5 Ways to Overcome Survival Mode and Reclaim Your Creative Energy
Ever feel like your only goal is trying to survive your busy schedule?
No time to lose. No time to create. No time for family. No time for yourself.
You're not alone.
Many creative professionals find themselves stuck in survival mode—going from one deadline to the next, worrying about just getting by.
Our bodies have evolved to help us navigate danger in short bursts, but the modern world has demanded more of us.
Improved work/life balance comes from understanding survival mode—when to use it and when to turn it off.
What is Survival Mode?
Survival mode is a natural human response to stress.
Imagine you’re in the middle of the forest on a camping trip. You hear a “SNAP” in the distance, like the cracking of a twig.
“Is it a bear?” you ask yourself.
Your mind races.
Your body takes over.
When we're faced with a threat, our bodies go into "fight, flight, or freeze" mode.
Our higher-functioning brain switches off, and we focus solely on meeting our basic needs for food, shelter, and safety.
This response is helpful in short-term situations, but when it persists for a long time, it can be detrimental to our mental and physical health.
Stressors and Creative Life
For creative professionals, stressors are everywhere.
Extra effort.
Late nights.
Creative goals.
Financial needs.
Client expectations.
Perhaps the most common stressor in any creative’s life is the dreaded deadline.
Sometimes we have the adequate tools to meet the demands. Oftentimes, we don’t. Our survival mode clicks into gear, and we get the job done.
The deadline comes and goes.
But wait!
Like the mythical hydra, a new deadline emerges to take its place.
This deadline demands even more.
There was no break or time to recharge.
Our bodies go back into survival mode for round 2.
The cycle repeats.
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For creative professionals, repeated instances of survival mode can evolve into burnout, financial stress, and loss of inspiration.
While living in a constant state of survival, it's almost impossible to set goals, improve ourselves, or dream of the future.
Who can think of such things when we’re just out here trying to get through the day?
Why Survival Mode is Detrimental to Creativity
When you're stuck in survival mode, your brain is in "survival" mode too.
The higher-functioning parts of your brain that are responsible for creativity and problem-solving shut down, and the parts of your brain responsible for stress and anxiety take over.
This means that you're less likely to come up with new ideas, and the ideas you do have might be less creative or innovative than they would be if you were in a more relaxed state.
In addition to stifling your creativity, survival mode can also take a toll on your physical health. When you're constantly stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health problems.
How to Overcome Survival Mode
If you're feeling stuck in survival mode, the first step is to recognize the signs and acknowledge that you need to make changes. From there, try implementing the following strategies:
1. Make a Plan
Set clear, achievable goals for yourself, and break them down into manageable steps. Having a plan can help you feel more in control and reduce stress. Start by identifying the most important tasks you need to accomplish each day, and prioritize them. This will help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
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2. Create a Routine
Establishing a routine can help you stay focused and productive, even when you're feeling overwhelmed. Try to schedule regular time for work, exercise, and self-care. Having a set routine can help you feel less scattered and make it easier to get things done.
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3. Connect with Others
Seeking out a supportive community of other creatives can help you feel less isolated. Join online groups, attend networking events, and reach out to friends or mentors for support. Having a strong support system can help you stay motivated and keep you accountable.
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4. Practice Self-Care
Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. This could be anything from reading a book to taking a bubble bath. It's essential to take time for yourself and do things that bring you joy, even if it feels like you don't have the time.
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5. Be Kind to Yourself
Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and that failure is a natural part of the creative process. Treat yourself with compassion and give yourself permission to take breaks when you need them. If work is the primary culprit of your schedule stress, let your supervisor know and figure out a way to resolve it. It's essential to be kind to yourself and recognize that you're doing the best you can.
Final Thoughts
Survival mode isn’t a bad thing.
Too much survival mode though will wear you down and burn you out.
The key is knowing when survival mode is justified and when to break the cycle. It’s about reconnecting with who you are and leaving the auto-response for real danger.
Leave survival mode for the scary wilderness.
Get back to creating the work you dream of making.
TL; DR
The modern world demands a lot from us
Survival mode is our body’s response to stress
Survival mode is good in the short term, bad in the long term
Survival mode is bad for creative ideas
Disconnect from survival mode by:
Making a plan
Creating a routing
Connecting with others
Practicing self-care
Being kind to yourself
Quote of the Week
Motivation for the days ahead of you.
“When you’re living in a state of survival, it’s almost impossible to set goals or dream for something bigger.”
— Mel Robbins
That's all for now.
Stay creative, my friends—and have a great week!
