Is Your Nervous System Stuck in Freeze Mode? Here's How to Reset and Revive!

Have you ever felt as though life is passing you by, while you remain frozen in your tracks? You might find that during joyful events, you feel oddly disengaged. Emotions such as excitement and even sorrow can seem distant or muted. This experience may indicate that you are in a "functional freeze state." This state is more common than you might think. It can leave you feeling disconnected and overwhelmed. Here is how to recognise it, and specific actions you can take to reset your nervous system and rejuvenate your spirit.

Recognising the Functional Freeze State

A functional freeze state occurs when your nervous system enters a protective mode, similar to your TV going into standby when not in use. This response often follows periods of significant stress or trauma. You may experience a unique paralysis regarding everyday decisions. Even choosing what to eat for dinner might feel like a daunting task. Your body goes into conservation mode to avoid stress, making it difficult to think clearly.

When in freeze mode, not only are your emotions impacted, but your thoughts may spiral. You could find yourself zoning out or endlessly overthinking situations. For many individuals, stress processing gets stuck, preventing any productive action or emotion.

Emotional Disconnection

When experiencing a freeze state, emotions can become muted to the point of numbness. You might pull away from social activities, where previous interactions brought you joy. For example, you may feel anxious about reconnecting with friends or family members, leading you to spend hours scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows to escape the overwhelm.

People with this condition often report chronic tiredness. This fatigue isn’t always tied to a lack of physical activity; instead, it often stems from emotional exhaustion.

Importance of Connecting with Nature

One effective way to combat numbness is reconnecting with the outdoors. Studies show that spending even 20 minutes outside can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress. Whether you take a walk in the park, sit by a lake, a walk round the block or tend to the garden, being in nature has proven mental health benefits.

Nature serves as a reminder of the vibrant life surrounding you, often rekindling emotions that felt lost. Spending time in natural settings helps to focus the mind and can regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle.

Take Regular Breaks and Stretch

Prolonged periods of inactivity can deepen feelings of stagnation. It's crucial to listen to your body and take breaks from screens. Try standing, stretching, or walking around your home or office for just five minutes every hour.

Simple stretches can ground you. They help your body reset and release any pent-up energy. For instance, stretching your arms overhead or doing a quick neck roll can alleviate tension and refocus your mind.

Minimising Social Media Overconsumption

In today’s world, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of excessive social media use. While scrolling may initially seem like a way to relax, research shows that spending more than two hours daily on social media can heightened feelings of inadequacy. To counter this, consider setting boundaries on your online time.

Explore activities that truly bring you joy, like reading a good book or engaging in a creative hobby. One study found that people who replaced social media time with creative pursuits felt happier and more fulfilled.

The Power of Deep Breaths

Deep breathing is another powerful way to reset your nervous system. This simple technique can help ground you in the present moment. When you focus on your breath, your body receives a calming signal, allowing feelings of panic or anxiety to dissipate.

Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold it for a four seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for four seconds. Repeat this process for a few minutes, and notice how your emotional state starts to shift.

Learn to Say No

Establishing boundaries is vital for reviving your energy. It's perfectly okay to say no to commitments that don't resonate with you. By doing so, you preserve your energy for activities that truly matter.

For example, if a friend invites you out but you’re feeling drained, it's okay to decline the invitation. The more you honor your needs, the more space you'll create for genuine connections and joy in your life.

The Benefits of Movement

Incorporating movement into your daily routine can effectively shake off feelings of lethargy. This doesn’t have to mean rigorous workouts; it can be as simple as going for a walk, dancing around your living room, practicing gentle yoga or cleaning the house.

Research indicates that even 30 minutes of movement per day can release endorphins that naturally elevate your mood. Listen to your body and choose activities that feel satisfying and enjoyable. Over time, you may notice that the numbness begins to fade.

The Healing Power of Reflexology

Lastly, (of course!) consider exploring the benefits of reflexology. This ancient practice stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes calmness during stressful times. Reflexology can decrease heart rates, lower blood pressure, and improve breathing patterns.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, think about scheduling a reflexology session. Many people find it serves as an effective reset for their nervous system, allowing them to relax both body and mind.

This will pass...

Feeling stuck in a functional freeze state can be disheartening, but remember that you’re not alone. Recognising the signs is the first step toward reclaiming your emotional health. By integrating habits like connecting with nature, taking breaks, managing your social media intake, focusing on deep breathing, and finding time for movement, you can start to revive your spirit. Simple actions can significantly change your experience.