What is Stress?

Stress is your body’s natural reaction to pressure. In short bursts it can motivate you — but when stress becomes constant, it leaves your nervous system stuck in “fight, flight, or freeze” mode. Over time, this takes a toll on your health, mood, and relationships.

Common Symptoms of Stress

Racing heart or palpitations

Muscle tension, headaches, or jaw clenching

Stomach churning or digestive problems

Irritability, anger, or tearfulness

Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

Feeling overwhelmed or “on edge”

The Science Behind Stress

When your brain perceives a threat, it triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol — hormones that prepare you to run from danger. But in modern life, stress often comes from bills, deadlines, or worries — not lions or tigers. Your body reacts the same way, even though you aren’t in physical danger.

Living in this constant state of alert can drain your energy and, if left unaddressed, may lead to burnout or even symptoms of PTSD.

How EFT Can Help with Stress

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques, or tapping) combines gentle tapping on acupuncture points with focusing on thoughts and feelings. Research shows EFT helps reduce cortisol, calm the nervous system, and restore emotional balance.

With regular tapping you can:

Release built-up tension

Feel calmer and more centred

Reduce physical symptoms like headaches or stomach upset

Regain clarity and energy

Gentle Reminder

It’s safe to pause. Each breath and each tap is a step back to calm.

Research Spotlight:

A 2019 meta-analysis published in Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease found EFT significantly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

A 2016 study in Energy Psychology showed that EFT reduced cortisol by 43% after a single session, supporting its ability to calm the nervous system.

How to Tap for Stress - click on the button below - see tapping points in the diagram beneath the button.