January 7, 2026 • 11 mins
Do you have a million things to do, but feel physically glued to the sofa? You are scrolling on your phone, screaming at yourself to move, but your body won't listen.You aren't lazy, and this isn't just procrastination.
You are experiencing a biological state called Functional Freeze.In Episode 2 of our Nervous System Reset mini-series, we explore why your nervous system slams on the gas (anxiety) and the brake (shutdown) at the exact same time. We move beyond willpower and use somatic healing to gently melt the ice.
In this episode, you will learn:
Start listening to melt the ice and get moving again.
Did this episode help you get unstuck? If you found value in today's somatic session, please use your newfound energy to Subscribe or Follow the show. It helps keep these daily sessions free and accessible for everyone.
👉 Click to subscribe and unlock ad-free episodes now!
Support the Show:Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy Calming Anxiety without ads at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/support
Buy Me a Coffee: Support hosting costs at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxiety
Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
Resources & Courses:Book Hypnotherapy: Schedule a one-on-one session with Martin at https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8 Pain & Anxiety Course:
Manage negative thoughts and pain with The Physio Crew’s course at https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-pain
Breathing Challenge: Try our relaxing breathing challenge at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/
Gift a Subscription: Share Calming Anxiety with loved ones at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/
Get the App:iOS: Download Calming Anxiety at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331 Android:
Get it on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GB
Connect With Us:Email: Share feedback or requests at calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.uk
YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1
 Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/
Backing Music: Chris Collins
===================
Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.
Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEd
Zoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIby
Sony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPT
GoPro Hero 8 Blac
You are experiencing a biological state called Functional Freeze.In Episode 2 of our Nervous System Reset mini-series, we explore why your nervous system slams on the gas (anxiety) and the brake (shutdown) at the exact same time. We move beyond willpower and use somatic healing to gently melt the ice.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The Biology of "Stuck": Understanding how the Sympathetic and Dorsal Vagal systems create a biological stalemate.
- The "Tired but Wired" Trap: Why aggressive motivation and high-intensity exercise actually make freeze states worse.
- The Somatic Solution: How to use Vestibular Activation (gentle rocking and humming) to signal safety to your primal brain.
- A Personal Update: My recent experience with Creatine Monohydrate for focus and overcoming distraction.
- 00:00 - Intro: The epidemic of feeling "glued to the sofa"
- 01:20 - The Science: Why "Functional Freeze" happens
- 02:14 - The Fix: Activating the Vestibular System
- 02:52 - Guided Practice: Somatic Rocking & Pendulum movement
- 04:24 - Adding the "Hum" for Vagal Tone
- 06:00 - Transitioning from Shutdown to Social Engagement
- 09:30 - Host Note: How 10g of Creatine changed my focus & workflow
Start listening to melt the ice and get moving again.
Did this episode help you get unstuck? If you found value in today's somatic session, please use your newfound energy to Subscribe or Follow the show. It helps keep these daily sessions free and accessible for everyone.
👉 Click to subscribe and unlock ad-free episodes now!
Support the Show:Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy Calming Anxiety without ads at https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/support
Buy Me a Coffee: Support hosting costs at https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxiety
Rate & Review: Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help us reach more listeners!
Resources & Courses:Book Hypnotherapy: Schedule a one-on-one session with Martin at https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8 Pain & Anxiety Course:
Manage negative thoughts and pain with The Physio Crew’s course at https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-pain
Breathing Challenge: Try our relaxing breathing challenge at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/
Gift a Subscription: Share Calming Anxiety with loved ones at https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/
Get the App:iOS: Download Calming Anxiety at https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331 Android:
Get it on Google Play at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GB
Connect With Us:Email: Share feedback or requests at calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.uk
YouTube: Watch all episodes at https://www.youtube.com/c/calminganxiety?sub_confirmation=1
 Social Media Support: For younger listeners struggling with social media stress, visit https://www.icanhelp.net/
Backing Music: Chris Collins
===================
Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.
Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEd
Zoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIby
Sony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPT
GoPro Hero 8 Blac
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
Hi there and welcome, this is Calming Anxiety, your daily moment of guided meditation and
(00:09):
welcome to episode 2 of this mini series, a nervous system reset. Today, escaping functional
freeze. We're addressing that feeling that's becoming almost an epidemic. It's that specific
sensation where you have a million things to do, but you have physically glued to the sofa or your bed.
(00:34):
You're scrolling on your phone, you want to get up, you're screaming at yourself internally to
move, but your body just won't listen. You might call this laziness or procrastination, but I'm here
to tell you it is neither. You are experiencing a biological state called functional freeze. Your
(01:00):
nervous system has slammed on the gas and the brake at exactly the same time. Today, we're not going
to force ourselves to move. We are going to gently melt the ice so that movement becomes easy once more.
