People Slowly Getting Out Of Survival Mode Almost Always Start Doing 5 Things
PeopleImages | Shutterstock When people are in survival mode, they're in constant fight-or-flight, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
But when they slowly get out of this state, their nervous system is calming down. Both their body and mind are feeling the shift, and their behaviors change in positive, noticeable ways.
Things people start doing when they're slowly getting out of survival mode
1. They fall asleep much easier and get a better night's rest
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As people slowly move out of survival mode, they begin to notice changes in their sleep patterns. Survival mode keeps people on alert and on edge, so being able to relax enough to fall asleep can feel impossible. Their body is too tense, making restful sleep just out of grasp.
Many people experience difficulty falling or staying asleep when they're dealing with trauma or its fallout. So, when they're leaving this state, realizing they're safe in their home, their brain allows their body and mind to shut down for the night.
2. They don't criticize themselves for their mistakes
People in survival mode may be incredibly hard on themselves because they're focused on one thing: getting through the day. The trauma they've experienced might make them more likely to be critical toward themselves.
They don't feel good enough and definitely don't feel safe. Along with being self-critical, they're also easily irritated, making it more likely they're going to come down hard on themselves for any perceived flaw or failure.
But as these folks continue to heal, they can recognize how harsh they're being towards themselves and challenge that negative inner voice.
3. They feel more aware of their body
Survival mode leaves people feeling physically tense. Some don't even realize that their heart is racing or their muscles are contracting. They don't realize when they're clenching their jaw or sweating profusely.
Once they start regulating themselves and coming out of survival mode, they'll notice a release of sorts. They're no longer holding all this tension in their body or clenching up when they're triggered.
Because they're no longer on guard, waiting for something bad to happen, they're fully present in their body. They feel freer and lighter overall, not like they're physically unable to go on.
4. They express their emotions without letting them be overwhelming
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In survival mode, emotions can feel volatile. Even the most basic emotions are overwhelming because these people have a wall up to protect themselves. They don't want to put themselves in harm's way by not being prepared, so when their emotions are high, they panic.
But by slowly coming out of this state, emotions are no longer a scary thing. If a difficult emotion comes up, they don't freak out or shut down. Instead, they can sit in those feelings comfortably.
According to health coach Dr. Kenna Ducey-Clark, As your system strengthens... you start naming what you're feeling, noticing how those feelings feel in your body, and staying present with them longer without spiraling. The nervous system is learning that emotions aren't threats; they're signals."
5. They set boundaries with others
People living in survival mode don't set boundaries with others because the only thing they're set on is staying safe. They simply don't have the capacity or emotional bandwidth to tell people what they will and won't tolerate.
As psychology professor Sefik Tagay pointed out, "After overwhelming experiences, the nervous system may stay on alert. People may become hypervigilant, easily startled, sleep-disrupted, or flooded by intrusive memories. These reactions... are attempts to protect the person in a world that no longer feels predictable."
When someone is healing their mind and body after living in fight-or-flight for so long, their boundaries are nonnegotiable. They've learned to protect the connection they have with themselves, prioritizing clarity and safety over appeasing someone else.
Lyss Micalizzi is a writer covering human interest and pop culture, with a master's in Literature and Culture, a bachelor's in English Literary and Textual Studies, and over six years of writing and social media experience.
