Written by: Deepa
17 June 2025
Feeling stuck in bed after work, with zero energy? You might be experiencing what is termed 'functional freeze', or, in essence, emotional and mental overload.
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Here are 5 expert tips on how to beat emotional burnout and get back to your post-work life, naturally.
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Just 2 minutes of deep breathing can soothe your nervous system. Try box breathing (4-4-4-4 breath pattern) as a gentle way to bring mind and body back together.
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Think of it as a post work wind-down ritual - turn the lights down, stretch, light a candle, change your clothes! This regularly tells your brain it is safe to make that gear shift.
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Doomscrolling is just going to make the freeze worse. Instead switch to a low-energy but actively engaging task (e.g., Listening to music, journaling) and set a timer for 10 minutes.
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Go for a slow walk, some low resistance yogasana or even dance in your room! Engage as many muscles as you can to help the body produce more dopamine and get out of the paralysis. Movement takes the body out of 'freeze mode'.
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You should not also forget about feeding your body or even hydrating. Functional freeze can stem from dehydration or blood sugar status and a warm drink can also create comfort when you feel frozen out.
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Functional freeze isn’t a flaw, it’s a genuine response. Settle down on being harsh on yourself, if this persists, it may be worth having a chat with a therapist or mental health professional.
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