As the inauguration approaches, many people are feeling a profound sense of overwhelm. For some, it’s like being caught in a never-ending loop—a “Groundhog Day” of despair and exhaustion. After the last election, so many threw themselves into activism, believing their efforts would lead to change. But now, with a new wave of political uncertainty, it feels as though nothing truly shifted. This sense of hopelessness is compounded by fear—fear of loss, fear of attack, fear of the unknown.
For many, these feelings manifest as a state of freeze—a biological survival response triggered by overwhelm. Freeze isn’t a choice; it’s an automatic reaction of the nervous system, a way the body protects itself when fight or flight feels impossible. But in a culture that glorifies action, this can lead to shame and self-judgment, making it even harder to move forward.
The first step in breaking free from freeze is to recognize it for what it is. When you’re frozen, you might feel numb or disconnected, as though the world around you isn’t real. Your emotions may feel flat or nonexistent, leaving you shocked by your own sense of apathy. You might find yourself wanting to escape, whether through sleep, avoidance, or simply shutting down.
Recognizing these signs is essential, but so is normalizing them. Freeze is not a failure; it’s a natural response to overwhelming circumstances. By naming it, you can begin to release the shame and self-judgment that keep you stuck. This is where compassion becomes a powerful tool—treating yourself with the same care and understanding you’d offer a friend.
Once you’ve recognized and normalized your freeze response, the next step is to create small moments of movement. Start with something simple: wiggle your toes, move your fingers, or rotate your ankles. These small, deliberate actions remind your body that it has the ability to move, breaking the freeze on a physiological level. From there, you can build toward larger movements, like a brisk walk or a short run. Physical movement reconnects you to your agency and restores a sense of power and possibility.
Just as important as movement is connection. Freeze often drives us into isolation, but reaching out to someone safe can be incredibly healing. This doesn’t mean you need to share everything or make a dramatic gesture—sometimes, a simple text or a cup of tea with a trusted person is enough. Committing to regular connection, even in small ways, creates a lifeline that helps anchor you back to a sense of safety and belonging.
Through recognition, movement, and connection, the frozen state begins to thaw. This process isn’t about rushing yourself or forcing change but about gently creating the conditions for healing. By honoring your body’s response and meeting yourself with compassion, you can reclaim a sense of power, possibility, and connection, even in the face of uncertainty.
As we navigate this moment in history, it’s critical to remember that resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine or charging ahead without pause. It’s about understanding where you are, taking small steps to care for yourself, and leaning into the support of others. Together, we can move forward—slowly, steadily, and with greater strength.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or frozen, join an upcoming FREE session of Anchoring Resilience for Turbulent Times during inauguration week. Together, we’ll dive into simple, powerful practices to soothe your nervous system, reconnect with your inner strength, and step into the days ahead with greater clarity and calm. Don’t wait—reserve your spot today and take the first step toward steadiness in uncertain times.
