I am often reminded of how useful EFT, or tapping, is as a tool to calm the sympathetic nervous system, when it is running out of control.
The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which also includes the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system activates what is often termed the fight or flight response. While its job is useful when you are needing to flee, or fight, or faint or freeze (a few new Fs these days!), many people operate in this state daily – reacting instead to daily stressors like traffic jams, crying children, electricity bills, or burnt toast!
So, one of the more easy ways to calm down, if you don’t have time to meditate, take time out, or freeze the world around you for some peace, is to actually do some tapping to calm your nervous system. You might just think a little clearer about those other stressors in the process 🙂
Here’s a way to get started:
While tapping the side of the hand, on either hand, repeat these phrases out loud, (or change the words to fit your exact situation).
“Even though I feel completely overwhelmed at the moment, I deeply and completely accept myself anyway.”
“Even though I can’t believe what is happening in the world around me (my own backyard), I accept how I feel.”
“Even though I feel sad, depressed, lonely, overwhelmed, tired, exhausted……., I deeply and completely accept myself.”
***Now for the reminder phrases ***
Eyebrow: “I feel so tired”
Side of Eye: “I’m feeling overwhelmed.”
Under Eye: “I feel angry.”
Nose: “I can’t believe what is happening.”
Chin: “I can’t change other people and this is overwhelming.”
Collarbone: “I am SO exhausted.”
Under Arm: “I feel so much resistance.”
Head: “I don’t know how to change all of this.”
Tap around and see how your body feels after a few rounds. Try and identify areas which might be holding tension, emotions or overwhelm. Keep tapping until you are a 0 or a 1 out of 10 (10 being the most overwhelm, and 0 being complete calm). Jot down your notes to check in later.
Enjoy the calm you can create – whenever you feel the need!