Many women live an overwhelming life. Between taking care of family, career and your own health, it can seem like there’s constantly too much going on. This can be a lot on your nervous system, though the problem typically doesn’t get addressed until it’s too late and you’ve already erupted. Instead of waiting until you have a breakdown to tend to your emotional needs, try practicing preventative nervous system regulation. This is the art of consistently up-keeping the health of your emotional body so that you can withstand triggers rather than aftercare. 

There are plenty of daily tasks you can do that can keep your nervous system regulated, including going for walks, taking cold showers, spending time in nature and practicing breathwork. However, the most slept-on yet effective technique is EFT tapping. Here’s everything you need to know about the therapeutic technique and how to incorporate it into your life.

What Is EFT Tapping?

EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, commonly known as tapping, is a form of psychological acupressure. Developed by Dr. George Goodheart in the 1970s, it involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body, while focusing on a particular issue or emotion. The idea is that this practice helps to release emotional blockages and reduce stress, anxiety or pain.

Here are the steps for practicing tapping:

  • Identify the Issue: Think about a specific problem or emotion you want to address.
  • Rate the Intensity: Rate the intensity of the issue on a scale from 0 to 10.
  • Setup Statement: Create a setup statement that acknowledges the issue, such as, “Even though I feel [specific emotion], I deeply and completely accept myself.”
  • Tapping Sequence: Tap on designated points on the body, while repeating phrases related to the issue.
  • Reassess Intensity: After a few rounds of tapping, reassess the intensity of the issue.

What Are the Benefits of EFT Tapping?

While this can be incredibly transformative following the aftermath of a trigger, making EFT Tapping a daily part of your morning or nighttime routine can help your body regulate and relate to your emotions with more ease. Here are more of its promised benefits:

  • Stress Reduction: Tapping can help lower cortisol levels, leading to a decrease in overall stress and anxiety.
  • Emotional Regulation: It can assist in processing and managing difficult emotions, making it easier to cope with feelings like fear, sadness, or anger.
  • Pain Relief: Some report less physical pain, possibly due to its ability to address the emotional components of pain.
  • Improved Focus and Clarity: By alleviating emotional disturbances, tapping enhances mental clarity and focus.
  • Increased Self-Awareness: The practice encourages introspection and helps individuals identify underlying issues or beliefs.
  • Enhanced Resilience: Regular tapping may build emotional resilience, making it easier to handle future stressors.
  • Better Sleep: Many users find that tapping can promote relaxation, which may improve sleep quality.
  • Support for Trauma and PTSD: EFT has been used to help individuals process trauma and reduce symptoms associated with PTSD.
  • Personal Growth: By addressing limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns, tapping can facilitate personal development and growth.

As a woman carrying the weight of the world, you owe it to yourself to make sure you’re taken care of. By incorporating techniques, like EFT tapping into your self-care routine, you make a promise to yourself that you’ve always got your own back and can weather any storm.