Dreading that social gathering? 2 ways EFT tapping can (usually) help
Social anxiety is awful. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. (Well, maybe a little - but only them.)
But, good news!
Tapping can help bring in-the-moment relief. As soon as you notice that inner dread - or sweaty palms, or heart racing, or mind doing frantic calculations (Who will be there? Will I know anyone? What is the shortest time I can stay and then - politely - leave? What will we talk about? What if I say something awkward? etc.) begin tapping gently.
Yes! There are discreet ways to tap. See ‘Discreet Tapping’ blog post for one way.
Yes! You CAN TAP while talking or listening in a conversation. Often this will ease the anxiety, leaving you better able to think, and the other person need be none the wiser (and can simply be dazzled by your knowledge of bees, the latest episode of Fair City, or the rising price of chocolate).
PRO TIP: If you are sensitive to sound, have a small social battery or for any reason need to regularly leave social situations early for your well-being, take steps to look after your well-being. Tapping, however, can help make the ‘I can stay but I will need to leave at 10pm,’ or ‘Could you turn the music down a bit? I can’t hear you when it is that loud,’ or ‘I need to take a break for 10 minutes alone but I will come back,’ conversations easier.
Now, the big stuff. Was there a point when the social anxiety started? Were you doing fabulously as a child and then at some point, boom! Social anxiety. (I hate when it does that.)
If the answer is yes, or even ‘kind of’, it is possible that there were awkward situations (not necessarily of your making) and you LEARNED that a lot of those unfamiliar-group-of-people situations WERE NOT SAFE. Perhaps not safe to be yourself. Perhaps not safe because a certain person or two decided to make it that way.
In any case, your brain is likely doing its darndest to keep you safe. (Cue internal alarm systems when you receive party invitations!)
For many people, EFT Tapping can be one way to effectively ‘neutralise’ those memories that lie at the root of an issue. Spoiler: EFT done well - gently and thoroughly - on sufficient root cause memories often brings positive change in the resulting issue. (For the ‘big’ stuff - including stressful memories - it is usually a good idea to work with a practitioner who can guide you gently and effectively.)
Note: Humans are wonderfully diverse. Many people find EFT Tapping to be helpful. That said, what works fabulously for one person may not have the same effect on another. There are so many variables. I recommend a conversation with your local qualified practitioner to see whether EFT Tapping may be a good option for you before embarking on a tapping journey.
Disclaimer: The above does not constitute medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only. Please be sure to consult a human medical professional if you suspect you may be unwell.
