Survival Mode Self-Care

When living in survival mode, survival mode self-care is likely a foreign concept. You don’t have time for anything else when trying to make it through the day and keep the tiny humans alive. 

You are working long days, homeschooling the kids, and dealing with whatever caused survival mode in your life in the first place.

If you are anything like me, your first thought about self-care in survival mode is, “I’ll do it later.”

But that is a big mistake! Practicing survival mode self-care is the best way to make it through survival mode and out the other side.

Relearning self-care can be difficult. In this article, we will talk about how to take care of yourself when you are in survival mode and how to work self-care back into your day one step at a time.

What Exactly Is Survival Mode?

Before we can begin, we need to know what survival mode is because practicing self-care in survival mode is different from a regular self-care routine. 

When you are in survival mode, all your mental and physical energy is used to survive the day. Therefore, your survival mode self-care plan needs to be quick, easy, and effective. 

Survival mode looks different for everyone but can be triggered by significant life changes or added stress in our lives. A few examples might be losing a loved one in death, moving to a new location, or having a new baby.

It is very easy to forget to take care of yourself when going through something like this.

Survival Mode Self-Care

Survival mode self-care focuses on minimal efforts that should not be overlooked and are necessary to you. 

The idea is to start with small changes to take care of yourself and then listen to your body’s reaction to these small changes.

You are already overwhelmed, don’t add to it by trying to do too much at once.

Only add one or two survival mode self-care ideas you find, or you will give up!

Small steps every day add up to big results. 

Start with the basics. It’s hard to function if you are hungry and tired. 

Skipping meals is a sign that you are in survival mode. When was the last time you ate? Was the food relevantly healthy, or are you grabbing junk food because it is easy? 

The way you fuel your body is important. 

If you notice you are skipping meals, try picking up a bagged salad you can quickly make for lunch. Toss in some protein, such as cheese or cooked chicken, and you are good to go. 

Another option is to make or buy a smoothie to take with you on the way to work.

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Are you not sleeping well? Brain dumping or journaling at bedtime is extremely helpful. 

Brain dumping allows you to dump out all the thoughts you have stuck in your mind on paper. Getting it out of your head and onto paper will enable you to clear mental clutter and cues your brain into letting it go. 

Journaling is another effective survival mode self-care practice. 

Journaling is a great way to reflect, reduce stress and slow down. I have a survival mode worksheet with journaling prompts for you. Sign up below. 

Remember, it takes time to build habits again. You didn’t end up in survival mode overnight! 

It’s going to take time to take care of yourself to see the results. 

Survival Mode Self-Care Motivation

How can you find the motivation to practice self-care? It’s all about those small steps and celebrating small wins. 

Do one thing you’ve been putting off, and then celebrate that action.

Eat a salad and reward yourself with a second cup of coffee or, better yet, a hot shower! Take a walk, clear your mind, and then celebrate by calling a friend. 

Doing anything when you are in survival mode can be a struggle. Take it one step at a time, and celebrate when you do. 

Everyone’s survival mode self-care plan looks different. Find what works for you, and keep adding one task to your routine at a time.

It’s all about finding the balance between taking care of yourself and those under your care. The goal is to get through it and find yourself in a better place. 

Implementing small changes in your day gets a little easier each day. And if you miss a day? Don’t beat yourself up. Just begin the next day again. 

Survival Mode Help

Survival mode is something most working moms who are homeschooling end up experiencing at one time or another.

• Tips for surviving survival mode
• How to stop living in survival mode
• How to get out of survival mode

Survival mode isn’t fun, but you can get out with the right information and support.

Keep Going! 

Carving out the time and energy to practice survival mode self-care can be challenging. 

The good news is if you keep the self-care activity small, doable, and practical, you’ll build up the habit in no time. 

Skip the long energy-sucking self-care ideas for now and focus on the basics, such as food and sleep. You can also add in the things that keep you alive, like medicine and movement. 

Keep it simple. Celebrate small wins. Be consistent. 

Before you know it, you’ll be in survival mode recovery and on your way out! 

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