The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time, but for many it is stressful and exhausting. Using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) tapping is an excellent tool to help relieve stress so you can embrace the spirit of the season and happily join the festivities.
If you are not familiar with EFT or need a refresher, there are plenty of sites on the internet to help you learn this simple yet powerful technique. Or you can explore the EFT tapping articles on my website.
Before you begin tapping, find a quiet place where you can close your eyes and tune in to your thoughts. Take a deep breath and use the following script as a guide. Feel free to omit, add, or replace any statements to better suit your situation.
Start with the set up statement. You can use any or all of the following suggestions:
Karate Chop: Even though I feel so stressed out, I choose to accept myself and my feelings.
Karate Chop: Even though the holiday is causing me stress, I choose to accept myself and where I am.
Karate Chop: Even though the holidays are stressful, I choose to be open to a more joyful time this year.
Round 1: Tap it out. Acknowledge the stress and the emotions that come with it. If you need more than one round to do this, repeat the phrases or add your own.
Eyebrow: I’m so stressed out
Side of Eye: There is so much to do
Under Eye: Shopping and cooking
Under Nose: Cleaning and entertaining
Chin: The holidays are more work than fun
Collarbone: It’s taking it’s toll on me
Under Arm: I feel tired just thinking about it
Top of Head: I wish I could close the door on it all
Round 2: What do you want? Prepare your subconscious mind for change. You are letting it know that there is an alternative to the stress.
Eyebrow: I want to enjoy the holidays
Side of Eye: I want to relax and have fun
Under Eye: I want to feel ease
Under Nose: I want to get into the spirit of the season
Chin: I want to feel like everything is under control
Collarbone: I want to have time for myself
Under Arm: What if all this is possible?
Top of Head: Maybe I can set my intent to make it possible
Round 3: Tap it in. Your feelings and the way you react to circumstances is always a choice. In this round you will “tap in” your choices.
Eyebrow: I choose to have a joyful holiday experience
Side of Eye: I choose to relax and have fun
Under Eye: I choose to believe everything will get done
Under Nose: I choose to let go of the need for perfection
Chin: I choose to make time to nurture myself
Collarbone: I choose to find things to appreciate
Under Arm: I choose to allow myself to bask in the spirit of the season
Top of Head: I choose to have peace and believe all is well
After completing the tapping rounds, take a deep breath and tune in to the stress. Do you feel relief? If not, repeat the tapping sequence above until the heaviness of the stress has been relieved.
After using these scripts you should feel more relaxed, optimistic, and relieved. If the stress returns, simply repeat the process. Over time, you may find yourself handling stressful situations with ease. At last, you can look forward to the holidays with joyful anticipation and fully enjoy the spirit of the season.