Freeze response
"Fear can show up in unexpected ways, and sometimes, it leaves us feeling completely paralyzed. Your body might go stiff, your mind goes blank, and in that moment, you're stuck. This is the freeze response it’s a natural response to fear: yet it's one of the most confusing reactions our body has when faced with a perceived or imaginary threat, understanding and recognizing the sign is very helpful to get out of it ”
What Is the Freeze Response
"The freeze response is a part of the body's fight-or-flight mechanism. When we're faced with a threat—real or imagined—our brain goes into survival mode. While some of us might feel the urge to fight or run away, others experience a freeze. This means your body locks up, as if it’s trying to play dead or become invisible to the threat. It’s a primal response meant to protect us, but sometimes, it can leave us feeling paralyzed, unable to move or react.”
The Hardest Response to Recognize
"Unlike other reactions to fear, like running away or becoming aggressive, the freeze response can be hard to recognize. It’s a quiet, almost subtle feeling. Your muscles may stiffen, your movements become rigid, but it can often feel like you’re stuck, without being fully aware of why. For some, it’s small areas of tension, like the spine or jaw, becoming tight. For others, it might feel like the whole body is frozen in place.”
"One of the trickiest things about the freeze response is that it can be incredibly difficult to recognize in the moment. Unlike the fight or flight responses, which may have obvious physical signs like clenched fists or rapid breathing, the freeze response is often more subtle. You might not even realize it’s happening until afterward. The body might stiffen, but not in an obvious way. Sometimes it’s just small, quiet tension in certain areas—like the spine becoming rigid or the jaw clenching tightly.”
How the Freeze Response Manifests
"The freeze response can look different for everyone. Sometimes, it feels like your entire body is locked in place, like you can’t move or even think clearly. You might feel a sense of heaviness or a lack of control. Other times, it’s localized to specific areas. your spine gets rigid or your back tightens up. These subtle signs are harder to notice, but they are still powerful clues that the freeze response is at work.”
The Impact on the Body and Mind
"This response doesn’t just affect us physically; it impacts our mind as well. When we freeze, it can feel like time slows down or we lose access to our thoughts and reactions. Your mind is stuck in survival mode, and it can be challenging to make decisions or think clearly. Your body’s energy gets stuck, and this can sometimes lead to feelings of being overwhelmed or stuck in a cycle of fear.”
Why It’s So Hard to Get Out of the Freeze
"Breaking free from the freeze response is one of the hardest things to do because it’s a natural instinct to shut down in the face of fear. Our bodies are telling us to stay still and wait for the danger to pass, but sometimes, it’s exactly that stillness that keeps us stuck. It’s challenging to get out of it because the freeze response is automatic, and often, it feels like there’s no way to escape.”
One of the most effective ways to get out of the freeze, as Dr Peter Levine suggests in his book Waking the tiger, is to make a small physical movement. It could be as simple as moving your finger tips and hands. Even small, subtle actions can help your body shift out of that stuck feeling and bring you back to a place of control. These little movements send signals to your brain, helping you transition from freeze mode to action.”
"The freeze response is a powerful, natural reaction to fear. It’s our body’s way of protecting us when we’re in danger—real or perceived. The challenge is recognizing it and knowing how to move through it. So next time you feel frozen in fear, try releasing a small tension in your body and giving yourself the permission to move. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can snap out of it. Remember, it’s okay to freeze—it’s part of being human. The important thing is knowing how to unfreeze when you're ready to move forward."
"The freeze response is an important survival mechanism, but it doesn’t always serve us in modern life. Understanding it and knowing how to gently release the tension can make a huge difference in how we cope with fear. So the next time you find yourself frozen, try a small movement—release your jaw, stretch, or move your arms. You'll be surprised at how quickly your body and mind can shift."
Remember, it’s okay to freeze. The important part is knowing how to unfreeze and regain control.”
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