E294 | Why Do I Freeze Up?: How to Handle Stressful Situations Like a Pro

“I don’t know.  I just froze up.”

Have you ever just “frozen up” in a really important situation?  Maybe you clammed up in a team meeting, forgot the opening to your presentation, or didn’t know how to respond in a social conflict.  Maybe your mind just went blank, you started rambling nonsense, or you kind of just stood there, nodding your head.

Freezing can look a variety of ways on different people.  But no matter what it looks like, the costs can be high - a lost opportunity, a strained relationship, or a hit on your own mental health.

If you’ve ever experienced something like this or if you know someone who has, this episode is for you.  Today, we explore the science behind what is happening in our brain and body when we freeze, what it can look like, some root causes behind the response, and a few very TACTICAL AND PRACTICAL approaches you can use to combat this occurrence.

Specifically, we dive into:

• The scientific definition and what is happening in the brain during a “mom’s spaghetti” moment (7:10)
• The first step to addressing this response and the specific questions you should reflect on to help you identify potential root causes (14:40)
• How to train freezing out of you (21:10)
• 3 key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress as you practice (32:10)

Referenced AoC Resources:

E207: How Perception Impacts Communication & Relationships

E289: How To Get Someone To Quit Interrupting You: Considerations & Strategies

Conscious Coaching: The Art and Science of Building Buy-In

Apprenticeship - This is an intimate 2-day leadership and communication development workshop. This small group event allows for tactical and hands-on experience, providing you with feedback you can instantly go and apply to situations in every area of your life, improving your adaptability in social situations.

Speaker School -  This live 2 day experience not only gives you the knowledge you need to create a logical and clear presentation, but provides you with a safe environment to fail, one filled with people who want you to succeed, and are there to give you the feedback and encouragement you need to take steps forward.  Join us in BEAUTIFUL Phoenix, AZ on November 4th & 5th.  There are only a few spots left, so secure your spot today!

Research Articles:

Freezing in response to a social threat: a replication

Fear and anxiety: animal models and human cognitive psychophysiology

Changing Fear: The Neurocircuitry of Emotion Regulation

Human freezing in response to affective films

Incident experience predicts freezing-like responses in firefighters

Today’s Episode is Brought To You By:

AG1 (Formerly Athletic Greens): I constantly fall short when it comes to my daily nutrient intake. Whether that's because I'm traveling, or simply because things get hectic because, well - LIFE - it's just a great way to cover all of my bases. For less than $3 a day, it's a small micro habit with huge benefits.  For a free one year supply of immune supporting vitamin D and five free travel packs with your first purchase, go to drinkAG1.com/coach today!

BetterHelp: Today’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. At some level, we all struggle with unexpected challenges in life. BetterHelp is an accessible, convenient, private, and affordable therapy option to help you look at your problems a little differently, feel less stressed, and gain confidence. Visit BetterHelp.com/AOC for 10% off your first month.