When we drift from a state of stability and the fulfilment of being serene and empowered, we become rusty and vehemently unbalanced in many respects. Normally, this is the early stage of adulthood in which we learn to fend for ourselves in the sometimes harsh world out there. Notably, the former is not carved in stone but a rather favorable offset to the latter state that many of us strive toward during the course of our lives. A number of us find ourselves drifting between the two as life happens so we have a taste of what survival is all about.
So let's outline some significant effects that this has on us. 
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lapses in health and long-term focus
Destitute in the phase of survival usually shifts our mind from future planning to short-term focus. Its swift grab and smash syndrome that captures our undivided attention making it hard to escape.
This further leads to emotional detachments hindering our interpersonal relationships as we let our pending worries consume us. There's of course a certain zeal of tackling issues as they come which is worth highlighting but then again it's the inability to effectively decern and plan for the long run that's damaging.
Extensively, an individual in survival mode pays minimal attention to health related activities like regular check ups, dietary requirements or exercise and these are besides the mental stress and the possible physical sicknesses all of which may also result from low quality life experiences in impaired free time and passion-related activities.
It's pretty apperent that most of us would preferable love to be in alignment with our core values and engaging in what we resonate with. Sadly, not everyone attains this and it's a case of doing stuff because they just need to be done for an expected result and that's it. 
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Stunted growth and development
Professionally, advancements in career, skills, networking and so on tends to elude anyone in a survival mode. With much credits given to experience or learning and landing degrees along with other notable credentials though not entirely the case nowadays is still a norm in organizations/institutions for promotions.
Current revolutions add even more depth to professional development in career and the need to acquire more skills for sustainability and the promotion of diversity.
Moreover, adoptability doesn't come by easy in a devolved state because it's easier to revult against any form of constructive criticism or the need for self-reflection in order to have a clear picture of where we stand and where we need to double up. 
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Conclusion
Prolonged survival mode can affect us in ways that we may or may not recover from so it's crucial to be alert and seeking for sustainable ways to stay away from this mental and physical deteriorating state to be well balanced at least for as long as possible.
Also remember that such transition doesn't happen overnight and therefore patience is a key component in staying strong and committed to the course.
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