6 Signs You’re Escaping From Reality

Have you ever found yourself lost in thought or felt like you’re floating through life, detached from the world around you? While it’s completely normal to let your mind wander sometimes, if those moments of escape and disengagement become a little too frequent and start taking over, then it might be a signal that something deeper is at play. 

According to psychology, there are certain subtle behaviors that might be indicating a desire to avoid the challenges and complexities of everyday life, leading to behavioral and emotional disengagement. Want to uncover the hidden reasons behind those mental getaway attempts and discover how to bring yourself back to the present and reconnect with the world? Here are 6 signs you’re escaping from reality:

Over-reliance on entertainment

Imagine your favorite book, movie, or video game as a cozy escape pod — a place where you can leave reality at the doorstep. Now, what if that escape pod becomes your permanent residence? When your days are spent more in fictional worlds than in your own, it’s like your mind is taking a vacation from reality. This over-reliance on entertainment might be a sneaky sign that you’re trying to avoid facing the sometimes messy, but real, stuff happening around you.

Physical Disconnection

Escaping reality doesn’t only happen in your mind; it can affect your body too. Physical disconnection is a common result of trying to escape reality. It’s as if your body is on autopilot, moving through the motions. So if you catch yourself feeling detached from physical sensations or experiencing a lack of awareness of your surroundings, it could be a result of your attempts to escape from reality. You might find yourself feeling like a ghost, floating through life without fully feeling the ground beneath your feet. Remember, it’s important to stay connected to both your mind and body for a balanced and fulfilling life.

The Illusion of Productivity

Ever feel like you’re in a constant whirlwind of activity, juggling tasks and always on the go? Keeping your schedule so jam packed, especially if it’s just with busy work, could be an unconscious attempt to escape from deeper thoughts and emotions. Keeping yourself engrossed in activities and tasks without any breaks might be a way of avoiding quiet moments of self-reflection.  So, if you’re caught in a whirlwind of perpetual busyness, it might be time to ask: What are you trying to avoid in the calm moments you’re not letting yourself have? 

Excessive Risk-Taking

When everyday life feels predictable, some people turn to thrill-seeking as a way to feel alive and break free from routine. But taking extreme risks, especially without careful consideration for your safety or well-being, can lead to a lot of negative unforeseen consequences. A few examples include binge drinking, excessive partying, excessive spending, gambling, reckless driving, and other activities that jeopardize your health, damage your relationships, or result in legal troubles. While the adrenaline rush may offer a temporary escape, the aftermath might bring more chaos than the calm you seek.

Chronic Procrastination

Procrastination happens to everyone from time to time, but if it becomes a chronic habit, it might be a way of delaying facing certain aspects of reality. We all have responsibilities, whether it’s homework, chores, or just keeping up with daily tasks. If you find yourself consistently avoiding these responsibilities by diving into daydreams, it might be a way of avoiding the real world. Finding ways to tackle challenges head-on can be a more constructive approach.

Self-Imposed Social Isolation

When was the last time you talked to your friends or spent time with loved ones? Have you been going out lately and socializing? While some alone time can be refreshing, constant, self-imposed isolation might be a sign that you’re trying to escape reality and distance yourself from real-life connections. So reach out to a friend, or share a laugh with a loved one to break free from your fortress of solitude. Spending time with friends and family is crucial for a healthy mind and a fulfilling life.

So, Psych2Goers, what are your thoughts on this video? Did it help you realize you might be escaping from reality and what you can do about it? If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you know, it might be a good idea to take a step back, reflect, and find a way back to the present moment. Life is an adventure, and it’s essential to experience it with both feet firmly on the ground!

If you found this video helpful, let us know with a comment, like, and subscribe. Click here to watch our videos on “5 Harmful Behaviors That Are Actually Your Trauma Response” and “Is Your Personality A Recipe for Depression?” if you’re interested in learning more. ‘Til next time, Psych2Goers, and thanks for watching!