The Functional Freeze

Finding Your Formula to Thaw the Icy Grip of Inactivity

Have you ever experienced that moment when you're fully aware of all the tasks awaiting your attention, yet you find yourself immobilized, unable to kickstart your momentum? This experience is called the "functional freeze" - a temporary state of paralysis where even the most motivated individuals find themselves stuck in a cycle of inaction.

I have found myself in a functional freeze a number of times. However, what is intriguing is the ability to recognize it, name it, and ultimately work through it. And, if I can recognize it myself, hopefully I can help students move through it. It's a concept I first heard through the insightful teachings of Dr. Nicole LePera, also known as The Holistic Psychologist.

Functional freeze isn't just about lacking motivation; it's about being momentarily trapped, unable to transition to a state of productivity. It's like mentally drafting a to-do list filled with ambitious plans to work out, clean, and read, only to find yourself glued to the couch, watching time slip away.

According to Dr. LePera, the functional freeze can put us deeper into a state of mental turmoil, trapping us in a relentless cycle of self-criticism. But there are ways to thaw the icy grip it holds over us.

Simple actions like moving your wrists and arms, engaging in creative activities like coloring or doodling letting your brain know you are safe, or practicing controlled breathing exercises can signal to your brain that it's time to break free from the freeze. It's about finding a formula that works for you, a personalized plan to navigate your way out of stagnation.

I've often wondered whether these thawing techniques could be amplified by incorporating strategies like Mel Robbins' five-second rule, where counting backward from five serves as a catalyst for action. Or, Imagine playing your favorite song, counting down, and then immediately engaging in one of these thawing techniques - a powerful combination to kickstart the process of liberation from the freeze.

If the functional freeze plays a part in each day, perhaps the most empowering aspect of recognizing the freeze is understanding that it might hold a message, a signal that something requires attention or adjustment. It's an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reassess our path, rather than dismissing it as mere laziness or lack of motivation.

By taking ownership of our state, by acknowledging and embracing the freeze, we reclaim our agency and pave the way for forward movement. It's a journey of recognition and empowerment, where each thawing technique becomes part of our formula, ready to use whenever the freeze threatens to immobilize us once again.

If you find yourself in the grip of the functional freeze, remember: recognition is the first step towards thawing. Embrace, empower, and take steps to thaw yourself out of the freeze, one breath, one movement, one action at a time.