So, why does this happen? Functional freeze is a mix of high anxiety and deep shutdown.
(01:28):
Your sympathetic nervous system is revving high, that's the anxiety, but your dorsal vagal system,
the part of you that plays dead to survive, has clamped down to protect you from overwhelmed.
It creates a biological stalemate, but you feel tired, but wired. The mistake we make is trying
(01:56):
to blast through this with high energy exercise or aggressive motivation. That just adds more stress
to an already stressed system. To get out of the freeze, we don't need to run. We need to sway.
We need to activate your vestibular system, your balance center, to signal to your primal brain
(02:24):
that it is safe to become fluid once more. I want you to stay exactly where you are. If you're lying
in bed, stay there. If you are slumped on the couch, stay there. Do not try to fix your posture yet.
We are going to start with the tiniest micro movement. We are going to rock.
(02:52):
Just begin to shift your upper body side to side. Left and right. Left and right.
Like a pendulum. You don't need to sit up. Just sway your ribcage.
Just feel this moment.
(03:17):
The rhythmic motion is ancient. It is how we see the babies, and it is how we see our own brainstem.
It says, "I am moving, but I am not running. I am safe."
(03:41):
Keep that rhythm going. Just that gentle rocking. Now, see if you can make that movement
5% bigger. Maybe your shoulders dip a little lower each time. Inhale as you sway left.
(04:04):
Exhale as you sway right. Inhale left. Exhale right.
If you feel the urge to sigh or yawn, let it happen. That is the ice melting.
(04:24):
Now, we are going to add a hum to this rocking. Just a low hum in the back of your throat as you move.
(04:46):
The vibration pulse, the movement breaks the lock of the freeze response.
Do this with me. The three breath cycles. Rock and hum.
Hum. Hum. Hum. Hum. Hum. And on your own.
(05:32):
You are moving. You are no longer frozen. The stalemate is broken.
Slowly bring yourself back to center. Stop the rocking. Notice the sensation in your hands and feet.
(05:56):
Do they feel a little warmer? A little bit more online. You have shifted from dorsal shutdown back
into social engagement. This is the moment where choice comes back. You don't need to run a marathon.
(06:18):
You just need to do one micro task. Maybe as simple as just standing up now. Maybe it's putting down
the phone. The momentum is on your side now. Now connect mindfully with a hypnotic rhythm
(06:46):
at the rise, the pause and form of each and every breath.
Smile, feel that emotion even at your lowest when you smile and capture that moment in your mind
(07:08):
right now. But with every outpress, allow the negative thoughts, the stress, the tension
to just evaporate. Functional freeze is not a character form. It is a natural safety strategy.
(07:35):
But now you know how to turn it off whenever you feel stuck. Don't scream at yourself. Just start
to sway. Just rock away the angst, the worry and truly love all that you are.
(08:01):
Relax now, deeply and safely honoring yourself with this gift of time to heal, to find balance,
to ignite that small flame of courage and ambition deep within your soul and move forward now.
(08:26):
Small steps every day to live your best life.
Now gently wiggle your fingers and toes. Feel the world coming back online. Take a deep breath in
(08:48):
and if you wish as you exhale stretch out the muscles in your arms and legs.
And then softly open your eyes. Thank you friend for taking care of you today.
If this episode helped you get unstuck, I have one small request.
(09:11):
Use this newfound energy to subscribe if you haven't already.
It helps me keep these sessions going for everyone. I'm proud of you for showing up.
With sessions end and I just want to add my own personal experience.
(09:32):
Suffering, not suffering, being who I am, being easily distracted, having great moments of
those in my life. Now I'm not saying this is a medical remedy, but recently over the last
couple of months I've started taking double dose of creatine monohydrate. I'm not selling it,
(09:55):
this isn't sponsored. It's unbelievably changed my ability to focus. I can now work on these shows
editing them properly, putting them on YouTube, doing all the new fangled SEO stuff.
I can work for five or six hours without becoming functionally frozen and all because every day
(10:23):
instead of a five gram creatine mix in my drink, I take ten. It's just, there's a, I'll try and put
a note in the show notes. I know I'm rambling, but it's changed me so, so much and maybe it will for you.
Anyway, I'll shut up, this is me when I'm not meditating. Take care, really, I'm passionate about
(10:50):
your self-improvement. Let's reconnect tomorrow, as always, be kind.
Hi there and welcome, this is Calming Anxiety, your daily moment of guided meditation and
(00:09):
welcome to episode 2 of this mini series, a nervous system reset. Today, escaping functional
freeze. We're addressing that feeling that's becoming almost an epidemic. It's that specific
sensation where you have a million things to do, but you have physically glued to the sofa or your bed.
