survival mode. Imagine being in a battlefield, on high alert, waiting for the next enemy attack. This is what survival mode feels like.

According to psychology, our bodies respond to perceived threats by activating the “fight or flight” response. This was an essential survival mechanism for our ancestors who lived in dangerous environments.

Today, however, we often activate this response in reaction to our daily stressors – work deadlines, family conflicts, financial worries.

When we’re stuck in survival mode, we’re perpetually ready for battle, keeping our guard up and scanning our environment for potential threats.

The problem is that this state of constant vigilance is exhausting and unsustainable.

It takes a toll on our physical health and mental well-being. We may find ourselves feeling anxious, irritable, or overwhelmed for no apparent reason.

Acknowledging this constant state of high alert can be the first step towards understanding that you’re operating in survival mode. 

This insight can guide you towards strategies to shift into a more relaxed and resilient state of being, where you can respond to life’s challenges with creativity and composure instead of fear and tension.

2) You’re neglecting self-care

When we’re constantly fighting fires, attending to everyone else’s needs, and ticking off items on our never-ending to-do lists, we often forget to take care of ourselves.

In my past experiences, I would often push through exhaustion, skip meals, and forego exercise or relaxation time in order to keep up with demands. 

At some point, I realised that I was running on fumes and not taking the necessary time to recharge my batteries.

Psychology tells us that neglecting self-care is a common symptom of living in survival mode. It’s as if we’re so focused on surviving that we don’t have the resources or energy left to nurture ourselves. 

But in reality, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for our well-being and resilience.

Recognizing this pattern of neglect can be a wake-up call. It’s an invitation to start prioritising self-care and nurturing our physical, emotional, and mental health.

By doing so, we can shift from merely surviving to truly thriving.

3) You’re disconnected from your feelings

Going deeper into the previous point, it’s not only our physical well-being that takes a hit when we’re in survival mode.

Our emotional health often suffers too. When we’re constantly on the go, we may find ourselves disconnected from our feelings and emotions.

In my own journey, I’ve noticed that during particularly stressful periods, I would often numb my feelings or push them aside to keep moving forward. It was as if acknowledging these emotions would slow me down or make me vulnerable.

 But in doing so, I was neglecting a crucial part of my humanity.

Emotions are not just random experiences. They carry important messages about our needs, values, and overall well-being.

By disconnecting from our feelings, we’re essentially ignoring these messages and leaving our needs unmet.

Becoming aware of this emotional disconnect can be a critical sign that you’re stuck in survival mode. It’s a call to pause, tune into your feelings, and give yourself permission to experience and express them. 

This can be a profound step towards living more authentically and leaving survival mode behind.

4) You’re avoiding risks and playing it safe

 

Surprisingly, when we’re in survival mode, we often avoid risks and choose to play it safe. This may seem like a logical strategy when our primary goal is to survive. 

However, this approach can keep us stuck in a rut and prevent us from reaching our full potential.

I’ve found that when I’m in survival mode, I tend to shy away from new opportunities and challenges. It’s as if the uncertainty associated with these situations is too much to handle on top of my existing stressors.

But here’s the twist – taking calculated risks is a crucial part of growth and creativity. It’s how we explore new possibilities, learn new skills, and push the boundaries of our potential.

By constantly avoiding risks, we limit our capacity for innovation and self-expression.

Spotting this risk-avoidant behaviour can be an important indicator that you’re operating in survival mode. 

It’s an invitation to start embracing uncertainty, stepping out of your comfort zone, and harnessing your creative potential. 

5) You’re ignoring your dreams and passions

When we are stuck in survival mode, our dreams and passions often take a back seat.

The focus is on getting through the day, not on pursuing what truly lights us up. We might tell ourselves that we’ll pursue our passions “someday,” but that day never seems to come.

I remember a time when I was so consumed with my everyday responsibilities that I forgot about my own dreams and desires. It felt like I was just going through the motions, not truly living.

Ignoring our passions can lead to feelings of emptiness and disillusionment. Our dreams and passions are what give our lives meaning and joy. When we neglect them, we deny ourselves the opportunity for true fulfilment.

Noticing this neglect of your dreams can be a potent sign that you’re operating in survival mode. It’s a call to reconnect with what truly matters to you and to prioritise your passions, no matter how busy you are.

