Tag: Stress

How to have a Great New Start

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September is the season of the new start. New season – officially it is now Autumn but it still feels like summer (yay!).

New school, new College or University. Maybe a new job or new relationship.

Whatever the ‘new’ is, there is often some trepidation or worry associated with it. There may even be downright fear! No matter – help is at hand (quite literally).

So how do you have the best start possible? Tap on any worries, concerns or fear that you have. Keep tapping on each aspect until you feel calm and excited about your new start.

Here’s some examples.

New school for the kids in your life:

  • Even though I’m scared of starting my new school, I’m still a good girl/boy/kid
  • Even though I won’t know anyone and I’ll feel scared talking to new kids, I’m ok
  • Even though I’m worried about finding my way around my new school, I’m going to be ok

New College/Uni:

  • Even though I’m not sure how I’m going to cope, living away from home for the first time, I’m ok
  • Even though I don’t know anyone & I don’t know how I’ll fit in, I choose to accept myself anyway
  • Even though I’m worried about living on my own for the first time, I’m sure I’ll be ok
New University
New University

New job/relationship:

  • Even though I’m worried I won’t know how to do the job and if I’ll fit in, I accept my feelings anyway
  • Even though I’m scared of not being good enough or experienced enough, I choose to stay calm anyway
  • Even though I feel nervous about this new relationship, I choose to relax & go with the flow

Remember, just keep tapping until you feel better.

Good luck with the new start – whatever it is 🙂

Keep tapping
Louise

Exam Stress

admin

Yes, it’s that time of year again when exams and tests are upon us. Whether it is you going through it or your family, EFT can help you.

Exams
Exams

EFT works by calming down the stress response in our body and clearing any energy blockages. Even just imagining a future stressful event e.g. an exam can trigger our body to go into the stress response. Our adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol levels raise, our heart rate and respiration increase, our palms become sweaty etc.

So by tapping we can reduce this stress response in our body, allowing us to focus and concentrate better – just what you need in an exam right?  My recommendation is to tap a lot before the exam. You can do this by imagining sitting in the exam room and notice how you feel. Notice the response in your body.

Example:

If you feel nervous and have butterflies in your stomach & a tightness in your chest then use that.  Here’s what the tapping statements might look like:

  • Even though I feel nervous and have a tight chest and butterflies in my stomach when I think about doing my exam, I accept myself anyway
  • Even though I have a nervous feeling in my stomach as I imagine doing my exam, I choose to let that go
  • Even though I’m nervous and have a tight chest imagining doing my exam, what if it doesn’t have to be like that

Tap through the rounds using a combination of the key feelings and body sensations. Keep tapping and checking in with your bodily reactions.  These may move around your body and the sensations may change as you progress through the tapping rounds.  Keep chasing the sensations until they disappear. When you think you’re done, try to make yourself feel nervous/stressed to clear the issue as much as possible. Imagine the exam as vividly as possible. The idea is that you imagine all the scenarios during the exam, e.g. waiting to go into the room, sitting at your desk, being handed the exam paper, turning the exam paper over, looking around the room, seeing an examiner walk past, getting stuck on a question etc.  Then keep tapping until you can’t feel stressed or worried when you vividly imagine all the aspects or imagining the worst case scenario.

Once all those feelings are cleared you can then imagine feeling calm and doing well in your exam whilst you tap 🙂

Remember you can always use the finger tapping points to very discreetly tap if you do feel nervous or can’t remember something when you’re actually doing your exam.