(00:34):
You're scrolling on your phone, you want to get up, you're screaming at yourself internally to
move, but your body just won't listen. You might call this laziness or procrastination, but I'm here
to tell you it is neither. You are experiencing a biological state called functional freeze. Your
(01:00):
nervous system has slammed on the gas and the brake at exactly the same time. Today, we're not going
to force ourselves to move. We are going to gently melt the ice so that movement becomes easy once more.
So, why does this happen? Functional freeze is a mix of high anxiety and deep shutdown.
(01:28):
Your sympathetic nervous system is revving high, that's the anxiety, but your dorsal vagal system,
the part of you that plays dead to survive, has clamped down to protect you from overwhelmed.
It creates a biological stalemate, but you feel tired, but wired. The mistake we make is trying
(01:56):
to blast through this with high energy exercise or aggressive motivation. That just adds more stress
to an already stressed system. To get out of the freeze, we don't need to run. We need to sway.
We need to activate your vestibular system, your balance center, to signal to your primal brain
(02:24):
that it is safe to become fluid once more. I want you to stay exactly where you are. If you're lying
in bed, stay there. If you are slumped on the couch, stay there. Do not try to fix your posture yet.
We are going to start with the tiniest micro movement. We are going to rock.
(02:52):
Just begin to shift your upper body side to side. Left and right. Left and right.
Like a pendulum. You don't need to sit up. Just sway your ribcage.
Just feel this moment.
(03:17):
The rhythmic motion is ancient. It is how we see the babies, and it is how we see our own brainstem.
It says, "I am moving, but I am not running. I am safe."
(03:41):
Keep that rhythm going. Just that gentle rocking. Now, see if you can make that movement
5% bigger. Maybe your shoulders dip a little lower each time. Inhale as you sway left.
(04:04):
Exhale as you sway right. Inhale left. Exhale right.
If you feel the urge to sigh or yawn, let it happen. That is the ice melting.
(04:24):
Now, we are going to add a hum to this rocking. Just a low hum in the back of your throat as you move.
(04:46):
The vibration pulse, the movement breaks the lock of the freeze response.
Do this with me. The three breath cycles. Rock and hum.
Hum. Hum. Hum. Hum. Hum. And on your own.
(05:32):
You are moving. You are no longer frozen. The stalemate is broken.
Slowly bring yourself back to center. Stop the rocking. Notice the sensation in your hands and feet.
(05:56):
Do they feel a little warmer? A little bit more online. You have shifted from dorsal shutdown back
into social engagement. This is the moment where choice comes back. You don't need to run a marathon.
(06:18):
You just need to do one micro task. Maybe as simple as just standing up now. Maybe it's putting down
the phone. The momentum is on your side now. Now connect mindfully with a hypnotic rhythm
(06:46):
at the rise, the pause and form of each and every breath.
Smile, feel that emotion even at your lowest when you smile and capture that moment in your mind
(07:08):
right now. But with every outpress, allow the negative thoughts, the stress, the tension
to just evaporate. Functional freeze is not a character form. It is a natural safety strategy.
(07:35):
But now you know how to turn it off whenever you feel stuck. Don't scream at yourself. Just start
to sway. Just rock away the angst, the worry and truly love all that you are.
(08:01):
Relax now, deeply and safely honoring yourself with this gift of time to heal, to find balance,
to ignite that small flame of courage and ambition deep within your soul and move forward now.
(08:26):
Small steps every day to live your best life.
Now gently wiggle your fingers and toes. Feel the world coming back online. Take a deep breath in
(08:48):
and if you wish as you exhale stretch out the muscles in your arms and legs.
And then softly open your eyes. Thank you friend for taking care of you today.
If this episode helped you get unstuck, I have one small request.
(09:11):
Use this newfound energy to subscribe if you haven't already.
It helps me keep these sessions going for everyone. I'm proud of you for showing up.
With sessions end and I just want to add my own personal experience.
(09:32):
Suffering, not suffering, being who I am, being easily distracted, having great moments of
those in my life. Now I'm not saying this is a medical remedy, but recently over the last
couple of months I've started taking double dose of creatine monohydrate. I'm not selling it,
(09:55):
this isn't sponsored. It's unbelievably changed my ability to focus. I can now work on these shows
editing them properly, putting them on YouTube, doing all the new fangled SEO stuff.
I can work for five or six hours without becoming functionally frozen and all because every day
(10:23):
instead of a five gram creatine mix in my drink, I take ten. It's just, there's a, I'll try and put
a note in the show notes. I know I'm rambling, but it's changed me so, so much and maybe it will for you.
Anyway, I'll shut up, this is me when I'm not meditating. Take care, really, I'm passionate about
(10:50):
your self-improvement. Let's reconnect tomorrow, as always, be kind.
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