Let’s talk about functional freeze and one surprising tool that can actually help.

As a Somatic Life Coach and RN, I work with high-achieving women who seem to be thriving on the outside but quietly feel disconnected, unmotivated, or emotionally numb on the inside.

We feel unmotivated and literally like a total loser (at least speaking for myself) - but you might just be in something called functional freeze.

This is a nervous system state that develops after long periods of stress, pressure, or emotional overload.

It looks like:

 You get things done, but you don’t feel joy

You rest, but never really feel restored

You smile, but it feels fake - like you're going through the motions

This state of chronic “meh” isn’t actually about laziness or lack of motivation.

It’s your nervous system’s way of protecting you.

The good news is you don’t need to drastically change everything in your life to start healing. (We don't have energy for that anyway).

One of my favorite tools for clients in this phase is EFT tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Think of it as a lighter, gentler way to regulate your nervous system, especially if deep trauma work feels too intense right now.

Here’s why EFT works so well when you're stuck in freeze:

It’s calming without being overwhelming. You can address surface-level stress without rehashing everything from your past.

It helps restore emotional capacity. Tapping activates calming pathways (like the vagus nerve), which re-teaches your body how to feel safe again.

It’s portable. You don’t need 90 minutes of therapy. You just need your fingertips and a few minutes to breathe and reconnect.

If you’re a woman who “has it all together” but feels quietly disconnected inside… this might be your sign to start small.

I teach this inside RISE Sisterhood and I will go even deeper in my upcoming event: RISE: The Happiness Summit (free + virtual, July 17–20).

Because healing doesn’t always have to be heavy.

Sometimes, it starts with something as simple as tapping.

Join the Summit for free - www.helloaudreyrose.com/riselivehappy