Keep tapping
Louise

 

Christmas Tapping

admin

Well Christmas 2013 is almost upon us! My log fire is burning, Christmas tunes are playing and I’m excited about catching up with my family and friends. I hope that you are feeling the joy too…if not then please take some time to tap. So many people forget that they have this amazing tool at their fingertips. So here are some reminders to help you stay calm this Christmas time:

  • Tap if you are still running around doing your Christmas shopping
  • Finger tap if you are stuck in a queue or suffering trolley rage in a supermarket
  • Tap if you can’t find the “right” presents
  • Tap when you are feeling stressed about getting everything done
  • Finger tap if you are stuck in traffic or can’t find a parking space
  • Tap on any money worries you have
  • Tap when you are feeling angry, frustrated etc with family not helping
  • Use tapping if you are getting stuck in the middle of family disputes or arguments
  • Tap if you feel overwhelmed

Remember you can finger tap discreetly practically anywhere, anytime. Take yourself off to the bathroom if it is all feeling too much and spend 5 minutes tapping until you feel calmer.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and happy, healthy New Year.

Christmas tree
Merry Christmas

If you would like a one to one session with me, please drop me a line. I offer sessions face to face or via Skype.

Keep tapping
Louise

Technology Troubles

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Today I wanted to shout and scream at my laptop. In fact at one point I was almost ready to toss it out the window! Technology is a marvelous thing – when it works! 🙂 But it can be really frustrating when it doesn’t! In this digital age we always connected via our computers, smart phones etc. Whilst it can be a good thing it can also work against us to.

We can feel increased levels of stress at home with work emails pinging on our phone. If we can’t connect or something goes wrong it can be very stressful especially when we have strict deadlines. So whilst tapping can’t fix your technology troubles (hey it’s not that magic!) it can help calm your stress levels, anger, frustration, anxiety etc.

So step away from the technology – maybe go outside & connect with the real world & do some tapping 🙂

  • I’m so stressed right now
  • I can’t ever switch off
  • I’m really frustrated with my laptop
  • Why does it always go wrong when I have a strict deadline
  • Technology really frustrates me
  • I’m so stressed with my laptop right now
  • Firefox keeps crashing
  • I’m getting way too many emails
  • I never get proper down time
  • I’m always on the go
  • I’m addicted to my technology

I definitely need this tapping today…Firefox crashed halfway through my blog post! Tap, tap, tap.

Keep tapping
Louise

 

World Mental Health Day

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It was World Mental Health Day yesterday, 10th October. I was tweeting and posting on my Facebook page about it. I thought I’d write a blog post too, to help raise awareness.

There is still a lot of stigma attached to mental health issues, yet 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year (1).

For many people they are too scared of admitting a problem for fear of the consequences (e.g. at work) or the lack of understanding (“just pull yourself together” – it only it was that easy!).

So please, know that you are not alone.

There is plenty of help available.

It will get better if you seek and are willing to accept help.

In the first instance, it is advisable to contact your GP. They can diagnose and advise.

EFT is very effective at helping with stress and anxiety and even depression.

For more info, check out the following websites:

Mind

Mental Health Foundation

The more we talk about it the less stigma there will be! I used EFT to help me overcome my anxiety. I use it to help me manage my stress levels. I use it daily for my physical, emotional and mental well-being. I wouldn’t be without this incredible tool now.

Keep tapping
Louise

(1) Mind – Mental Health Facts and Statistics – http://www.mind.org.uk/mental_health_a-z/8105_mental_health_facts_and_statistics

Just Rant

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When was the last time you had a good rant? Sometimes we need to offload stuff and just let it out. We can be overwhelmed and the smallest thing can send us over the edge as it were (dropping a pint of milk for example).

Things have often built up over time but for one reason or another we’ve held it all in. We’re told to soldier on, just get on with it, count our blessings etc.

What happens when we hold it all in is that it festers away and builds up until you reach breaking point. So allow yourself to let it all out. Shout, scream, punch a pillow or just generally get it out.

Of course, being an EFT Practitioner and massive tapping fan, I recommend tapping and ranting at the same time. Or rant first then tap as you run out of steam. You can often get lots of insights by tapping during or after a good old rant.

Now I’m reminded of that Tears For Fears track…Shout, shout let it all out… (1985 – jeez now I feel old!)

