Stuck in Survival Mode? Princy Saini Explains Why It's Not Your Fault

We may not even know it, but sometimes we can be in survival mode. It is a place where your mind and body are simply trying to get through the day, rather than actually living. According to psychologist and motivational speaker Princy Saini, this occurs when life is too much, and it's your body's defense mechanism to protect you.

Some of the following are signs that you could be in survival mode:

• 1. You always feel so tired.
• 2. You constantly worry about what will go wrong.
• 3. Even when things go well, you struggle to be happy.
• 4. You struggle to trust others and feel secure.
• 5. You feel like you are on autopilot, going through life without really being present.

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If you answered "yes" to most of these, here's the thing: you're not lazy, broken, or weak. You're getting by. And that's okay. But there are little things you can do to begin feeling safe and connected again.

• Breathe slowly. A mere 1–2 minutes a day of slow breathing (breathe in for 4 seconds, breathe out for 6) can calm your body.
• Be present. Do one thing a day with your full attention, like eating without your phone or watching the clouds.
• Move gently. A walk, some stretches, or even dancing to music can help you reconnect with yourself.
• Talk to someone. Sharing how you feel with someone you trust can be very healing.
• Create comfort. Use soft lights, cozy blankets, or calming scents to feel more at ease.
• Celebrate small victories. Catch tiny good things; joy expands when you do.

You don't need to fix everything all at once. Just take a single small step at a time. You're not alone, and healing is possible.