If you’re feeling like life is a constant battle—where every day is just about getting by and you’re stuck in a cycle of exhaustion and overwhelm—you might be in survival mode. We’ve all been there at some point. Survival mode is that place where you’re doing everything you can just to make it through the day, but deep down, you know there has to be more to life than this.
The good news? There is more to life. You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. You can shift into a life where you feel empowered, organized, and at peace. A life where you’re not just surviving, but thriving.
I’ve been there myself. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re on autopilot, juggling responsibilities, stress, and feeling like you’re just treading water. But I also know what it feels like to take control and transform that feeling of overwhelm into confidence and calm.
If you’re ready to get out of survival mode, here’s how to start making that shift.
What Does Survival Mode Look Like?
Survival mode is what happens when life feels like a series of reactions. You’re constantly putting out fires, handling what’s urgent, and just trying to make it to the end of the day. It might look like:
- Constant stress over finances, work, or time
- Feeling physically and emotionally drained
- Struggling to balance responsibilities and taking care of yourself
- Endless to-do lists that never seem to get shorter
- Feeling like no matter how much you try, nothing ever really changes
It’s a tough place to be, and after a while, it can start to feel like this is just the way things are. But it’s not supposed to be this way. You deserve to feel like you’re in control of your life, and it is possible to get there.
Step 1: Recognize and Acknowledge
The first step to getting out of survival mode is recognizing that you’re in it. This might sound simple, but it’s easy to get used to the constant hustle and stress, and accept it as normal. Acknowledge that you’re overwhelmed, and give yourself some grace. You’ve been doing the best you can with what you have, but now it’s time for a change.
Step 2: Prioritize Self-Care
When you’re in survival mode, self-care often gets pushed to the side. But taking care of yourself isn’t just something you do when you have extra time—it’s essential if you want to move from surviving to thriving.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine; start small. Try incorporating little pockets of self-care into your day:
- Take 10 minutes to stretch or meditate in the morning
- Go for a walk or spend a few quiet moments outside
- Enjoy a cup of tea in silence, even if it’s just for 5 minutes
- Do something you love—whether it’s reading, journaling, or listening to your favorite podcast
These small acts of self-care will build up over time, giving you more energy and clarity.
Step 3: Organize Your Life
Chaos—whether it’s in your home, schedule, or mind—feeds survival mode. To break free, start organizing your environment and your time.
- Declutter: Choose one room or area and start clearing out what you no longer need. Simplifying your physical space helps clear mental clutter too.
- Create a daily or weekly plan: Make a list of priorities and break tasks into manageable chunks. Writing things down can help reduce the feeling of overwhelm.
- Use time-blocking: THIS IS MY FAVORITE WAY TO ORGANIZE MY DAY! Set aside specific times for work, errands, relaxation, and self-care. Having a plan makes you feel more in control of your time and reduces the mental load.
Step 4: Manage Stress with Boundaries
One reason many of us stay in survival mode is that we don’t set clear boundaries. Whether it’s overcommitting to work, family, or friends, we can stretch ourselves so thin that there’s nothing left for us. Learning to say no is an essential part of shifting out of survival mode.
- Say no when you need to: You don’t have to say yes to everything. If something doesn’t align with your priorities or if it adds unnecessary stress, it’s okay to decline.
- Limit distractions: Whether it’s social media, constant emails, or unnecessary tasks, try to limit things that distract you from your goals and peace of mind.
- Delegate tasks: Don’t feel like you have to do everything yourself. Whether it’s asking for help at work or delegating tasks at home, share the load when you can.
Step 5: Take Control of Your Finances
Finances are often a huge source of stress, and for many women, financial uncertainty can keep them stuck in survival mode. Taking small steps to manage your money can help reduce anxiety and give you the stability you need to thrive.
- Make a budget: Track your income and expenses so you know where your money is going.
- Set financial goals: Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a vacation, or building an emergency fund, having goals will give you something to work toward.
- Ask for help if needed: Don’t be afraid to seek advice from a financial planner, online resources, or even friends who have been through similar situations.
Taking control of your money can help you feel more secure and in charge of your life.
Step 6: Shift Your Mindset
Getting out of survival mode isn’t just about changing your actions; it’s about changing the way you think. Survival mode often comes with a mindset of scarcity and constant stress. To thrive, you need to start thinking about abundance, possibilities, and growth.
- Practice gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to focus on what you’re grateful for. This small practice can shift your mindset from focusing on what’s wrong to appreciating what’s going right.
- Visualize your ideal life: What would it look like to thrive? How do you want to feel, and what changes would help you get there? Start envisioning that life and believe that it’s possible.
- Reframe challenges: Instead of seeing obstacles as setbacks, start viewing them as opportunities for growth. Ask yourself, How can I learn from this? instead of Why is this happening to me?
Step 7: Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
Finally, remember that moving from survival to thriving isn’t an overnight process. It’s about progress, not perfection. Celebrate small victories along the way, whether it’s sticking to your budget, saying no when you need to, or simply taking a few moments for yourself each day.
Every step you take brings you closer to the life you want—a life where you’re not just getting by but truly thriving, with more peace, joy, and purpose.
Ready to take that first step? Download my free guide, “Rise and Shine.”
If you’re ready to get out of survival mode and start thriving, take the first step today. It’s time to reclaim your life, one small change at a time. You deserve to live a life where you feel empowered, organized, and in control—and it starts with deciding to take that first step forward.
