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EFT Tapping Tip: Reduce Holiday Stress

As November rolls to an end, the holiday season is also just around the corner for many people. For some, the festive season can bring added stress as well as painful memories.

There are many ways to manage the holiday season so that you can enjoy the season with more ease, grace and peace.

Here are some tips:
  • Set your intention as to how you would like to feel during the holiday season.
  • Decide what activities you would enjoy doing. Let go of or delegate activities you don't enjoy.
  • If you find yourself feeling resentful or uptight, use EFT and tap. 
  • If painful memories come up, acknowledge your feelings. Use EFT to help dissolve these painful memories and bring more peace to yourself. 
  • Eat healthily, avoid sugars and alcohol as much as possible. Just because festivities are typically associated with these substances, doesn't mean your body does well with them.  
  • Take time to nurture yourself with quiet moments to journal, walk in nature, and breathe fully and consciously. 
  • Remember that there's always something or someone you can appreciate; find it and spend time in appreciation for it. Think of some wonderful things that are happening in your life right now, no matter how small they might be. It will uplift your mood and energize you.

Here are some EFT Setup Phrases that might help you reduce some of the holiday stress. Feel free to change the words to suit your particular situation and to make the phrase resonate with you better.

You can choose one Setup Phrase for each EFT round (and say it three times) or you can mix-n-match three Setup Phrases from the list. Tap on your Karate Chop point or rub on your Sore Spot as you say your Setup Phrase:

  • Even though I feel so stressed out and uptight right now, and I am dreading the holiday season, I accept myself and my feelings.
  • Even though I feel exhausted just thinking of Thanksgiving (or whatever holiday it is you celebrate), and it is not even here yet, I choose to be relaxed about it and perhaps I might even enjoy it.
  • Even though I don't enjoy Thanksgiving (or whatever holiday it is you dislike) and all that comes with it, I deeply and profoundly accept and appreciate myself.
  • Even though I feel so guilty because I am so busy and can't spend enough time with (myself/my kids/my family/etc.), I forgive myself for not being a super (mom/dad/brother/daughter/etc.) I accept myself and I accept that I am doing the best that I can. I wonder what changes I need to make so that I can spend more time with the people who are important to me.
  • Even though I am afraid I will get frustrated (in the family dinner/with my husband/mom/kids/etc.) when they ...(fill in the blanks with the person's behavior that usually triggers you), I choose to be surprised by how patient and understanding (or whatever state of being you would prefer) I can be.
  • Even though I can't help but worry about money around the holiday season, it has always been that way in my family and will always be that way, I choose to accept myself and decide to release this association of money anxiety and the holidays. I choose to let it be surprisingly easy for me to feel relaxed and at peace this holiday season and in all future holidays.
  • Even though the holiday season often brings up painful memories about ...(fill in the blanks with whatever memories that bother you still), I accept myself and the holiday season anyway. Maybe it is time to let this memory go (if that feels appropriate to you) and I am ready for a wonderful and lovely holiday season, and that begins this year!
  • Even though I typically  feel (stress/sad/resentful/...) during the holidays, I deeply and profoundly accept who I am and how I feel. I have decided that it is possible for me to feel peaceful, at ease and joyful this holiday.
  • Tune in to whatever feelings you have related to the Setup Phrase you have chosen, or pick a reminder phrase that works for you, and tap on the EFT points on your face and your body.

After each EFT round, take a deep breath, exhale slowly.

When you feel complete, take a moment to notice any shift or change within you. A change of breath? A big yawn? A release of energy? A relaxation somewhere in your body? There is no right or wrong answer. Just notice what unfolds for you. You can further neutralize any "yes, buts..." (called "tail-enders" in EFT parlance) or any bothersome memories that come up after each round.

I love hearing your feedback. Please feel free to send me an email about your experiences using this EFT Tapping Tip.

Note: For those who are not yet familiar with Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), you can check the "Resources" section of my website to learn about EFT tapping points. Please visit www.eftuniverse.com to download the free EFT manual and to browse through the rich library of EFT articles.
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