STOP Living in SURVIVAL MODE and Start Thriving!

Summary

This video explores how living in 'survival mode,' triggered by chronic stress, affects our mental health and relationships. It covers five key signs of being stuck in survival mode: emotional outbursts, inability to relax, procrastination, a constant sense of impending doom, and emotional numbness. The video explains how these behaviors stem from the body's fight-or-flight response, designed to protect us but leading to heightened anxiety and disconnection in everyday life. Practical advice is offered to manage these reactions, such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and self-compassion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing survival mode to better cope and regain balance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Survival mode, or the fight or flight response, is our body's natural reaction to perceived stress or threats, triggering the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
• 😀 Chronic activation of survival mode can lead to physical and mental health issues like anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even physical conditions like high blood pressure and weakened immunity.
• 😀 Outbursts of anger in response to seemingly trivial stressors, like a missed grocery list, can be a sign of being stuck in survival mode, where the brain’s fight or flight response is triggered by even minor triggers.
• 😀 Feeling unable to relax, even during free time, is a common sign of survival mode. The body remains in a heightened state of anxiety, making it difficult to switch off and experience peace.
• 😀 Procrastination is another sign of survival mode. Tasks that trigger anxiety or stress can be avoided as a way for the brain to protect itself, even if it leads to negative consequences later.
• 😀 A constant sense of impending doom, even when there’s no apparent threat, is a result of being stuck in survival mode. The body remains hypervigilant, scanning for perceived threats.
• 😀 Emotional numbness or disconnection from others, like being unable to empathize during personal conversations, can occur when survival mode prioritizes self-preservation over emotional connection.
• 😀 Survival mode is more than a temporary stress response; it can deeply affect our emotional and mental well-being, leading to prolonged feelings of anxiety, detachment, and difficulty managing relationships.
• 😀 The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, can become impaired during survival mode, leading to impulsive behaviors and difficulty regulating emotions.
• 😀 Recognizing the signs of survival mode—such as outbursts, anxiety, procrastination, and emotional disconnection—is key to addressing it and improving mental and emotional health.

Q & A

What is survival mode, and how does it affect our body?

Survival mode, also known as the fight-or-flight response, is a physiological reaction to perceived threats or stressors. When activated, the body releases stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, preparing us to either fight or flee. While essential for real emergencies, prolonged survival mode can harm our physical and mental well-being, leading to issues like anxiety, irritability, and health problems.

How does being in survival mode relate to emotional outbursts like anger?

When we're in survival mode, the brain perceives even minor stressors as threats, leading to disproportionate emotional reactions. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, triggers anger as part of the fight-or-flight response. When we're chronically stressed, this can result in outbursts of anger, even over seemingly trivial issues.

What makes it difficult to relax even when we have free time?

Chronic stress keeps the nervous system in overdrive, making it hard to relax. This constant state of alertness, caused by the release of stress hormones, makes it challenging to experience true calm, even during downtime. Past emotional baggage and trauma can also exacerbate feelings of unease and prevent relaxation.

Why do people procrastinate when they are stuck in survival mode?

Procrastination in survival mode is a protective mechanism. Tasks that cause stress or anxiety trigger the brain’s flight response, leading to avoidance. This isn't laziness but rather the brain trying to protect itself from perceived harm. The longer the avoidance lasts, the more stressed the person becomes as deadlines approach.

What is the connection between survival mode and a constant feeling of impending doom?

Survival mode often leads to hypervigilance, where the body and mind are always on high alert for potential danger. This heightened state of anxiety can result in a persistent feeling of impending doom, even when there is no immediate threat. This sensation is the brain's way of preparing for a danger that it anticipates but cannot always identify.

Can emotional numbness be a sign of being in survival mode?

Yes, emotional numbness is one of the signs of being stuck in survival mode. When the brain prioritizes survival over emotional connections, it can suppress feelings and empathy. This makes it difficult to connect with others emotionally, even during situations where you'd typically feel compassionate or concerned.

How does survival mode affect our ability to connect with others?

In survival mode, the brain focuses on immediate survival and safety, which often leads to emotional disconnection. This makes it harder to empathize with others, as emotional responses are dulled in favor of heightened alertness. This can affect relationships, making it difficult to maintain deep, meaningful connections.

What are the main signs that someone is stuck in survival mode?

The main signs of being stuck in survival mode include emotional outbursts (anger), difficulty relaxing even in downtime, procrastination, a constant sense of anxiety or impending doom, and emotional numbness or disconnection from others.

Why does our body stay in survival mode during everyday stressors?

Our body stays in survival mode during everyday stressors because the brain misinterprets these stressors as threats, activating the fight-or-flight response. Over time, if these stressors are chronic and unresolved, the body remains on high alert, which can negatively impact mental and physical health.

What steps can we take to manage survival mode and reduce its impact?

To manage survival mode, it's important to practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and physical activities like shaking off tension. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help reduce procrastination. Additionally, addressing past trauma through therapy and focusing on self-care can help ease the symptoms of chronic stress.