Introduction
In the high-demand world of healthcare, professionals often find themselves submerged in intense stress, which not only affects their own well-being and mental health but also their capacity to care for others. This is a blog specifically written for healthcare workers or their loved ones who see them struggle with stress, overwhelm, anxiety and have not found an effective way yet to minimize it.
"The people who are on the front lines every day in hospitals, nurses, the people who are running clinics, the people who are taking care of your children, those are the people who are the lovers of the world, are the good of the world.” – Eve Ensler
In this article, I wanted to talk about the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping in the context of emotional health for healthcare workers to help release stress, anxiety, overwhelm, release the day so they can be sleep, be calm, and more present with their families.
Read on to learn how tapping can be the soothing balm for healthcare workers navigating the tumultuous waters of their every day profession..
Understanding the Stress Landscape for Healthcare Workers
Let's talk about something important: understanding the stress landscape for healthcare workers. In the last few years. has been especially difficult due to COVID cases and the Pandemic. You're on the front lines, facing a unique set of stressors every day. Whether it's the emotional toll of patient care, the fast-paced work environment, or the constant pressure to perform at your best, these challenges can pile up, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and, at times, even physically exhausted.
Recognizing these stressors is the first step in addressing them. It's essential to acknowledge the weight you carry and the impact it can have on your well-being. After all, taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself. So, let's explore how we can navigate this stress landscape together and find effective ways to support your emotional well-being.
What is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping?
EFT tapping, scientifically known as Emotional Freedom Techniques, is a mind-body intervention that involves gentle tapping on specific acupoints while focusing on emotional stressors, aiming to alleviate distress and rebalance the body's nervous systems.
"EFT has been applied in many areas in which individual psychotherapy is not practical, such as the aftermath of earthquakes and other natural disasters, following terrorist attacks, and refugee camps".34
Medical professionals are undoubtedly experts in their field, with a deep understanding of traditional approaches to healthcare. Therefore, it's natural for some to approach newer methods like EFT Tapping with skepticism initially.
However, it's crucial to recognize that EFT Tapping isn't just a passing trend; it's supported by a wealth of scientific evidence and studies showing its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and stress reactions, making it a valuable tool in mental health management.
For instance, studies have demonstrated its benefits for individuals with PTSD, including veterans, as well as those struggling with phobias and other anxiety-related disorders. By acknowledging the scientific backing behind EFT Tapping, medical professionals can broaden their perspective on effective stress management techniques and offer comprehensive support to their patients.
Sample EFT Studies:
Stapleton P, Crighton G, Sabot D, O'Neill HM. Reexamining the effect of emotional freedom techniques on stress biochemistry: A randomized controlled trial. Psychol Trauma. 2020;12(8):869-877. doi:10.1037/tra0000563
Church D, Yount G, Brooks AJ. The effect of emotional freedom techniques on stress biochemistry: a randomized controlled trial. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2012;200(10):891-896. doi:10.1097/NMD.0b013e31826b9fc1
Pandey, Neerja. (2020). EFT AS A TOOL TO RESOLVE ANXIETY: A CASE STUDY APPROACH.
Blacher S. Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Tap to relieve stress and burnout. J Interprof Educ Pract. 2023;30:100599. doi:10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100599
Feinstein, D. (2012). Acupoint stimulation in treating psychological disorders: Evidence of efficacy. Review of General Psychology, 16(4), 364–380. doi:10.1037/a0028602;
Sebastian, B., & Nelms, J. (2017). The effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 13(1), 16–25. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2016.10.001)
The Connection Between EFT Tapping and Stress Relief
Healthcare professionals are often subject to the intense demands of their work. Every day, they're faced with high-pressure situations, heartbreaking losses, and critical decisions—all of which can take a toll on their emotional resilience.
But here's the thing: as a healthcare worker, recognizing and addressing these emotional stressors is essential for maintaining your well-being. That's where Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Tapping comes in. By delving into the underlying emotional responses to these stressors, EFT Tapping serves as a powerful tool for fortifying your emotional resilience by enabling you to let go of negative emotions. It's like building a sturdy foundation that enables you to navigate daily challenges with renewed strength and clarity.
When working with a pracititioner, you're not just managing surface level symptoms—you're addressing the root causes of your stress to release the emotional intensity and creating a resilient mindset that empowers you to bounce back quickly.
Improving Sleep Quality
Ensuring quality sleep is undoubtedly paramount to maintain peak performance and well-being. Yet, the relentless demands and stressors of the healthcare environment often keep the brain 'running' and unable to 'turn off', which disrupts your sleep patterns, leaving you struggling with insomnia or restless nights. Prolonged exposure to stress can exacerbate these issues, further compromising sleep quality and overall health.
