Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn — Understanding Survival Mode and How to Heal It

In this episode of Similarly Different, I'm breaking down what survival mode actually is, why your nervous system stays on high alert long after the stressful situation has ended, and what's actually helped me — from somatic healing, to walking everywhere after surgery, to a tiny calendar habit that's stuck with me for years. We talk about how trauma lives in the body, not just the mind, why rest feels so uncomfortable for so many of us, and why healing isn't a one-time breakthrough but a slow, ongoing process of small habits done consistently. If your body still feels tense, anxious, or on edge even though logically you know you're safe — this episode will help you understand why, and what to actually do about it. In this episode, we talk about: • What survival mode actually is — fight, flight, freeze, and fawn • Why your nervous system reacts even when the danger has passed• How trauma is stored in the body, not just the memory • Somatic healing, breathwork, and movement as nervous system tools • Why rest feels uncomfortable and how to give yourself permission • Social media, overstimulation, and protecting your energy • Therapy versus self-guided healing — and why you need both • Big sister advice for anyone who feels stuck in survival mode 🎓 This episode is sponsored by National University, to find out more information see here: https://bit.ly/4vJfyKQ 🔔 Don't forget:
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