To help you on this journey, I’d recommend checking out the “Finding Your Purpose” free masterclass. It’s a guided journey into discovering your true calling, offering tools and insights to clarify what truly matters to you.

By the end of this masterclass, you’ll have a clear direction and actionable steps to pursue a more fulfilling, purpose-driven life. You can find it here.

6) You’re forgetting to enjoy the present moment

Now, here’s something you might not expect. When we’re in survival mode, we often forget to enjoy the present moment.

It seems counterintuitive, right? After all, survival mode is all about the ‘here and now’, dealing with immediate threats and concerns. 

But in reality, it’s more about constantly anticipating the next challenge or hurdle.

In survival mode, our minds are often elsewhere – worrying about the future or ruminating over the past. We’re so focused on ‘what’s next’ that we forget to appreciate ‘what’s now’.

The joy of a good meal, the beauty of a sunset, the laughter of a loved one – these moments of simple pleasure can easily slip by unnoticed.

I used to constantly worry about the next big project or deadline, so much so that I barely took time to enjoy the fruits of my labour or celebrate my successes. It was as if I was living in a future that hadn’t happened yet.

Psychology tells us that practising mindfulness – the art of being fully present and engaged in the current moment – is a powerful antidote to this survival mode mentality. It allows us to savour life’s pleasures, reduce stress, and cultivate a sense of peace and contentment.

So if you find yourself constantly anticipating what’s next and forgetting to savour the now, it might be an indicator that you’re stuck in survival mode. 

Remember, life is not just about surviving challenges – it’s also about enjoying the journey.

7) You’re isolating yourself from others

We may feel like we don’t have the time or energy to connect with people, or we might fear that showing our vulnerability will make us appear weak.

I’ve been through periods in my life where I felt so overwhelmed by my challenges that I started withdrawing from my friends and family. It was as if I was in a bubble, cut off from the world around me.

However, psychology emphasises the importance of social connections for our mental health and well-being. Our relationships give us a sense of belonging and support, provide a buffer against stress, and enhance our joy through shared experiences.

If you notice yourself pulling away from others, it could be a sign that you’re stuck in survival mode.

This realisation is an invitation to reach out to your loved ones, open up about your challenges, and seek support. We are social beings and we don’t need to face our struggles alone.

8) You’re neglecting your values

When we’re only focused on getting through each day, we might overlook what truly matters to us and lose sight of our core values.

I recall times where I was so caught up in the hustle and bustle that I neglected my values of creativity and authenticity. It felt like I was living someone else’s life, not my own.

Our values guide our decisions and actions, giving direction and meaning to our lives. When we lose touch with our values, we might feel lost or unfulfilled.

9) You’re feeling stuck and unfulfilled

Finally, a surefire sign that you’re in survival mode is feeling stuck and unfulfilled. You might feel like you’re running on a treadmill, going through the motions but not getting anywhere.

I’ve had periods in my life where I felt stuck in a rut, unable to see a way forward. It was as if I was just surviving each day, not truly living.

This feeling of being stuck often stems from being in survival mode.

It’s as if our survival-focused mindset is keeping us trapped in our current circumstances, blocking us from seeing new possibilities and pursuing our dreams.

This realisation is an invitation to shift your mindset, tap into your creative potential, and start creating the life you truly desire.

Embracing the journey from survival to thriving

As we delve into the intricacies of our behaviours and reactions, it becomes evident that survival mode is deeply ingrained in our psychology. It’s a primal response that has served us well in the face of threats and challenges.

However, in today’s world, where physical dangers are not as imminent, being stuck in survival mode can hinder our growth and fulfilment. 

It can keep us trapped in a state of constant stress and anxiety, preventing us from tapping into our creative potential and living in alignment with our values.

Moving from survival to thriving isn’t about dismissing or fighting against this survival instinct.

Rather, it’s about recognizing its signs and choosing to respond differently. It’s about shifting our mindset, prioritising self-care, connecting with others, and aligning our actions with our deepest values.

Whether you’re feeling constantly on edge or neglecting your dreams and passions, remember that you have the power to choose a different path. You have the power to shift from merely surviving to truly thriving.

As a first step on this journey, consider checking out the “Finding Your Purpose” free masterclass. It’s a guided exploration into discovering your true calling and aligning with your deepest values, offering tools and insights to clarify what truly matters to you.

In what ways can you start shifting from survival mode to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life today?