Functional Freeze: 10 Signs & How to Break Free
- Feeling drained after a busy day is common, but frequent exhaustion and an inability to function could indicate "functional freeze," a mind-body response to stress, according to Liz...
- Tenuto, who holds a psychology degree, says functional freeze is a state where individuals complete daily tasks but then "completely crash out," struggling to get out of bed.
- Those experiencing functional freeze may appear successful but conserve energy by staying in bed and scrolling through social media,Tenuto said.
Are you trapped in a state of functional freeze? This article reveals the critical signs you need to know. Discover how this stress response leads to exhaustion, emotional numbness, and social withdrawal. Learn practical strategies, including gentle movement and somatic exercises, to break free and reclaim your energy. Uncover the 10 key indicators of functional freeze,and get expert guidance on thawing your body and mind. News Directory 3 has the data you require to overcome this all-too-common issue. Discover what’s next …
Functional Freeze: How to recognize and Overcome Overwhelm
Updated June 15, 2025
Feeling drained after a busy day is common, but frequent exhaustion and an inability to function could indicate “functional freeze,” a mind-body response to stress, according to Liz Tenuto, known as “The Workout Witch.”
Tenuto, who holds a psychology degree, says functional freeze is a state where individuals complete daily tasks but then “completely crash out,” struggling to get out of bed. Her TikTok videos on understanding and overcoming this state have gained traction.
Those experiencing functional freeze may appear successful but conserve energy by staying in bed and scrolling through social media,Tenuto said.
Signs of Functional Freeze
Tenuto outlines several indicators of functional freeze:
- emotional numbness
- Inability to cry
- Social isolation
- Frequent disassociation
- Excessive social media use
- Spending too much time watching TV
- Using substances to feel numb
- Sleep issues or constant exhaustion
- Unexplained gut issues
- Physical pain without a clear cause
Movement as a Remedy
Experts suggest “thawing” through movement. Tenuto emphasizes gentle movement over intense exercise. “Somatic exercises really help get you out of fight, flight or freeze,” she said.
Somatic exercises relieve