What if the reason you can’t get off the couch at night isn’t laziness… but survival?
In this episode of we explore the high-functioning freeze response — the nervous system shutdown that many driven, capable women find themselves in without even realizing it. Dr. Z breaks down:
• What the freeze response actually is (and why it’s not relaxation)
• The difference between high-functioning anxiety and high-functioning freeze
• Why your labs can be “normal” while your energy isn’t
• How chronic stress quietly shrinks your internal battery
• Why pushing harder only makes it worse
You’ll learn how freeze shows up in subtle ways — brain fog, evening crashes, procrastination that feels physical — and why your body may be protecting you, not sabotaging you.
Dr. Z also shares a simple physiological reset you can do immediately to begin signaling safety to your nervous system — and explains her three-phase model for moving from shutdown back into sustainable performance.
This conversation is for anyone who:
• Performs all day but crashes at night
• Feels capable yet secretly exhausted
• Has been told “your labs are fine” but knows something isn’t
• Is tired of productivity advice and wants biological repair
• Is ready to restore rhythm instead of forcing results
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Freeze is not laziness — it’s shutdown.
2. High performers are most at risk.
3. Labs measure failure, not diminished capacity.
4. Safety restores energy.
5. Stabilize before you expand.
Want to Reset Your Nervous System? Comment or message “Nervous System Reset” and we’ll send you a simple daily micro-practice to help shift you out of freeze and back into safety.
Download your FREE TRUE Wellness Checklist here:
https://go.drdee.com/checklist
Schedule a FREE discovery call with Dr. Z and our team:
https://go.southbaywellness.com/schedule-call
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.
Instagram: @DrZTRUEWellness
Facebook: DrZTRUEWellness
YouTube: @DrZTRUEWellness
LinkedIn: drdeezanzarovphd
TikTok: @dr.dee.phd
Website: www.SouthBayWellness.com
Watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/@DrZTRUEWellness
Download your FREE TRUE Wellness Checklist here: https://go.drdee.com/checklist
Schedule a FREE discovery call with Dr. Z and our team: https://go.southbaywellness.com/schedule-call
Thanks for listening to T.R.U.E. Wellness with Dr .Z, where we’re redefining health and empowering change. Hosted by Dr. Dee, creator of the T.R.U.E. Wellness Framework, this podcast brings you expert insights, inspiring stories, and actionable strategies to help you thrive.
Subscribe, share, and join the conversation! Follow us on social media for more wellness inspiration.
Instagram: DrZTRUEWellness
Facebook: DrZTRUEWellness
YouTube: @DrZTRUEWellness
LinkedIn: drdeezanzarovphd
TikTok: @dr.dee.phd
Website: www.SouthBayWellness.com
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/@DrZTRUEWellness
