Breaking Free from “Functional Freeze”: Reclaim Your Brilliance
I have often found myself demotivated by the day or the week, struggling to have the energy to exercise, even though it’s the one thing I need. As an experienced coach, I know what I need to do and the daily habits I should maintain to stay balanced. But, in reality, it doesn’t always work like that.
This state, known as a functional freeze, is more common than you think, especially among highly driven women like you who are navigating the worlds of professional and personal responsibilities!
What is a Functional Freeze?
Think of it as your body’s pause button—a physical, emotional, and mental halt triggered by burnout, stress, or feeling overwhelmed. Functional freeze, a term that’s recently gained traction on social media, isn't an official psychological diagnosis, but it is a real phenomenon. It’s that feeling when you’re outwardly keeping things together, but internally, you’re running on empty, disconnected from your goals and desires - those daily habits I mentioned. Everything seems a little robotic, with no real sense of purpose or fulfillment. Sound familiar?
The Symptoms of a Functional Freeze
It might look like procrastination, indecision, or just a vague sense of detachment. You might even feel disconnected from your family and friends, avoiding social interactions because you simply don’t have the emotional bandwidth to engage. This state often sneaks up after long periods of high stress—whether from work, home, or both. Dr. Miranda Nadeau, a licensed psychologist, explains it perfectly: “Functional freeze allows you to continue going about your life but in a robotic, disconnected way. It’s like your brain hits pause on emotional engagement to keep you operational in the short term.”
Why You Might Be Stuck in Functional Freeze
This state can feel paralyzing for women in leadership, professional moms, and female entrepreneurs—the kind of women I work with daily. You’re used to operating at full capacity, juggling multiple roles, and managing endless responsibilities. You’ve likely been running on adrenaline for so long that your body and mind are now forcing you to stop, even if it’s against your will.
But here's the thing: you are not failing. Your body is simply trying to protect you. It’s saying, “Enough. I need a break.”
How to '“Thaw Out” and Reclaim Your Brilliance
You don’t have to stay stuck in this state. There are ways to break free from a functional freeze and reconnect with your true, vibrant self.
Start with Small Bursts of Action: When you're already in freeze mode, the thought of diving into a huge project can be overwhelming. Instead, try working in short bursts. Set a timer for 20 minutes, focus on a single, small task, and then take a 5-minute break. This method makes your to-do list more manageable and trains your brain to refocus and rebuild momentum.
Breathe and Reset: Deep, mindful breathing can be incredibly effective in shifting your body from a stressed state. Focus on breathing deeply through your nose and exhaling slowly through your mouth. This kind of breathing tells your nervous system that it’s safe to relax.
Get Outside and Move: When did you last step outside to feel the sun on your face or the breeze in your hair? Nature has a way of resetting our internal systems. Take a short walk or sit in the sun (or in Ireland undercover!) . The combination of fresh air, movement, and natural light can do wonders to break the overwhelm cycle.
Embrace the Power of “No”: If your plate is too full, saying no to additional commitments is okay. This isn’t about letting others down but protecting your well-being and energy. Or, as I always say, you can say yes, just more slowly - “Can I get back to you on that?”.
Reflect and Reconnect: Take a moment each day to journal. Reflect on what went well, what you’re grateful for, and how you feel. This small act of self-connection can help you recognize patterns and begin to address them.
Seeking Professional Support
If functional freeze is becoming a recurring pattern that’s significantly impacting your life, it might be time to seek support. A Life Coach can provide guidance and strategies tailored to your unique situation.
At Zenyth: Back to Brilliance, we see women like you every day—high achievers who have hit a wall and need a way to feel balanced, energized, and passionate about their lives again. Our 12-week program is designed to help you break free from overwhelm, set healthy boundaries, and build the resilience you need to thrive in your personal and professional life.
The next 12-week program kicks off on October 2nd. To learn more about my program, check out the Group Coaching Page and contact me.
Remember, you are not alone and don't have to navigate this journey alone. Let’s reclaim your brilliance together.
Thanks for reading.
Live Well,
Claire x
