A lot of people today feel as if they are drowning in stress and/or anxiety brought on by everyday challenges that they encounter, such as family or relationship problems, financial issues, and work responsibilities. Most of the time, these stresses affect not only their physical health, but their emotional health as well.
If you’re one of these people who experience stress frequently, don’t fret: there are simple and effective ways on how to clear your mind and alleviate all the unpleasant feelings you’re harboring.
One effective tool you can try is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). This psychological technique works on the same principle as acupuncture, by focusing on the stimulation of your meridian points to ensure proper energy (chi) flow in your body.
EFT is believed to work not only against stress, but also against food cravings, physical pain, and other negative emotions like anger, disappointment, and grief. Many people have found great success after they used the Emotional Freedom Technique to solve their physical and emotional health issues.
Aside from EFT, you can also try meditation. This is a simple but effective tool that allows you to relax and free your mind, so you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and develop your inherent potential.
Meditation offers numerous benefits, such as:
- Combatting stress
- Fostering physical health
- Alleviating chronic pain
- Helping you sleep better
- Making you feel happier and/or at peace
- Helping improve your concentration and problem-solving skills
It’s not difficult to meditate. It is one of the simplest and most effective tools to help improve your well-being. However, meditation will work better if you know how to properly do it. Here are a few tips to help you out.
1. Find a good place to meditate.
Unlike EFT, which can be done anytime and anywhere, meditation requires a peaceful and quiet setting, so that you can focus better. You can stay in a clutter-free room or maybe in a quiet spot in your garden.
2. Take note of your meditation time.
Ten minutes is usually enough for most people, although some meditate for about an hour. Find a specific length of time that allows you to settle your mind but does not cause stress on your body or disrupt your schedule.
3. Take note of your posture.
Sit down when you meditate. Your spine and head should be upright. Don’t slump, as it will make your mind drift away. Remember to keep your balance at all times. Your mind and body are intertwined, so if your body is well-balanced, your mind will be as well.
4. Keep your eyes open.
Some people close their eyes during meditation, but keeping your eyes open is more preferable since it allows you to stay in the present. If you are distracted by other elements in your surroundings, simply lower your eyes and maintain a soft and steady gaze.
5. Breathe properly but normally.
Your breath should be streaming in and out naturally. If you are having a hard time regulating your breathing, try counting your breaths. When you breathe out, count “one” silently, and then “two” as you breathe in. Do this in counts of four.
6. Pay attention to your thoughts.
As much as possible, your focus should be on your breathing, but if other thoughts start creeping in, don’t try to stop them – this will only make you feel agitated. Simply acknowledge their presence, and then let them pass. Then, go back to focusing on your breathing.
7. Meditate in silence.
Sitting in silence gives you a certain steadiness and calmness compared to having any “meditation music” in the background. In addition, music or sounds may only drown out the chatter in your mind that you may want to acknowledge. By meditating in silence, you are able to direct your attention to these thoughts.
One final tip:
Enjoy meditation. Meditation should be done willingly – it should not add burden to your life. Enjoy meditation, as well as your EFT sessions. You can even try to have a hint of a smile while doing these stress-relief techniques.
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About the Author
Rosalie Evergray is a writer. She considers herself stress-free because of her daily relaxation routine: the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) in the morning, meditation during her lunch break, and yoga at night. She has recently organized a yoga class in her home, attended by her sisters and friends.