EFT tapping: A quick exercise for anxiety

Do you need a new way to manage your stress and anxiety?

Those emotions—like all emotions—aren't confined to your mind. Research has shown that emotions are also experienced directly in your body. That's why you hear phrases like "butterflies in your stomach" and "cold feet." (You can check out these cool bodily maps of emotions if you're interested in actually seeing this.)

So, because emotions are experienced physically, there are physical things you can do to help yourself feel better in moments of high stress or anxiety. EFT tapping is one such physical exercise that can significantly benefit your emotional state, and that's what we're going to dive into here.

Keep reading to find a brief introduction to EFT tapping points, to understand some benefits of EFT tapping, and ultimately, to discover how to use EFT tapping for stress and anxiety relief. 

Make sure you get all the way to the end, too, where you'll have the opportunity to watch a short video—including a quick and easy EFT tapping points exercise—hosted by the Balance app's meditation experts, Ofosu Jones-Quartey and Leah Santa Cruz, and featuring EFT tapping expert Jennifer Partridge.

Introduction to EFT tapping points: your new favorite coping skill for mental health

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) tapping, sometimes referred to simply as tapping, is a form of psychological acupressure. 

The practice involves tapping with your fingertips on specific points located throughout your body while focusing on the issue or emotion you wish to address. The idea is that this physical act of tapping helps you relieve a range of psychological stressors and even physical conditions by allowing your body's energy to flow more freely, similar to techniques used in acupuncture and acupressure.

EFT tapping is widely used as a self-help tool and is also gaining some recognition in the professional healthcare sector for its potential to support traditional treatments for anxiety, stress, and other emotional issues.

Understanding the benefits of EFT tapping

Here are some of the key benefits of EFT tapping:

• Stress Reduction: EFT has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, a primary stress hormone.
• Anxiety Relief: It also offers a rapid form of treatment for resolving anxiety issues.
• Pain Management: Some early research suggests EFT can even be effective for managing chronic pain.
• Improved Sleep: EFT has also been shown to help improve sleep quality.

While the scientific understanding of EFT tapping is still emerging, it's important to approach the practice with a critical eye. Skeptics often point out that many studies on EFT have methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes or lack of control groups. Others suggest that the benefits may be attributable to the placebo effect or other nonspecific factors like focused attention and relaxation, rather than the tapping action itself. 

Therefore, while EFT is a promising tool for emotional balance and stress relief, more rigorous research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

How to use EFT tapping for stress and anxiety

If you're intrigued by the early research and potential benefits of EFT tapping, you may be eager to learn how to incorporate this practice into your daily life. 

To make this easier for you, we had our Balance app meditation experts Ofosu Jones-Quartey and Leah Santa Cruz sit down with Jennifer Partridge, a highly acclaimed EFT tapping expert with 13 years of experience in teaching thousands how to improve their lives using this simple yet powerful technique.

In the video, Ofosu and Leah engage Jennifer in a rich conversation to explore:

• What EFT tapping is
• Where the common EFT tapping points are located
• A specific EFT tapping practice designed for stress and anxiety relief
• Tips for using tapping in your everyday life to manage spontaneous emotional ups and downs

Take control of your stress and anxiety with Balance

Hopefully you enjoyed learning a little about EFT tapping for stress and anxiety. But remember, tapping is just one tool in a larger toolkit for managing your emotional well-being.

If you're looking for a comprehensive solution to help you navigate life's ups and downs, consider downloading the Balance app on iOS or Android.

What makes Balance special? Apart from featuring meditation experts Ofosu Jones-Quartey and Leah Santa Cruz, whom you've met today, the app offers a personalized experience tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, or any other emotional hurdle, Balance has you covered. And here's the best part—Balance is free for the entire first year!

So, why wait? Equip yourself with the tools you need to effectively manage your stress and anxiety. Download the Balance app today and take the first step toward a more centered, peaceful life.