Is it normal for anxiety to affect daily functioning for some time, temporary?

Anxiety is a bully: It's like a 500 lb gorilla - it does pretty much what it chooses to do. So this is normal for anxiety BUT chronic or severe anxiety is not normal. Consider CBT therapy to learn skills to avoid, reduce and manage anxiety. It's possible and can benefit you throughout life (great value). Once it learns to push you around, it has no good reason to just stop - but you can make it temporary!