Mind Over Matter

Continued from page 12 in a hurry and prone to frustration.

Change the part of your mind that’s racing to the future and bring it into the present. Try deep breathing, too. You won’t change the traffic, but you can improve how you manage the situation.

Emotional Freedom Techniques or Tapping

If last year’s holidays left you feeling a bit empty (e.g., Christmas wasn’t merry and Thanksgiving just left you thankful it was over), then you should know about another self-help strategy that has been gaining in popularity.

Its formal name is ‘emotional freedom technique’ or EFT. It’s a mind-body-spirit approach to self-care. This technique involves a specific movement — physically tapping on 12 acupuncture points of your body — while repeating emotionally charged statements that relate to specific issues.

According to the EFT Universe website, “there are no exact words, phrases or statements, as tapping is an individualized process.” However, some suggested tapping statements are listed on the site. One is: “Even though I have a problem, I deeply and completely accept myself.”

Some experts may refer to this as “acupressure for the emotions,” according to Duke Integrative Medicine, part of Duke University. EFT can help people with anxiety, weight loss and food cravings, depression, PTSD, phobias, pain and other physical symptoms.

Following many scientific studies of EFT, research suggests even veterans have improved — and remain better over time — using this treatment for specific types of stressors.

Be Open, Not Gullible

The list of self-help methods is long but, remember, the State of Georgia does not license practitioners of life coaching, mindfulness or EFT. It’s a good idea to stay skeptical of two-week courses and people who have “expert” printed on their business cards.

“If you feel overwhelmed or are unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help,” says the American Psychological Association.

In fact, psychologists are uniquely trained to help. In addition, nurses and other medical professionals receive training in goal setting with their patients. After all, it takes years of training to understand the connection between the mind and body.

As always, check in with your physician before starting any new self-care regimen. As a rule, healthcare professionals are supportive to their patients who want to improve their lives and are happy to offer helpful direction.

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