Written by: Stacey B. Shapiro, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Work and life generally take their toll on you. As an intuitive coach, I am frequently asked, “how can I reduce stress on my own?” Stress management and energy hygiene are a lot like regular hygiene—consistency is of the utmost importance. These super simple daily energy hygiene activities can get you into a healthy work-life balance.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) or Tapping
By learning tapping points, you can create a daily energy hygiene routine to help you relieve stress. Tapping works by literally tapping into meridian points as you focus on the issue. You might notice that you touch these points subconsciously when stressed. Here’s a breakdown of the nine tapping points:
Karate Chop Point: This is the outer side of either hand.
Eyebrow Point: This is the start of your eyebrow, right on the bone.
Side of Eye Point: This is right on the bone to the edge of the eye socket at the side of the eye.
Under Eye Point: This is right underneath the eye.
Under Nose Point: This is under your nose but above your upper lip.
Chin Point: This is underneath your bottom lip in the crease, just above your chin.
Collarbone Point:This is your collarbone.
Under The Arm Point: This is a hand’s width from your armpit.
Head Point: This is right on the top of the head.
Here’s a quick exercise:
To get started with tapping, take a moment to acknowledge what affecting you. Is there a pressing issue? It could be about work, like a deadline. Or it could be something personal.
Now, think of a set-up statement. This is a way for you to state your challenge and acknowledge what is bothering you. For example, “I feel anxious about my upcoming project. I don’t know if it will be received well, and I accept that.” You can also say, “It’s okay for me to be stressed about this upcoming event.” The key to a setup statement is to honor and accept how you feel. Denying yourself the ability to feel human emotions won’t help you ease your stress. Allowing yourself to accept where you are will open you up to releasing negative emotions.
Repeat your set-up statement while tapping on your Karate Chop Point. Do this three times or until you feel lighter. Think of this as venting or expressing your thoughts to a close friend.
Move on to the other nine tapping points in the order presented above. Keep explaining how you feel about the issue affecting you. Describe how you feel and why you feel that way. Do this three times for each tapping point or until you feel lighter.
Visualization
Visualization is a great way for you to find your footing and let go of negative emotions. This exercise can be done at a moment's notice when you feel like you need a little boost during your day. It’s also something you can do to start your day positively.
Find yourself in a comfortable position to sit. Make sure you are distraction-free. Straighten out your back and plant your feet firmly on the ground.
Close your eyes and imagine a peaceful nature scene like a meadow or a garden.
Imagine yourself in this scene, sitting under clear blue skies, completely surrounded by nature.
Pay attention to how you feel. Is there something bothering you? Are you stressed or anxious? Do you feel nervous or frustrated? Acknowledge how you feel. Your body is filled with negative emotions.
Imagine these negative feelings draining out of your body from your head all the way down through your feet. You feel as though weight is slowly fading away from your body. You feel lighter and lighter.
As the negativity drains from your feet, the Earth absorbs these negative feelings. You feel lighter as the Earth swallows your emotions.
Now, these negative emotions can be turned into something positive. In the soil, imagine a seed that slowly germinates. A small stem emerges, growing taller. It finally pushes through the soil to bask in the sunlight.
This little plant keeps growing, and leaves begin to appear. A rosebud sprouts at the top of a stem.
Slowly, the petals open to reveal themselves to the world.
Open your eyes. You should feel calmer and more relaxed.
You Deserve Peace of Mind and Work-LifeBalance
Self-care is a process. Energy hygiene starts with a routine. You owe it to yourself to take care of your mental, psychological, and physical well-being. Regaining your mental clarity starts with consistent and regular activities for stress management. Sometimes you need a little help from an intuitive coach to guide you through the process so you can live a fulfilled life.
If you need a helping hand to overcome stress, then schedule an appointment on my website. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin.
Stacey B. Shapiro, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Stacey Shapiro is a Transformative Life/Work Balance Coach, Energy Healer, and Speaker. With a Master's in Social Work from Rutgers University, she went on to improve the lives of many with over 20 years of experience working as a trauma-informed mental health therapist. She has also extended her support as a business consultant for service providers. She hosts therapist and corporate workshops to give attendees the tools to live a balanced professional and personal life.
Shapiro went on to expand her expertise to gain certification as a Master Life Coach, Spiritual Mentor, Relationship Consultant, and Health and Wellness Practitioner from the Behavioral Health and Leadership Dynamics coaching school. In addition, she is a Board Certified Hypnotherapist. Passionate about healing and helping others overcome obstacles, she provides compassionate, practical guidance for anyone who feels stuck, disconnected or unfulfilled through her private practice, Awareness Coaching LLC.