Keep tapping
Louise

 

Tap Away Your Work Stress

admin

How many times have you been so busy at work that you feel absolutely overwhelmed? Deadlines looming, things going wrong, not enough staff, excessive workload – sound familiar? It sends your stress levels soaring and starts to affect your health, wellbeing and relationships.

Whilst EFT can’t help you with your deadlines it can help your stress levels decrease. Begin by focusing on where you feel your stress in your body. Just scan your body and notice where the tension is. Is it in your shoulders and neck? Do you have a tight knot in your stomach or a lump in your throat? Score that on a scale of 0 – 10. You can use that in your tapping statements, e.g.

  • Even though I have all this stress and tension in my neck and shoulders, I accept myself anyway
  • Even though I have this stress knot gnawing away in my stomach, I’m ok

Now list out all the things that are stressing you out at work, e.g. unachievable timescales, too much work, not enough staff etc.  You can now tap on each one and how you feel about it. E.g.

  • Even though I feel so stressed and overwhelmed because I have too much work to do and it’s just not achievable, I accept myself anyway
  • Even though I have this stress knot gnawing away in my stomach because I have these unachievable timescales, I accept all my feelings

Remember to keep tapping until you feel calmer. Test your results and check how your body feels now. Keep tapping until you get to 0. Think about going back to work and the challenges you know that are there. Tap on anything else that comes up.

Tap on a daily basis to keep your stress levels in check and stop them building up.

If you’d like some help with tapping on your work stress, drop me an email.

Keep tapping
Louise
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Start Your Day the Tappy Way

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Want your day to start out better? A great way to achieve this is to tap first thing in the morning. Your tapping can be about the things you know you have to do that day & any concerns/worries/stress you have about that. E.g.

  • Even though I’m worried because I have that important meeting today…
  • Even though I’m stressed with my work load and today is going to be manic…
  • Even though I’m anxious about doing…

You get the idea. Think about your day & tap on anything that is bothering you.

Once you’ve tapped on all that “stuff” you might like to try tapping in some positives. E.g.

  • Even though I’m doing X today, I choose to stay calm
  • Even though I’ve got a busy day, I can get it all done easily
  • Even though I’m stressed about my workload, maybe I can feel calmer and still get it done

If you’d like some help, just drop me an email.

Happy tapping
Louise
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Tap Your Christmas Stress Away

admin

The Christmas build-up has started! The decorations are up in the town centres, shops are getting busier and the stress has started to build! Have you felt it yet? Well, if not – lucky you! If you have then it is time to start some tapping…

Here are some ideas to help you with the Christmas build-up stress:

  • Even though I’m starting to feel stressed about Christmas, I’m ok
  • Even though I haven’t started shopping yet, there’s still time
  • Even though the thought of going Christmas shopping stresses me out, I choose to be able to stay calm
  • Even though I hate all the crowds and the rushing about, I choose to remain calm
  • Even though I feel stressed by all the people pushing and shoving, I choose to remain in my own little bubble
  • Even though it’s so stressful having to do all this preparation, I accept myself anyway
  • Even though my stress levels are starting to soar, what if I could feel calmer
  • Even though there’s not enough time to get everything done, I choose to manage ok
  • Even though I do this to myself every year and NEVER learn, I’m open to that changing

I hope that this helps you stay a little calmer as you do your Christmas shopping and preparations!

Keep tapping
Louise
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

 

Get Physical

admin

The other day I had one of those days… I was constantly interrupted and hassled by colleagues, the phone didn’t stop ringing and I couldn’t seem to get a minutes peace to concentrate on the task I was doing. By the end of the day my head was pounding and I felt really stressed.

I finger tapped all the way home – which is an hour-long drive. By the time I got home I felt much better. I could have tapped some more when I got home but I really felt like I needed to do something more physical. So I decided to dig out my boxercise DVD and punch and shout my remaining stress and frustration out.

