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Surviving survival mode: Simple ways to reconnect to yourself mindfully 5o quotes and reminders to navigate survival
- Lia Grace
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 10
When you are going through life simply floating by, just moving, barely able to notice yourself, the people, and places around, wondering if there is joy or meaning to life- It's time to stop and identify the signs.
It could be the signs that you are in survival mode, or burnout.
Signs of being in survival mode include feeling lack of joy and passion in the things you do, you live to exist ,rather than live to discover , explore, and expand. You would often feel disconnected from yourself, and surroundings, sometimes being easily irritated, and snapping at moment's notice.
Often, being in survival mode creates the mindset of being stuck., and lack of joy in life.
The breakthrough lies in truly connecting yourself. Being there for yourself, no matter what the situation. Seek and notice the little joys. Shifting your focus to finding and keeping your JOY is not selfishness. It's self care. And, you can truly serve yourself and people around you well, when you have filled your cup. Stop giving out of an empty cup.
Simple steps to take when you feel you are in survival mode
Reflect
Journal or sit still into feeling how you truly feel. Observe your feelings. But, don't absorb.
When was the last time you felt truly joyful?
And, in what little ways could you recreate that joy
Self care tools
Just one step
Take one small step that gives you relief. It could be...
Just moving your body
Drinking water
Pausing and breathing
Name your feelings
When you feel shutting down , notice them, and allow yourself to give them a name- survival mode, burnout, anxiety,and realise it's time to pause and slow down.
Allow
Give yourself permission to take it easy, rest, relax and slow down. Give yourself permission to be imperfect, and still smile. Give yourself permission to take time out, to enjoy your time with yourself. Taking care of your body with nourishing foods. Nourishing your heart and mind with soulful projects that matter to you- reading, baking, cleaning perhaps..Give yourself permission to notice and celebrate who you are, your true essence, your lights and shadows. Give yourself permission to say NO, and create boundaries wherever needed. Give yourself permission to be compassionate with yourself.
Ask for help
Call in for therapy, share with trusted friends, and if nothing else, make a move to just meet new people daily, find new hobbies or classes to attend
Simple and powerful quotes and reminders to help you move through survival status
Survival mode isn’t living — it’s enduring.
Sometimes breathing is all the bravery we need.
Running on empty still means you’re running.
Survival mode keeps you alive; healing helps you live.
Some days it’s enough just to keep going.
Strength isn’t loud; sometimes it’s silent persistence.
When you’re in survival mode, tomorrow is a victory.
Survival mode turns “I can’t” into “I did.”
It takes courage to get up when nothing feels worth it.
You don’t have to thrive every day — surviving is enough.
Survival mode teaches us what matters most.
Even in survival, your soul remembers hope.
A heartbeat is proof of defiance.
When you’re numb, it’s okay — feeling will come back.
Not breaking is also a kind of triumph.
Survival mode is your mind’s way of saying “stay.”
You don’t have to bloom yet; roots come first.
Survival is messy, painful, and powerful.
When you can’t see the way, just take the next step.
Living on autopilot still keeps the journey going.
One day, survival mode won’t be your only mode.
Even if your spark feels small, it still keeps you warm.
It’s okay if the best you can do is keep breathing.
Survival mode: where you meet your rawest self.
You’re still here — and that means something.
“Survival can be summed up in three words — never give up.” – Bear Grylls
“The human capacity for burden is like bamboo — far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance.” – Jodi Picoult
“When you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.” – Seneca
“Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.” – Suzanne Collins
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley
“Endurance is nobler than strength.” – John Ruskin
“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” – J.K. Rowling
“Just keep swimming.” – Dory, Finding Nemo
“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” – Robert Jordan
“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls.” – Khalil Gibran
“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radmacher
“Survival is not about being fearless; it’s about making a decision to move forward despite fear.” – Unknown
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” – Haruki Murakami
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene
“You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.” – Margaret Thatcher
“Still I rise.” – Maya Angelou
“Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but you keep going anyway.” – Unknown
Survival mode is fierce, quiet strength.
Your story isn’t over yet.
The fact you’re here means you’re winning.
Breathe. Pause. Continue.
Surviving is not weakness — it’s power.
Do feel free to share your hacks and experiences in surviving survival mode in the comment setion below.
Disclaimer
This article covers the topic of survival mode only on a general level. Please consult with a therapist to receive help, in case you suffer from a major disorder and need specialized treatment.
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