Introducing an effective – and easy to learn – stress reduction technique that can be used on a wide range of challenges in life, both in and out of the workplace: EFT Tapping.
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques and is often simply called ‘Tapping’ because it involves tapping gently on a series of acupressure points on the face and upper body. Tapping works by reducing cortisol production allowing us to step out of the fight-or-flight mode and feel calm and in control.
There is a substantial and growing body of clinical research into EFT Tapping and its benefits including significant reductions in cortisol production, pain, anxiety and depression. In a number of clinical trials, it has been shown to be as effective as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) but is often able to achieve the desired results in considerably less time.
During an EFT session (whether that’s alone, in a group or with a practitioner), you bring attention to whatever is causing you stress by saying statements about how you feel whilst tapping on the points at the same time. When we do this, we send a calming signal to the brain letting it know that it is safe to relax around the stressor we’re facing. This process takes the ‘emotional charge’ out of the stressor and effectively rewires our brains with a new ‘story’ and this in turn allows us to move forward in life free from whatever was bothering us.
EFT tapping can be used in a range of ways in the workplace:
- Firstly, it can be taught to individuals to enable them to quickly and easily overcome in-the-moment stresses they may face in their day-to-day jobs
- Secondly, it can be used to go deeper to help people overcome bigger challenges that get in the way of their professional development e.g. fear of public speaking
- Finally, EFT can be used to enhance productivity and innovation in the workplace. When we use tapping to step out of the fight-or-flight mode something else also happens – the pre-frontal cortex of the brain comes online again. This is the executive function part of the brain that’s responsible for critical thinking and idea generation. One of the really exciting parts of EFT is the ability it gives people to see different perspectives, come up with new solutions and think creatively about challenges they face
Nicola can be contacted at www.maneracoaching.com