Life can be incredibly challenging. Whether it’s the everyday struggles of bills, errands, and responsibilities or facing more acute hardships like medical diagnoses, caring for loved ones, job changes, or personal losses, there are moments when you feel like you’re in “survival mode.”
Survival mode is essentially a regression to your primal instincts where your primary goal is simply getting through the day. When you’re in this state, it’s important to remember that it’s a natural response to stress. However, you still have responsibilities, especially if you have pets relying on you, and taking care of them can feel overwhelming during such times.
So, let’s explore some straightforward strategies for pet care when you find yourself in survival mode.
Note: This is a judgment-free zone. We all go through tough times, and it’s essential to be compassionate and supportive to those struggling because we’ll all need help at some point. Negative or judgmental comments will be removed. Also, please consult with a medical or mental health professional if you experience symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Understanding Your Body in Survival Mode
Survival mode affects everyone differently, but common physical symptoms include aches, pains, tense muscles, mental and emotional symptoms like irritability, stress, anxiety, and an inability to sleep or a desire to sleep excessively. You may also experience forgetfulness and feeling overwhelmed.
So, how do you manage your basic responsibilities, like taking care of your pets, when your body and mind are stretched thin?
Pet Care in Survival Mode: The Basics
Create a List of Pet Care Notes: Ideally, you should do this before you hit rock bottom. However, life isn’t always ideal. If you’re already struggling, grab a piece of paper or open your phone’s notes app.
List each of your pets, detailing what they eat and when they eat it, as well as any medications and their respective schedules. For example:
- Cooper: 1/2 cup kibble mixed with 1/2 cup Farmer’s Dog at 7 am and 5 pm. Allergy pill at 5 pm. Liver pill before bed.
- Newt: 1/3 can rabbit and pea at 7 am and 5 pm. 1/3 cup kibble at 11 am.
- Ripley: 1/3 can U/R diet at 7 am and 5 pm. 1/3 cup kibble at 11 am.
- Fish: A pinch of flakes at 7 am, and an algae disc on Sundays.
Next, organize this information. If you have a smartphone, set alarms for each mealtime and medication schedule. In the alarm label, type exactly what needs to happen at that time. For instance:
- 7 am alarm: Feed Cooper, Newt, and Ripley. Give Fish a pinch of flakes.
- 11 am alarm: Feed Newt and Ripley. Scoop their litter boxes while you’re up.
- 5 pm alarm: Feed Cooper, Newt, and Ripley.
- 10 pm alarm: Administer Cooper’s liver pill.
Notice that the list includes only essential information to ensure your pets’ well-being.
Let Go of Extra Demands: In survival mode, prioritize the absolute essentials. While daily walks and playtime are crucial for your pets’ well-being, it’s also acceptable to skip them when you’re barely making it through the day.
If you have a yard, use it to your advantage. Toss some treats for your dog to create a snack-oriented hide-and-seek game. If you can’t manage it, don’t worry about it.
For your cats, consider interactive electronic toys or unique playthings that you reserve for such occasions. Alternatively, scatter some felt mice around for them to enjoy.
The key is to eliminate any non-essential demands on yourself during this period. Remember that it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.
Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals for assistance. While asking for help can be challenging, it’s essential. Make a list of people you can rely on for quick favors, including their phone numbers. This preparation ensures that seeking help is effortless when you’re in distress.
Remember, You Are Not Your Worst Days: No matter what you’re going through, your pets love you unconditionally. They see you for who you are, not just your worst days. You are not defined by your toughest moments.
Your dogs or cats will still adore you, even if you need a couple of days on the couch in your comfiest pajamas, indulging in comfort food and rewatching “When Harry Met Sally.” Pet care in survival mode is about meeting their basic needs while you focus on healing and recovery.
When you emerge from this challenging period, your pets will still think the world of you and be eager to spend time with their favorite human: you.
