Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping, is often promoted as a way to reduce stress, anxiety, and even physical pain. It involves tapping on specific acupressure points while repeating affirmations. While I never really connected with the affirmation part, I did find that the physical tapping itself helped me manage some of the worst bouts of anxiety in the past.
At the height of my struggles with anxiety, I was looking for anything that could help calm my body and mind. Breathing techniques and exercise helped, but sometimes the anxiety would hit so hard that I needed something immediate to take the edge off. That’s when I tried EFT, but in my own way—without the affirmations, just focusing on the tapping itself.
By rhythmically tapping on points like the side of my hand, the top of my head, and around my collarbone, I found that it gave me something to focus on and helped me feel more grounded. The repetitive motion seemed to interrupt the anxious spiral and bring me back to the present moment. It was almost like a form of active meditation, but without having to sit still and “clear my mind,” which never really worked for me when I was feeling overwhelmed.
What I found most useful about EFT was its immediacy—I could use it anywhere, anytime. If I felt a wave of anxiety coming on, I could start tapping, and within minutes, I would feel a noticeable shift. It didn’t magically erase the anxiety, but it took the intensity down enough that I could think more clearly and regain a sense of control.
For anyone struggling with anxiety, EFT tapping—whether done traditionally with affirmations or in a more stripped-down way like I used it—could be worth trying. It’s simple, requires no equipment, and can be done anywhere. If nothing else, it’s another tool in the toolbox for managing stress and staying present when anxiety tries to take over.
EFT Tapping: How I Used It to Manage Anxiety
