Survival mode is a state of constant resource management, where every decision is driven by necessity and scarcity. When living in survival mode, whether financially, socially, or emotionally, life becomes a matter of basic survival—like trying to make it through to the next paycheck, holding on to strained relationships, or finding ways to protect your hobbies and passions from external threats. But how long can you live like this? And more importantly, is there a way out?
Financial Survival Mode
For many, survival mode begins when resources are scarce. It’s the moment when your checking account is nearly empty, and your cupboards have just a few cans of food left. You slow your consumption, refrain from unnecessary outings, and enter a minimalist mindset. The problem is that while you may get paid in two weeks and replenish your supplies, the cycle often repeats, especially as the cost of living rises while wages stagnate.
According to psychologists like Abraham Maslow, survival needs—food, shelter, and safety—are the most basic level of human motivation. When you can’t consistently meet these needs, your energy, creativity, and mental health begin to suffer. Prolonged periods in survival mode lead to chronic stress, which wears down your emotional and physical well-being. You start to view life through a lens of scarcity, where you’re not just surviving financially but emotionally, too. Over time, this can erode your sense of hope and possibility.
Social Survival Mode
The same is true for relationships. Just as you might stretch your food to last, you can also find yourself stretching your emotional resources. You become dependent on external factors—like your employer, government policies, or even loved ones—to provide the emotional stability you need. Unfortunately, waiting for these external sources to bring you back to peace can leave you feeling powerless.
Renowned life coach Tony Robbins teaches that the key to moving out of survival mode lies in taking back control. One solution is reframing your thinking from a place of scarcity to one of abundance, even when it seems impossible. While this might sound abstract when you’re struggling with real-life financial constraints, Robbins suggests starting with what you can control—whether that’s managing your energy better, changing your thought patterns, or focusing on small actions that lead to long-term gains.
The Impact of Inflation and Safety Concerns
The problem with trying to break free from survival mode in today’s world is that the challenges aren’t just psychological—they’re also systemic. With inflation outpacing wage growth, it becomes increasingly difficult to save enough to avoid slipping back into survival mode. Meanwhile, hobbies that once brought joy—such as cycling, walking in the woods, or camping—have become more dangerous, further diminishing your sense of freedom.
Cycling on busy roads, for example, has become an act of survival in itself. Drivers, distracted by their phones or indifferent to cyclists, treat you as little more than an obstacle. The anxiety you feel when out on your bike parallels the survival mode you experience in other areas of life: you’re constantly alert, conserving energy, hoping to make it home without harm. It’s a tough balance between enjoying what you love and safeguarding yourself against real dangers. I thought of having a t-shirt made that says “If you hit me, you will be paying for my iPhone 15” But, even a satirical t-shirt about replacing your iPhone if you’re hit could invite unwanted attention.
To address this, solutions could be drawn from mindfulness practices and the teachings of people like Eckhart Tolle, who emphasize staying present and reducing anxiety over future events. Focusing on each ride or hike as a moment of connection with nature can help alleviate some stress. On a more practical note, ensuring you ride with reflective gear, sticking to bike-friendly routes, and engaging with local advocacy groups might help you feel safer.
Possible Solutions
- Financial Planning and Budgeting: Following advice from financial experts like Dave Ramsey, consider using the “envelope system” or a digital equivalent. You could allocate your resources more clearly between immediate necessities (groceries, utilities) and long-term goals (savings, hobbies). Even small steps toward financial security help reduce the overwhelming feeling of scarcity.
- Mindfulness and Gratitude: Practicing mindfulness and gratitude, as suggested by psychologists like Martin Seligman, can shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on the lack of resources, take time each day to acknowledge small victories or joys—whether that’s a good meal, a walk in the woods, or simply the beauty of nature.
- Strengthening Relationships: Instead of relying on others to provide stability, consider investing in yourself emotionally. Seek support from trusted friends, mentors, or even therapists to help navigate feelings of dependence or stress. Personal growth authors like Brené Brown highlight the importance of vulnerability and asking for help when needed, which can ultimately build stronger relationships.
- Self-Care and Physical Safety: Hobbies like cycling and camping are essential for your mental well-being, but safety should come first. Ensuring you are equipped with the right gear and sticking to safer areas is crucial. Advocating for better cycling infrastructure, or joining groups that promote safer outdoor experiences, could help address the broader safety concerns you have.
- Empowerment Through Small Wins: Psychologists often recommend focusing on what you can control. If survival mode seems never-ending, start with small, achievable goals that create a sense of progress. Even if the change is gradual, the act of moving forward helps restore your sense of agency.
Living in survival mode takes a toll—on your finances, your emotional state, and your relationships. But while it might feel as though you’re constantly waiting for a better time, it’s important to acknowledge your strength in navigating such challenges. Through a combination of practical financial strategies, mindfulness, and self-care, it is possible to break free from the cycle. Even in difficult circumstances, focusing on small wins can restore a sense of hope and help you regain control. While the world might not change overnight, finding peace in the process of survival can eventually lead to a life where you’re thriving again.
Mark R Steinpreis (Author)
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Photo by: Sebastian Voortman