EFT tapping is an innovative approach that offers a simple yet effective solution to promote relaxation and improve sleep. By engaging in these tapping techniques before bedtime, you can effectively lower your stress levels, allowing for a smoother transition to sleep and ultimately enhancing your overall sleep quality. Through targeted tapping on specific meridian points and focusing on your stressors, EFT Tapping facilitates a sense of calm and relaxation, setting the stage for a restorative night's sleep.
Reducing Anxiety and Panic Attacks
For healthcare professionals, managing anxiety and panic attacks is essential to maintaining well-being and providing optimal care.
If you're constantly exposed to triggers for anxiety, such as witnessing suffering, facing critical care situations, and feeling the pressure to perform at a consistently high level, these stressors can take a toll on your mental health, leading to heightened anxiety and even panic attacks.
EFT Tapping helps you to release stress and calm the body's fight, flight, or freeze response points through gentle tapping, which helps to disrupt the body's stress response and rewire neural pathways associated with negative emotions, leading to their release and subsequent reduction in intensity.
"A surprising 98% of the efficacy studies investigating the approach show statistically significant improvements in the management of psychological distress.13 EFT has also been shown to be effective in addressing emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, burnout, stress management, and fears." - National Library of Medicine research study.
By incorporating EFT Tapping into your self-care routine, you equip yourself with a valuable tool for managing anxiety and promoting resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. To try the first EFT video I ever did click here to CALM down quickly.
Managing Symptoms of Stress
When managing symptoms of stress, and it's essential to recognize these signs. Stress can wreak havoc on the body, leading to headaches, gastro-intestinal issues, muscle tension, and fatigue—all too common in this line of work. Of course, catastrophic world events make this even worse.
One study published in the National Library of Medicine noted in particular: "Nurses who work with COVID-19 patients are particularly vulnerable to emotions such as fear and anxiety, due to fatigue, discomfort, and helplessness related to their high intensity work. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of a brief online form of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in the prevention of stress, anxiety, and burnout in nurses involved in the treatment of COVID patients."
The study measured the subjective units of distress scale, or SUD level, which is noted by the participant on a scale of 0-10 before and after EFT tapping. The research concluded:
"As frontline workers in the treatment of COVID-19, nurses are exposed to substantial physical and emotional pressures which may take a toll on their mental health. A brief, single-session, online group intervention utilizing EFT was effective in significantly reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout."
EFT tapping doesn't just address the symptoms; it delves into the emotional roots behind them. Through targeted tapping sequences on the face, head, chest, and underarm, you can effectively alleviate physical and emotional discomfort without relying solely on medications. It's a holistic approach that empowers you to take control of your well-being and find relief from stress-related symptoms, allowing you to continue delivering top-notch care with vitality and resilience.
Fostering a Positive Work Environment
In your healthcare environment, fostering a positive work atmosphere is crucial for both team cohesion and patient care. It's no secret that stress can be contagious, and when the healthcare team is under pressure, it can create a tense workplace dynamic.
But here's the good news: by addressing individual stress levels, you can transform the overall atmosphere. Imagine incorporating group EFT sessions as a team-building exercise.
Not only does this help individuals release stress and anxiety, but it also cultivates a sense of community and support among healthcare workers. Together, you can create a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported, ultimately enhancing patient care and team effectiveness.
Summary
EFT Tapping emerges not just as a technique for individual stress relief but as a powerful tool for enhancing workplace well-being among healthcare professionals.
Through fostering emotional resilience, improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety, managing physical symptoms of stress, and promoting a positive work environment, EFT positions itself as an integral component of healthcare workers’ toolkit against stress.
Prioritizing stress management among healthcare workers is paramount for maintaining optimal mental and emotional health. Anxiety, if left unaddressed, can lead to detrimental consequences such as reliance on prescription medication or even substance abuse, ultimately contributing to burnout.
Fortunately, tools like EFT tapping offer a holistic approach to stress relief, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being. Whether through self-guided sessions with apps like the Tapping Solution or deeper, personalized work with a practitioner, such as myself, there are effective strategies available to address and release stressors, allowing healthcare workers to safeguard their mental and emotional resilience.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life today. Try the Tapping Solution app for free here and explore the transformative potential of EFT tapping.
ANDREA HUNT - Online Transformational Life Coach & EFT Tapping Practitioner based in Munich, Germany
I'm an accredited transformational life coach from Animas Centre for Coaching UK and a member of the International Coaching Federation. I'm also a Level 2 practitioner in EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and a member of AEFTP (Association of Emotional Freedom Technique Professionals).
If you're not sure where to start transforming your life, you can download my free ebook on How to Start Your Personal Growth Journey.
Are you ready to change your life, let go of old beliefs, empower yourself for a mindset shift to move forward? Mel Robbins says: You're always one decision away from a different life.
Header image: 卡晨
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