Why Am I in Survival Mode?
Are you a working mom who homeschools and constantly feels like you’re barely keeping your head above water? Maybe you are constantly asking yourself why am I in survival mode?
If you’re nodding your head in agreement, you’re not alone.
Survival mode—a state where you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and barely able to keep up with your daily responsibilities—is an all-too-common experience for working moms who juggle the demands of work and homeschooling. Yet, it’s a topic that often goes undiscussed, leaving many moms feeling isolated in their struggles.
That’s why we’re diving headfirst into the world of survival mode that so many busy working homeschool moms face.
We’ll explore the reasons why you might find yourself in this challenging state, and more importantly, shed light on how to navigate and overcome it.
Before we dive in, I want to offer you a valuable resource to support you on your path to reclaiming peace and finding relief from overwhelm.
One of the hardest parts of being in survival mode is being overwhelmed with all the tasks on your to-do lists, so I created a downloadable PDF guide specifically for you: “Prioritizing Your To-Do List.”
This guide is packed with practical strategies tailored to your unique situation as a working mom who homeschools. It will help you reduce stress, prioritize your non-negotiables, and protect your energy. It’s a powerful tool that can make a real difference in your daily life.
Now let’s answer the question why am I in survival mode? And learn about how to understand survival mode and the common reasons why working moms who homeschool find themselves in this state.
Understanding Survival Mode
Survival mode is a state of being that many working moms who homeschool can relate to all too well. When it comes to answering the question of why am I in survival mode, it is important to dig deep to gain a clearer understanding of its implications and how it affects your everyday life.
Survival mode can be defined as a state of feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and constantly on the brink of falling behind in your daily responsibilities. It’s a mode where you prioritize immediate needs and survival instincts over long-term planning and self-care.
In survival mode, you may find yourself constantly rushing from one task to another, feeling like there’s never enough time or energy to accomplish everything you need to do.
Living in survival mode can affect your physical and mental well-being, leading to increased stress, fatigue, and burnout. Your ability to fully engage with your work, homeschooling, and personal life may become compromised as you are constantly operating in a reactive mode, simply trying to stay afloat.
Now that you know what survival mode is, let’s explore the common reasons why working moms who homeschool find themselves in survival mode.
5 Reasons Why You Might Be In Survival Mode
Since survival mode is a common experience among working moms who homeschool, it’s natural to wonder why am I in survival mode.
To shed light on this, let’s explore the five most common reasons that contribute to survival mode. Plus I’ll share how to overcome each challenge so that you can stop asking why am I in survival mode.
1. Juggling multiple responsibilities:
If I asked you how many different roles you are managing right now, what would you say?
Like most working moms, I’m guessing you are juggling a multitude of roles and responsibilities at the same time. From work deadlines to lesson planning, and household chores to family obligations, the sheer volume of tasks can easily push you into survival mode.
It’s essential to recognize that juggling these responsibilities is a skill in itself, and finding ways to effectively prioritize and manage them can greatly alleviate the burden.
To overcome the challenge of juggling multiple responsibilities, prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Focus on completing the most critical tasks first and delegate or outsource tasks that can be handled by others.
Grab this guide if you need help learning how to prioritize when overwhelmed.
By effectively prioritizing and delegating, you can reduce the overwhelm and free up more time and energy to focus on what truly matters.
2. Balancing work and homeschooling demands:
Finding a perfect balance between work and homeschooling can be an elusive goal. When we think of balance, we often envision everything being equal in terms of time and energy.
However, for working homeschool moms, the pursuit of balance can be exhausting and often leads to survival mode.
Instead of striving for balance, consider embracing the concept of juggling. Juggling allows for flexibility and recognizes that different periods may require varying degrees of focus on work or homeschooling. It acknowledges that on some days, work may demand more attention, while on other days, homeschooling may take precedence.
By letting go of the unrealistic expectations of achieving perfect balance, you can shift your focus to what truly matters at the moment. This shift in perspective can help you navigate survival mode more effectively.