Get Physical

It was superb! There is nothing like moving your body and releasing in this way. It was really physical which is exactly what my body was telling me I needed. As I punched  and yelled along I could feel myself relaxing and letting go of the day I’d had.

Sometimes you just have to move your body to release your stuck energy. This was one of those times & I’m so grateful I listened to what my body needed. By the end of the workout I felt fantastic & much lighter.

You can get more physical using EFT too. Try standing up or walking around as you tap. Try shouting and yelling to release your anger, stress or frustration. After tapping several rounds try tapping using the flat of your palm all over your body – up and down your arms, torso and legs. Try shaking your hands, arms, legs and feet after tapping to release any stuck energy. Do whatever feels right to you.

I often finger tap whilst walking or running.  I love being out in the fresh air and feeling my energy start to flow better.

Most importantly – listen to what your body needs. Many of us spend long hours stuck at a desk or driving. Moving our body is natural and important for our energy to flow freely. Remember to get physical and move it, move it, move it! 🙂

Keep tapping
Louise
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

I’m Overwhelmed…Where do I start?

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A client recently asked this question. They felt absolutely overwhelmed and when they tried tapping they kept jumping from one issue to the next. My client was tapping in bed because they had recently not been sleeping very well.  I advised several things:

  • Keep a pad of paper & pen next to your bed so that if you wake up with lots of things going around your mind you can write them down and get them out of your head.
  • Write a to-do list and prioritise your tasks.  It is easy when we are overwhelmed to feel like we have to do everything. Don’t waste any time on low priority items.  We forget we can ask for help – delegate tasks where possible.
  • Just tap. Don’t try to tap on each issue or aspect. Just begin tapping and focus on slowing down your breathing and your mind. Focus on your overwhelm and keep tapping until you feel calm.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the number of issues you have to tap on! So just start tapping and focus on your breathing and slowing down your mind. Once you feel calm then you can begin tapping on specific issues.

When we are overwhelmed and our to-do list seems miles long it is easy to forget about looking after ourselves.  It is even more important to look after ourself at these times but it seems like such a low priority.  Remember to schedule in some down time and do something relaxing such as taking a walk, spending time in nature, doing a meditation or tapping.

Keep tapping
Louise
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Taking On Too Much

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  • How often do you take on too much?
  • Do you feel like you can’t say no?
  • Do you want to please everybody?
  • Do you feel you are letting people down if you say no?

We can’t be superman or superwoman! We need to have boundaries. We need to look after ourselves. If we do too much and then get ill then we can’t help anyone.

So make looking after yourself a priority. Learn to say no. Enlist the help of others.

If any of that triggers something in you then it’s time to tap! Start by trying statements like:

  • Even though I always take on too much, I’m open to the possibility of changing my ways
  • Even though I feel like I can’t say no, I’m open to learning how to set boundaries
  • Even though I want to help everybody and make them feel good, I do need to look after me
  • Even though I’m a people pleaser, I’m open to looking after myself too

Remember to keep tapping until you have fully finished with each aspect.

Learn to look after yourself. You could:

  • Relax in the bath with some essential oils
  • Take a walk in nature
  • Read a book
  • Watch your favourite movie
  • Get a massage
  • Meditate

All of these things help us to look after ourselves and ultimately others too. Use EFT any time your boundaries get overrun and you are putting everyone else before yourself!

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Now…in a minute

admin

I was recently amused by a friend on Facebook. They had the following image on their page:

Now in a minute

Being Welsh, it amused me no end. I have said this phrase often myself! 🙂

That got me thinking about other similar sayings like the Spanish “mañana” or the Cornish: “I’ll do it dreckly”!  Then I realised how frustrating it can be to hear phrases such as this.

If we are expecting something to be done immediately or by a certain time we can get quite angry if it isn’t done when expected. So what can we do instead?

Tap of course!

