EFT tapping can be an effective stress management tool

Another tool we can use to release negative emotions is called EFT tapping.  EFT stands for emotional freedom technique.  It’s a form of acupressure that helps release stress and negative energy. 

EFT tapping decreases stress chemicals

In one study, researchers took a group of stressed people.  They tested their cortisol levels  and then divided them into three groups.  One group did traditional talk therapy, another did EFT tapping, and the control group did nothing.  An hour later they tested their cortisol levels again.  The control group was the same before and after.  The therapy group was also pretty much the same, but the group that did the EFT tapping had an average of 24% decrease in cortisol levels, with some participants having as much as a 50% decrease.  

How to do EFT tapping

You start by tapping the side of your hand.  Then you tap the inside of the eyebrow, the outside of the eye, the cheekbone under the eye, just above the upper lip, just below the lower lip, the collar bone, the top of the ribcage, and finally the top of the head. 

Talk and tap

Just tapping will help reduce stress, but for more impact you also talk.  As you tap your hand you say, “Even though I’m stressed, I love and accept myself completely.”  Then as you tap the other points you just talk through what you’re feeling, like, “I feel so stressed, there’s no way I can get everything done.  People expect too much from me.  I’m totally overwhelmed, etc.” 

Keep tapping until you feel your body start to relax.  Then you might say something like, “You know, actually I know I can do this.  I’ve got the skills.  I’ve done it before, and I’ve made it through before.  I’m going to do this and I’m going to do a great job.”  

Visit the stress management page for more tips to reduce stress.