EFT Tapping for Election Stress: A Step-by-Step Guide
Election season can be a challenging time, with constant updates, strong opinions, and high stakes that can stir up a lot of stress. This year feels particularly intense, with many people believing the outcome could profoundly shape the country’s future. If election-related anxiety is getting to you, there’s a practical and effective way to find relief: EFT tapping.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping, is a quick and powerful technique that combines elements of traditional acupressure with simple, stress-relieving phrases. EFT tapping is especially effective because it targets both the mind and body, helping to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety while calming mental stress.
In this guide, we’ll explore how EFT tapping works and walk you through a step-by-step method to ease election anxiety. Let’s dive in and discover how this simple technique can help you stay calm and grounded during intense times.
What Is EFT Tapping?
EFT tapping, often simply called “tapping,” is a therapeutic technique that involves tapping on specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on a specific issue or stressor. Developed by Gary Craig in the 1990s, EFT combines principles of Chinese acupuncture with modern psychology. It’s a bit like acupuncture without the needles—using pressure points to stimulate energy flow and relieve tension in both mind and body.
By tapping on certain points and repeating stress-relieving phrases, you help regulate your body’s energy and calm your nervous system. This is especially beneficial for election stress, which often triggers both mental and physical reactions, like shallow breathing, headaches, and muscle tension.
Why EFT Tapping Is Effective for Election Stress
Election stress can feel overwhelming because it combines fears for the future with real-time, high-stakes updates. EFT tapping helps by addressing both the mental and physical aspects of this stress. Here’s why EFT is a perfect fit for election-related anxiety:
Targets Both Mind and Body: Tapping on acupressure points calms the body, while focusing on specific fears allows you to confront and release anxious thoughts.
Quick and Easy: EFT tapping is simple to learn and can be done anywhere, making it an ideal tool for quick relief during intense moments.
Works on Physical Symptoms: Election anxiety often manifests physically. Tapping can help reduce symptoms like tension headaches, tight shoulders, and a racing heartbeat.
Whether you’re at home, on a lunch break, or about to go to bed, EFT tapping is a portable technique you can use anytime to manage election-related stress.
Getting Started with EFT Tapping: Key Points and Phrases
The basic EFT tapping sequence is easy to follow. There are eight main tapping points on the body, and each point is tapped a few times while focusing on a specific phrase related to your stress. Let’s go through each point and the steps to follow.
Key Tapping Points:
Side of Hand: Known as the “karate chop” point, located on the fleshy side of your hand.
Eyebrow: The inner edge of your eyebrow, closest to your nose.
Side of Eye: The outer edge of your eye, on the bone.
Under Eye: Directly below the center of your eye.
Under Nose: Just above your upper lip.
Chin: Below your lower lip, in the crease above your chin.
Collarbone: Just under the inner edges of your collarbone.
Top of Head: The crown of your head.
Step-by-Step EFT Tapping for Election Anxiety
Follow these steps to practice EFT tapping for election stress. You can adjust the phrases to reflect your specific feelings or concerns.
Step 1: Set Up the Issue
Begin by identifying your specific stressor, such as “election anxiety” or “worries about the country’s future.” Give your stress a rating on a scale from 0 to 10 (10 being the highest). This helps you gauge how you feel before and after tapping.
Step 2: Start with the Karate Chop Point
Tap the side of your hand (the karate chop point) while saying a setup phrase three times. For election anxiety, try something like:
“Even though I’m feeling overwhelmed by election stress, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
Repeat this phrase three times while tapping the side of your hand.
Step 3: Begin Tapping Through the Sequence
Move through the following tapping points, tapping gently 5-7 times on each spot and saying a reminder phrase out loud. Here are some examples to get started:
Eyebrow: “I feel so stressed about this election.”
Side of Eye: “It feels like the future of the country is at stake.”
Under Eye: “This constant news cycle is overwhelming.”
Under Nose: “I can’t stop worrying about what might happen.”
Chin: “I feel tense and anxious all the time.”
Collarbone: “This election stress is weighing on me.”
Top of Head: “I’m carrying so much worry and stress.”
Repeat this sequence a few times, keeping your focus on your feelings and emotions about the election as you tap.
Step 4: Reassess Your Stress Level
After completing the tapping sequence, pause and take a few deep breaths. Rate your level of stress again on a scale from 0 to 10. Most people find their stress level has dropped by a few points. If you still feel anxious, repeat the sequence until you notice a significant reduction in stress.
Step 5: Introduce Positive Phrasing
Once your stress has decreased, you can incorporate positive phrases while tapping through the sequence. This helps reinforce a calm, resilient mindset. Here are a few examples:
Eyebrow: “I’m finding calm in this moment.”
Side of Eye: “I trust myself to handle whatever happens.”
Under Eye: “I choose to release this election anxiety.”
Under Nose: “I am resilient and strong.”
Chin: “I’m letting go of this stress.”
Collarbone: “I feel grounded and at peace.”
Top of Head: “I am calm and in control.”
This positive round can help reinforce feelings of calm and provide a greater sense of control over your stress.
Additional Tips for EFT Tapping Success
To get the most out of EFT tapping, keep these tips in mind:
Be Specific: The more specific you are with your phrases, the more effective tapping can be. Focus on specific thoughts or events that are causing your stress.
Repeat as Needed: It’s okay to go through multiple rounds of tapping, especially when stress levels are high. If your stress persists, tap again until you feel relief.
Use It Daily: Election stress tends to build over time, so practicing tapping regularly can help you manage anxiety before it becomes overwhelming.
EFT tapping is a versatile tool you can use whenever you need quick, effective stress relief.
FAQs About EFT Tapping for Election Anxiety
If you’re new to EFT tapping, here are answers to some common questions:
1. How long does a tapping session take?
A basic tapping session takes about 5-10 minutes. You can repeat the process multiple times if needed.
2. Can I do EFT tapping on my own?
Yes, EFT is designed to be a self-help tool. It’s simple enough to practice on your own, although guidance from a practitioner can be helpful if you’re just starting.
3. Do I need to speak the phrases out loud?
Saying the phrases out loud can help reinforce the process, but if you’re in a public space, silently repeating the phrases can still be effective.
4. How quickly can I expect results?
Many people feel relief within minutes of tapping, though it may take a few rounds for the full effect. Consistency is key, so try it regularly for best results.
Why Consider EFT as Part of Your Election Stress Management
Election-related anxiety is unique because it combines immediate stress with long-term concerns. EFT tapping is ideal for this because it’s quick, portable, and effective at addressing both the mental and physical sides of anxiety. Whether you’re stressed about the outcome, tired of the constant news cycle, or just feeling generally tense, EFT tapping can help you take back control and regain calm.
The Election Anxiety Relief Program offers a comprehensive approach to handling election stress and includes resources like EFT tapping, guided meditations, and personalized support to keep you grounded during this high-stakes season.
Calm Your Election Anxiety with EFT Tapping
Election season doesn’t have to leave you feeling overwhelmed and anxious. With EFT tapping, you have a simple, effective way to manage stress and bring yourself back to a place of calm. By practicing this technique, you can break free from the mental and physical grip of election anxiety and focus on what matters most: your peace of mind.
If you’re ready for more support, consider exploring the Election Anxiety Relief Program. This program offers targeted tools to help you release stress and build resilience, so you can approach this election season with clarity, calm, and confidence.