Try the following:

  • Even though I’m really angry that they took so long to fix my {object}, I can choose to stay calm about this
  • Even though I’m frustrated that they haven’t finished working on my {object}, I’m ok
  • Even though they let me down because they haven’t delivered what they promised, I accept myself and this situation anyway
  • Even though I feel disappointed that they missed their deadline, I’m open to accepting this situation

Remember to be as specific as possible and keep tapping on all the emotions that come up.

There is also another aspect to this. When we say phrases such as this ourselves, what are trying to do?

Are we trying to put off the task by being vague? Do we not want to do it and therefore deliberately avoid a proper answer. Do we not think we are able to commit and complete when expected? Just practice asking yourself these questions the next time you say one of these phrases, and notice what is going on for you.

There is also the possibility that we need to lighten up and relax a little! Perhaps deadlines are a bit of an issue for you? Ask yourself what it is that you find comforting about having exact deadlines and tap around that to see if you are able to let go… All good food for thought 🙂

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

Connecting With Nature

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So I was feeling kind of wobbly and a bit out of sorts. My usual “tool” would be to start tapping. Today felt different. I felt like I needed to get out and get some fresh air. It was cold and starting to sleet. I wrapped myself up in coat, hood and gloves and started walking. I walked in my local park and connected with the river. I stood and just watched it. I felt the constancy of the water flowing. I felt the wonderful energy of the water, trees and plants.

Daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses were starting to appear. I felt a wonderful sense of aliveness and new life. I breathed in deeply and appreciated everything around me. Everything else just seemed to disappear. My problems faded into the background.

Today I was helped by mother nature and I felt very grateful for this experience.

Flowing River
Flowing River

I know that EFT is always there for me. Sometimes a walk in the park can help too. Sometimes combining the two is even more powerful – tapping in nature, surrounded by all that wonderful energy 🙂

Do you have somewhere special where you go to connect with nature and indeed yourself? I’d love to hear your experiences too.

Keep tapping
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk

I’ve Left It Too Late…Again!

admin

I know you say it every year to yourself…next year I will start my Christmas shopping and preparation earlier. I’ve done it myself. Well sometimes things come up that you weren’t expecting or time just seems to fly by and before you know it Christmas is only 10 days away and there is still much to do! Stay calm.

Instead of getting stressed or having a flap, why not take some time out and do some tapping. Yes I know you’ve got a million and one other things to do…but 5 or 10 minutes can make a difference! You’ll feel better afterwards and probably be able to think clearer.

Rate your current stress level and then try tapping along with the following:

  • Even though I’ve left things too late again, I’m open to accepting myself anyway
  • Even though I’m feeling stressed because I didn’t start my shopping in time, I’m open to giving myself a break
  • Even though I’m so stressed because I’ve got far too much to do and not enough time, I’m ok

Eyebrow: I should’ve started earlier
Side of Eye: Why do I always leave it to the last-minute
Under Eye: It makes me so stressed every year
Under Nose: It’s so stressful why don’t I plan things better
Chin: I promised myself I’d start earlier this year
Collarbone: Why is it so hard for me to stick to my plans
Under Arm: It’s so stressful at this time of year
Top of Head: I don’t have enough time left to finish all my shopping and preparations

Eyebrow: I’m open to letting it be easier
Side of Eye: Maybe I can get it all done
Under Eye: Maybe if I plan things better, I’ll feel less stressed
Under Nose: What if I got some help
Chin: I can choose to feel different
Collarbone: Maybe I can feel calmer
Under Arm: What if I got myself better organised
Top of Head: I’m open to getting all my shopping done and staying calm

Remember to keep tapping until you feel better. Notice your stress level after the tapping. Focus on any particular aspects that are stressing you out. If it is all the Christmas cards you have to write then tap on that. If it is all the hustle and bustle at the shops that really stresses you out then focus on that. You get the idea – be more specific with your tapping.

I hope your Christmas preparations go well.

Keep tapping!
Louise
07866 013 637
louise@freeflowingenergy.co.uk