If you’ve ever searched for ways to regulate your emotions, manage stress, or soothe anxiety naturally—you may have come across EFT, also known as Emotional Freedom Techniques or tapping.
EFT is a gentle self-regulation tool that involves tapping on specific acupressure points while naming what you’re feeling. It blends elements of traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychology, and it’s become one of the simplest, most effective practices I’ve used to calm my nervous system and support emotional healing.
I’m not a certified EFT practitioner (yet!)—I begin my training and certification journey in July. Everything I share here is from the perspective of someone who’s been using tapping personally to navigate overwhelm, anxiety, and the emotional weight of everyday life as a solo mum. If you’re new to tapping or curious about how to start, this post is a soft place to begin.
What Is EFT Tapping?
EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Techniques, often called “tapping.” It’s a mind-body practice that involves gently tapping on key meridian points on the face and upper body while speaking simple phrases to acknowledge and release what you’re feeling.
This combination of physical stimulation and emotional awareness can help:
- Regulate your nervous system
- Relieve anxiety and stress
- Reduce emotional overwhelm
- Increase self-compassion
Many people use EFT for emotional healing, grounding during anxious moments, and re-centering after emotional triggers.
Why I Use EFT for Emotional Regulation
When I discovered EFT on TikTok, I wasn’t sure it would work—but I gave it a try. That first round of tapping gave me immediate relief, enough to keep returning to the practice.
As someone who’s lived a lot in her head, EFT helped me reconnect with my breath, regulate my emotions, and feel safe in my body again. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s become one of the gentlest tools I turn to when life feels overwhelming.
How to Start EFT Tapping: A Simple Beginner’s Guide
Here’s how you can try EFT for the first time:
1. Acknowledge what you’re feeling.
Example: “Even though I feel overwhelmed right now, I choose to support myself.”
2. Tap on the following points while repeating the phrase:
- Side of the hand (karate chop point)
- Top of the head
- Eyebrow
- Side of the eye
- Under the eye
- Under the nose
- Chin
- Collarbone
- Under the arm
3. Add supportive phrases as you go.
Example: “I am safe to pause. I can come back to my breath. I am allowed to feel calm.”
This doesn’t have to be perfect. You can whisper, tap silently, or say it all aloud. It’s a tool—not a performance.
What If You’re Brand New to EFT?
If you’re just starting, let go of the pressure to get it right. EFT is about showing up for yourself, even imperfectly.
Start with one round. One breath. One supportive phrase.
You don’t need hours—you just need a few quiet seconds of intention.
Learn More About EFT (Trusted Resources)
If you want to explore EFT deeper or read about the clinical background, here are a few trusted sites:
These sites offer research, training programs, and tapping guides from certified EFT practitioners.
Free EFT Scripts for Beginners
I’ve created some simple, beginner-friendly EFT tapping scripts based on what’s helped me regulate anxiety and overwhelm. You can find and save them on my Pinterest board — they’re free to use anytime.
As I move through my official EFT certification this year, I’ll continue to update this post with insights, tools, and expanded support based on what I learn. I’m excited to share the journey with you.
A Gentle Invitation to Begin
If EFT is new to you, I hope this gives you a soft place to start.
You are allowed to explore new ways of being. You are allowed to slow down and regulate your emotions. You are allowed to return to yourself—one tap at a time.
Thanks for being here, love. You’re exactly where you need to be.