Survival Mode Recovery
Are you tired of just barely getting through each day? The good news is that there is a way out, that is what survival mode recovery is all about.
Do you feel like you’re constantly in “survival mode,” struggling to juggle work, home life, and homeschooling? If so, you’re not alone.
With some intentional self-care, a re-evaluation of your priorities, and some practical strategies, you can break free from survival mode.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what survival mode is and why working homeschool moms often find themselves in it. We’ll briefly outline the signs that you may be in survival mode, and most importantly, we’ll share the steps you can take to recover and prevent burnout in the future.
If you’re a working homeschool mom feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, or simply someone who’s struggling with your daily life, this post is for you.
Let’s dive in and discover how you can recover from survival mode and start thriving!
Survival Mode: What It Is?
Have you ever found yourself in a state where you’re just trying to get through each day without the capacity to focus on anything beyond the bare essentials? This state is commonly known as “survival mode,” but what is survival mode?
For a working homeschool mom, survival mode feel is when life feels like an endless cycle of managing your never-ending to-do lists and struggling to stay afloat.
But here’s the good news – many moms experience survival mode at some point or another, and there are ways to overcome it.
How to Recognize If You’re In It
One of the first steps to overcoming survival mode is recognizing when you’re in it. As a working homeschool mom, you likely have a lot on your plate, but certain signs can indicate you’re in survival mode.
For instance, if you’re constantly exhausted, struggling to concentrate on tasks, and find yourself procrastinating, these could all be indicators that you’re in survival mode. Other signs could include feeling constantly overwhelmed, struggling to maintain healthy habits like exercise and self-care, and having difficulty sleeping.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to take a step back and assess your situation. Are you trying to take on too much at once? Are there areas of your life that you can delegate or let go of? Recognizing when you’re in survival mode can be the first step toward learning how to get out of survival mode.
What Is Survival Mode Recovery?
Survival mode recovery is the process of overcoming the intense stress and overwhelm that can arise from managing multiple responsibilities, such as working and homeschooling, at the same time.
The goal of survival mode recovery is for you to gradually regain a sense of control in your life by implementing strategies such as prioritizing self-care, reassessing schedules, setting boundaries, and seeking support from others.
While the process of recovery may be gradual, it can ultimately lead to improved mental and emotional well-being, increased productivity, and a greater sense of fulfillment in both your work and personal life.
7 Survival Mode Recovery Steps
Survival mode recovery is all about taking steps to regain control when you feel overwhelmed by the challenges of managing a job, homeschooling your kids, and everyday life.
As a working mom who homeschools, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But with a few key strategies, you can start to take back control and feel more grounded.
Here are seven steps you can take toward survival mode recovery that are specifically relevant to you as a working homeschool mom:
1. Prioritize self-care
As a working mom who is also homeschooling, it’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner. However, taking care of yourself is essential when recovering from survival mode.
Try to get enough sleep by creating a sleep schedule and sticking to it as much as possible. Eating a balanced diet and making time for physical activity is also important.
Make sure you set aside some time to do things that you enjoy, such as reading, crafting, or spending time with friends.
Remember that self-care looks different for everyone, focus on what recharges you.
2. Reassess your schedule
When you’re in survival mode, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the number of tasks and responsibilities on your plate.
Take a step back and reevaluate your schedule. Determine which tasks are most important and prioritize those. Consider which tasks can be delegated or let go of altogether, and don’t be afraid to say no to additional commitments.
3. Ask for help
Asking for help can be difficult, but it’s essential when in survival mode recovery.
Reach out to family members, friends, or others for help. Make use of cleaning schedules, or grocery pick up to save time and remove tasks.
Ask other working homeschooling moms in your community for ideas on how to reduce the mental load. Try online programs for homeschooling such as CTCMath or an all-in-one homeschool program such as Schoohouseteachers.com.
Consider hiring a professional, such as a tutor or house cleaner, to help lighten your workload.
4. Practice mindfulness
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your routine can help you manage stress and feel more centered.
There are different ways to practice mindfulness, such as:
You can also practice mindfulness while doing daily tasks like washing dishes or taking a shower by being present in the moment and focusing on the sensations and movements involved.
Try to set aside some time each day to practice mindfulness in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable for you. This can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths or doing a quick visualization exercise.
5. Connect with others
Building a supportive network of other working homeschool moms can provide a valuable source of encouragement and support.
Joining a local homeschool group or connecting with other moms online can help you feel less isolated and provide opportunities for sharing advice and resources.
I have two online communities for working homeschool moms:
6. Celebrate small wins
Survival mode recovery can be an overwhelming process, and it’s easy to get bogged down in the daily grind without seeing any progress. That’s why it’s crucial to take the time to celebrate even the smallest victories along the way.
Acknowledge and recognize when you’ve accomplished a task, no matter how small it may seem. It could be as simple as finishing a load of laundry, completing a work project, or taking the time to engage in self-care.
It’s also important to give yourself permission to take breaks and celebrate your progress. Taking a moment to acknowledge your accomplishments can help you feel more motivated and positive about your journey toward recovery. Celebrating small wins can also help you stay focused and motivated when setbacks occur.
7. Set boundaries
As a working mom who is homeschooling, it’s easy to overextend yourself and take on too much. The pressure to do “all the things” is hard to resist.
Setting boundaries with work, family, and friends can help you prioritize your own needs and avoid burnout.
Consider setting limits on your work hours, setting aside specific times for homeschooling, and communicating your boundaries with family and friends.
Survival Mode Books
Books can be a great source of inspiration and guidance when it comes to navigating survival mode as a mom. Here are a few of the top books about survival mode recovery for moms, and explore how they can provide valuable insights and perspectives on this challenging phase of life.
Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Say Goodbye to Survival Mode: 9 Simple Strategies to Stress Less, Sleep More, and Restore Your Passion for Life
The Whole SELF Lifestyle for Working Parents: A Practical 4-Step Framework to Defeat Burnout and Escape Survival Mode for GoodThe Whole SELF Lifestyle for Working Parents Companion Workbook: A Practical 4-Step Framework to Defeat Burnout and Escape Survival Mode for Good
Whether you’re looking for practical tips on managing your time and responsibilities or seeking to connect with other moms who have gone through similar experiences, there are plenty of books out there to help support you in your journey.
Survival Mode Help
Survival mode is something most working moms who are homeschooling find themselves coping with because life is always changing.
Survival Mode Recovery
Being a working mom who homeschools can be challenging, and it’s easy to fall into survival mode.
However, with the right strategies, it’s possible to recover and find a more sustainable rhythm. Prioritizing self-care, reassessing your schedule, asking for help, practicing mindfulness, connecting with others, celebrating small victories, and setting boundaries are all important steps in the survival mode recovery process.
Remember to be kind to yourself and take things one step at a time. By implementing these strategies, you can regain control and create a more fulfilling and balanced life for both yourself and your family.
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Hi, I’m Jen. I help working moms juggle their career and homeschool their kids by providing support, systems and tools. You are warmly invited to Join the Online Community Here!