3. Lack of support or external resources:
Being a working homeschool mom can sometimes feel isolating, and it’s natural to wonder, “Why am I in survival mode?” This feeling is compounded when you lack a support system or external resources to lean on. Without a network of fellow moms, mentors, or educational tools to rely on, the weight of the responsibilities can become overwhelming.
Recognizing the importance of support is key to overcoming survival mode. Seeking out support, whether through online communities, local homeschooling groups, or professional networks, can make a significant difference.
Connecting with like-minded individuals who understand your challenges can provide invaluable guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. They can share their experiences, offer practical advice, and recommend resources that can help you survive survival mode.
Remember, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Embrace the power of community and reach out for support.
4. Feeling overwhelmed and burnt out:
The question “Why am I in survival mode?” often arises from the relentless demands of balancing work and homeschooling, which can leave working moms feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
The pressure to excel in both areas while neglecting self-care can quickly drain your energy and enthusiasm, pushing you into the depths of survival mode.
When you add feeling overwhelmed and burnt out to juggling multiple responsibilities, lacking support, and not practicing self-care, it’s no wonder that many working homeschool moms find themselves in survival mode.
To overcome the feeling of overwhelm and burnout, prioritize self-care.
Carve out time for activities that recharge and rejuvenate you, whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk in nature, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing a hobby. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, even if it means delegating certain tasks or asking for help.
Remember that taking care of yourself is essential for your overall well-being and enables you to show up more effectively in both your work and homeschooling responsibilities.
5. Not knowing the signs of survival mode:
Many working moms find themselves asking, “Why am I in survival mode?” without even realizing it because they are not aware of the signs.
Recognizing that you are in survival mode is a crucial step toward finding a way out. It allows you to shift your mindset, acknowledge your current reality, and seek proactive solutions.
Pay close attention to signs such as constant stress, lack of enjoyment in activities, and an unrelenting feeling of overwhelm.
To overcome the challenge of not knowing the signs of survival mode, take the time to educate yourself by learning the signs that you are in survival mode and reading books.
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
Prepare For Landing – A Guided Journal to get out of Survival ModeGetting Out of Survival Mode: The Ultimate Nervous System Support Guidebook & Self-Care Plan for Mothers as they transition through Matrescence & BeyondFixing Burnout: A Proven Plan to Recover From Burnout and Boost Your Energy
By understanding why you are in survival mode and identifying the contributing factors, you can begin to take intentional steps toward prioritizing your time and getting out of survival mode!
Resources for Working Homeschool Moms in Survival Mode
Here are some valuable resources to support you on your journey as a working homeschool mom asking yourself “Why am I in survival mode?”:
- Warning Signs Someone Is In Survival Mode
- Survival Mode Self-Care
- Homeschool Support Groups
- Schedule in Self-Care
Remember, these resources are here to provide guidance, inspiration, and practical tips as you navigate survival mode and find ways to thrive in your unique situation.
Why Am I In Survival Mode?
If you are asking the question, why am I in survival mode? You are not alone. It’s crucial to understand the implications of survival mode and the reasons why you may find yourself in this overwhelming state.
Juggling multiple responsibilities, balancing work and homeschooling demands, lack of support or external resources, and feeling overwhelmed and burnt out—these are all factors that contribute to survival mode.
By recognizing the signs, seeking support, practicing self-care, and prioritizing your well-being, you can navigate survival mode more effectively.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Reach out for help, utilize the valuable resources available to you, and remember to prioritize yourself along the way. You have the strength and resilience to overcome survival mode as a working homeschool mom.
Do you want more personal help with survival mode? That’s where our Working Homeschool Mom Coffee Club comes in. We are a close-knit community filled with working moms just like you, juggling kids, careers, and homeschooling.
Join and gain access to a supportive network that understands your unique challenges. Together, we can provide guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies to help you overcome the hurdles of working and homeschooling.
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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!
