Ep 46: What is Functional Freeze?

Essential Conversations for Yoga Teachers

What is functional freeze? Functional freeze is also known as freeze or the freeze state, and is a response of the autonomic nervous system that happens when you perceive a threat, but feel powerless to act.

Unlike the fight or flight response, which prompts action, functional freeze immobilizes the body causing a sense of paralysis or "stuckness." You might feel disconnected from your surroundings, have a reduced ability to make decisions, or feel numb both emotionally and physically. This response can be triggered by overwhelming stress or trauma.

And while it's intended to be protective, it can become problematic in non-threatening situations, leading to chronic issues in coping and functioning in your daily life.

In this episode, I'll explain:

• what happens in functional freeze
• common causes that make you find yourself in this state
• ways to work through it
• some misconceptions about it, and
• whether or not it's something you can address in your yoga classes.

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