How To Deal With A Financial Freeze Response

financial trauma

Signs You Have A Financial Freeze Response

When it comes to handling financial stress, some of us tend to hit the pause button. It's like that moment when you see a big financial decision looming, and instead of tackling it head-on, you find yourself delaying, maybe setting impossibly high standards, or even steering clear of money talks entirely. It's a bit like hitting the financial snooze button.

Here are the signs:

1.) Financial Procrastination

Ever find yourself putting off financial decisions like budgeting or addressing debt? It's like hitting the snooze button on your money matters, often driven by a mix of fear and anxiety.

2.) Financial Perfectionism

Setting financial goals is great, but when those standards become sky-high, it can lead to stress. It's like aiming for financial perfection and feeling the pressure when things don't quite match up.

3.) Avoidance of Financial Discussions

Money talks can be tricky, right? If you find yourself steering clear of financial discussions with family, partners, or advisors, it could be a way of avoiding conflict or vulnerability.

4.) Financial Decision Paralysis

Ever feel swamped by financial decisions to the point of feeling stuck? Financial decision paralysis is that overwhelming sensation of being unable to move forward, hindering progress.

5.) Financial Dissociation

Imagine emotionally disconnecting from your financial situation. Financial dissociation is like having a fuzzy awareness or understanding of your money matters, which can make financial planning a bit challenging.

Take our Financial Block Assessment to see what blocks are keeping you from financial success so that you can design better suggestions.

How To Regulate A Financial Freeze Response

Hypno-somatic exercises can help address the freeze response by combining hypnotic techniques with somatic (body-focused) awareness.

Here's a simple exercise you can try:

Find a quiet space, breathe deeply, and progressively relax muscles. Enter a hypnotic state and affirm, "I make sound financial decisions confidently." Visualize calm financial scenarios, feel the tension release, and anchor this calmness.

Find a Quiet Space:

Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you won't be disturbed. Sit or lie down in a relaxed position.

Deep Breathing:

Begin with deep, slow breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on the sensation of your breath as you do this.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR):

Progressively tense and then release different muscle groups. Start with your toes, tense them, hold, and then release. Move up through your legs, abdomen, arms, and finish with your face and neck. This helps release physical tension.

Mindful Body Scan:

Close your eyes and bring your attention to different parts of your body. Notice any areas where you may be holding tension. Breathe into those areas, allowing the tension to melt away with each exhale.

Hypnotic Induction:

Use a hypnotic induction script or create a personalized one that induces a trance-like state. This might involve counting down from 10 to 1, suggesting relaxation, or visualizing a calming scene.

Positive Affirmations:

While in the hypnotic state, introduce positive affirmations related to overcoming the freeze response. For example, "I am calm and confident in the face of financial decisions" or "I trust myself to handle financial challenges with ease."

Visual Imagery:

Incorporate visual imagery into the hypnotic state. Imagine a situation that typically triggers the freeze response, but this time visualize yourself responding calmly and assertively. See the positive outcome in your mind.

Body Sensations:

Pay attention to any sensations in your body as you visualize. If you feel tension or discomfort, imagine breathing into those areas and releasing the tension with each breath.

Anchor the Response:

Create a physical anchor to associate with the positive response. It could be a gentle touch on your hand or a specific gesture. Use this anchor later to evoke a sense of calm and confidence.

Gradual Emergence:

When you're ready to conclude the exercise, gradually bring your awareness back to the present. Count up from 1 to 5, with each number bringing you closer to full alertness.

Reflect:

Take a moment to reflect on the experience. Notice any shifts in your body sensations, thoughts, or feelings. If possible, journal your reflections for future reference.