Niro Feliciano, a mother, author, and therapist, is a TODAY show contributor and author of the TODAY.com column “Is This Normal?” As a busy mom of four, she understands the chaos of getting kids back to school and juggling various tasks. However, she found herself experiencing a “functional freeze” on the first day of school, where she lacked the motivation to complete any tasks, despite having planned for a productive day.
A functional freeze is a physical, emotional, and mental state where individuals struggle to carry out tasks due to burnout, stress, or a lack of purpose. It is different from a freeze response triggered by a life-threatening situation. Signs of a functional freeze include feeling tired, wired, and anxious, with a lack of motivation to accomplish simple tasks. This phenomenon often occurs after periods of high stress or burnout, or when individuals feel disconnected from their lives.
To counteract a functional freeze, experts suggest connecting with nature by spending time outdoors, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve concentration. Exercise is also beneficial for boosting mood and energy levels. Laughter can release endorphins and relax the body, while working in short bursts using the Pomodoro technique can help break overwhelming tasks into more manageable segments. Additionally, focused breathing techniques like the 4-7-8 method can help relax the body and lower stress hormones.
If a functional freeze persists and negatively impacts daily life, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional. Therapy can provide tools and strategies to work through underlying issues and regain a sense of purpose and joy. Feliciano emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health concerns and seeking support when needed. She offers guidance on managing mom guilt and people-pleasing tendencies in her other columns.
