Functional Freeze - 7 tips to thaw out
Functional Freeze is a term you may have come across on social media.
Functional Freeze, a term that may resonate with many of us, describes a state where we can fulfil our responsibilities, pay the bills, and meet commitments. Yet, during our downtime, we find ourselves in a zoned-out state, detached and devoid of motivation and purpose.
We get out of the shower and sit wrapped in a towel, staring into space or doom-scrolling; we stare blankly at the TV and procrastinate about anything that doesn't have a deadline that we're accountable to someone else. We use a food delivery service even though the food and pantry had food we could cook if only we could be bothered. We don't use the gym membership we're paying through the nose for.
'Functional Freeze' often sets in as a result of Burnout. It's like our brain is running on fumes, conserving energy for critical tasks and hoping for a refuel before it completely shuts down. Recognizing these signs is not just empowering, it's a call to action, urging us to take steps before it's too late.
Burnout is a condition that can be prevented. If we’ve been doing too much for too long, lost a sense of balance in our lives, and neglected self-care, we can avoid reaching this point by understanding the signs and taking action. We can also correct it, it just may take longer to recover from than it does to prevent.
Functional’.
Functional Freeze can also be triggered by emotional overwhelm. Emotional overwhelm can occur due to major life events such as grief and loss, a relationship breakup, job loss, loss of a pet, loss of status, or loss of a home. It can also occur as a result of an accumulation of unresolved emotions, like a series of setbacks and disappointments, unmet expectations, boredom, lack of interest in engaging in activities, or plans not coming to fruition
”
So what to do?
Acknowledge it. This is what's going on for me; I'm emotionally, physically and psychologically depleted, and I need to start replenishing and restoring.
Healthy diet - nutrient-dense food. Fresh whole foods, plenty of colour on your plate.
It's a good idea to visit your GP and get your blood checked in case you need to supplement, e.g., iron, Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin B complex, etc.
Get moving. If you're exhausted, start with 5 minutes of gentle exercise. Check out this Qi Gong video on YouTube as an example. You can also google some 5-minute workout apps. The New York Times has one that is less than 10 minutes. Build up to that.
Get into nature. Go to the park, the beach, or the countryside. Take a gentle mindful walk and soak in the scenery, sights, sounds, and smells. Sit and relax for a while, read a book, or have a picnic. Spend time reconnecting with the natural world.
Listen to uplifting music and move to it.
Listen to some sound therapy. Check out this YouTube link."
Prioritise, delegate, and set boundaries so that you no longer take on anything you don’t have to.
These are some examples, you could also check out my course on managing stress and avoiding burnout. There are some great tips on how to build resilience and restore energy, as well as 2 x Hypnotherapy sessions to reset your mind. Click here for more details
If you’d like to work with me as a client one-on-one, you can see me face-to-face or via Telehealth. Click on the Book Now button below to book a free 15-minute consultation, or go ahead and book your first session. As one of the busier and more well-established Melbourne Hypnotherapy Practices, I’m easy to find on Google. If you’ve been searching for a Hypnotherapist Near me, distance no longer has to be a barrier, as Telehealth sessions are growing in popularity.
There is no substitute for one-on-one tailored Hypnotherapy Sessions designed to meet your unique circumstances and life experience.
