Let's face it, each and every one of us deals with stress a little too often.
Whether it's from the guy who cut you off on the drive to work, that damn pickle jar that won't open, to that intense conflict with your partner that has been going on for a little too long, it's there. We can't keep it away!
Many of us know some amazing tools to combat our daily woes. Yoga, meditation, journalling, deep breathing, are all fantastic. If you don't do 'em, I'm sure you've heard about 'em. Having a regular practice of self-care is by far, in my books, the best way to consistently be able to handle the stress of daily life effectively. Unfortunately, most of time, when something throws us for a loop we aren't in a position to roll out our yoga mat and start downward dogging.
As some of you may know, I am a big fan of Energy Psychology (EP). I use these techniques in work with clients all the time! While nothing beats a full-on session where we can dig deep and customize the approach to your particular concerns, there are so many great ways to decrease stress in a pinch!
So here we have it, 4 quick, easy, and effective ways to release some of that stress (for those times that taking a deep breath doesn't quite cut it!) from the field of EP!:
1. Forehead Energy Pull
This short and sweet technique is a gem! Try it out for yourself, it only take a minute. Start with firm pressure at the inside edges of your eyebrows, right around your third eye. With pressure, drag your fingers over to your temples and hold. Take a deep breath in, and draw the fingers to the area of your skull just above your ears. Slowly trace your fingers around your ear, and move your hands down to the top of your trapezius muscle (between neck and shoulder). With your fingers facing down your back and your thumbs pointing down your chest, squeeze tight. Slowly drag your hands over your heart and take a deep inhale, and a powerful exhale to release the stress. Repeat if you feel more stress hanging around.
2. Zip-Up
Another one of my favourites.
This is my go-to when I am anticipating a stressful situation (think: a way-too-intense person). It takes seconds, and protects you from negative vibes entering your field. With an open palm, start with your hand facing towards you just below your belly button, an inch or two away from your body. Slowly move your hand up until it reaches the top of your bottom lip.
This line you are tracing, an energy meridian, is known at the conception vessel. This vessel regulates the qi (aka energy) of the yin meridians. Have no idea what I’m talking about? Don’t worry about it, just remember to zip up and you’ll be good!
3. Cross Crawl
Ok, so if you do this one “anywhere” you might get a few funny looks. But hey, at least your energy will be flowing! When we experience stress, the body struggles with keeping the energy moving and crossing over, as it does when things are balanced within our system. Take a minute or two to do the cross crawl to get yourself back on track.
You can do this sitting or standing. Basically, think of it as an exaggerated march. As you lift you left knee up swing your right arm over as if you’re swimming, and tap your left knee. Repeat on the other side. Continue with this march for at least a minute, or until you are feeling a sense of relief.
4. Tapping
Tapping, also known as “emotional freedom technique” is a staple of the Energy Psychology field. Tapping can be highly individualized to address areas of stress, stuck energy, and any form of emotional distress. Here, I will share with you two common points that are used to help get that stress moving through your system to be released.
Side of Hand (aka karate chop point): tapping on the side of hand, repeat this mantra to yourself: “Even though I am experiencing stress, I deeply love and accept myself”. Repeat several times, until you feel as though the level of stress has been reduced. Repeat as needed throughout the day to keep the stress away.
Neurolymphatic Reflex Point: this is a very common area for energy to get stuck, as this particular point is so close to our heart. To find this area, press firmly on the left side of your chest, about 3 inches below your collarbone. Poke around until you feel some tenderness. That’s the spot! Massage that area as you repeat your mantra: “Even though I am experiencing stress, I deeply love and accept myself”.
For these, feel free to replace the word “stress” with anything else that may be going on for you. Sadness, anger, resistance, irritation, etc.
Questions about any of these techniques?? Please, contact me! I’d love to hear from you!
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