EFT & Acupressure: Gentle Tools to Cope During the Christmas Break
For many people, the Christmas period is not just about joy and celebration — it can also bring overwhelm, emotional triggers, financial pressure, grief, exhaustion, and sensory overload.
Whether you’re juggling family expectations, managing anxiety, parenting through disrupted routines, or simply craving space to breathe, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) and acupressure offer simple, effective ways to support your nervous system during the festive season.
These techniques can be practised anywhere, anytime, and require no special equipment — just a few quiet moments with yourself.
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Why Christmas Can Feel Emotionally Overwhelming
The festive season often amplifies emotions rather than easing them. Common challenges include:
Heightened stress and anxiety
Family dynamics and old emotional patterns resurfacing
Pressure to be joyful, grateful, or “festive”
Financial worries
Disrupted sleep and routines
Grief or loneliness
Sensory overload (noise, socialising, food, alcohol, lights)
Our nervous systems are designed to seek safety and regulation — and Christmas can unintentionally push us into survival mode.
This is where EFT and acupressure can be incredibly supportive.
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What Is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)?
EFT, often called tapping, is a gentle mind-body technique that combines:
Light tapping on acupuncture points
Focused awareness of emotions or stress
Calming language and self-acceptance
EFT works by sending calming signals to the brain, helping to reduce the stress response, regulate emotions, and create a sense of inner safety.
Research and clinical use show EFT can help with:
Anxiety and overwhelm
Emotional triggers
Stress and burnout
Sleep difficulties
Low mood and emotional exhaustion
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Simple EFT Tapping for Christmas Overwhelm
You can use this short EFT sequence whenever you feel overloaded:
Set-up statement (tap on the side of the hand):
“Even though Christmas feels overwhelming right now, I deeply and completely accept how I’m feeling.”
Then gently tap through these points, repeating a phrase that feels true for you:
Eyebrow: “So much pressure”
Side of eye: “So many expectations”
Under eye: “My nervous system feels overloaded”
Under nose: “I’m exhausted”
Chin: “It’s all a bit much”
Collarbone: “I’m allowed to slow down”
Under arm: “I’m doing the best I can”
Top of head: “I choose a little calm right now”
Take a deep breath and notice any shift — even a small one matters.
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What Is Acupressure?
Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of needles, it uses gentle finger pressure on specific points to support emotional and physical wellbeing.
Acupressure is especially helpful during busy periods because it:
Can be done discreetly
Supports the nervous system
Helps release tension stored in the body
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Key Acupressure Points for the Christmas Season
1. Pericardium 6 (PC6) – Anxiety & Overwhelm
Location: Three finger-widths down from the wrist crease, between the two tendons on the inner forearm.
Benefits:
Calms anxiety
Reduces nausea and stress
Supports emotional regulation
Hold or gently massage for 60–90 seconds on each arm.
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2. Heart 7 (HT7) – Emotional Sensitivity & Sleep
Location: On the wrist crease, in line with the little finger.
Benefits:
Calms the mind
Supports sleep
Soothes emotional overwhelm
Ideal in the evening or before bed.
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3. Large Intestine 4 (LI4) – Tension & Head Stress
Location: The fleshy web between thumb and index finger.
Benefits:
Releases tension
Supports headaches and jaw clenching
Helps when holding everything together
(⚠️ Avoid during pregnancy.)
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Combining EFT & Acupressure for Deeper Support
Used together, EFT and acupressure work beautifully to support both emotional and physical stress.
A simple daily ritual could look like this:
1. One minute of acupressure on PC6
2. One round of EFT tapping
3. A slow breath in through the nose, long exhale through the mouth
This combination tells your nervous system: “I am safe in this moment.”
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Christmas Is Not a Test You Have to Pass
You do not need to:
Feel joyful all the time
Fix family dynamics
Overgive or overextend
Push through exhaustion
The Christmas period is allowed to be gentle, imperfect, and quiet.
EFT and acupressure are not about “making things better” — they are about creating safety, space, and self-compassion when life feels full.
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How I Can Support You Further
I offer:
1:1 EFT sessions (in-person or online)
Gentle acupressure and holistic support
Tools you can continue using long after Christmas
If the festive period feels heavy this year, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
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Final Thoughts
A regulated nervous system is the greatest gift you can give yourself this Christmas.
Small, consistent practices — even just a few minutes a day — can make a meaningful difference.
Be kind to yourself.
You are allowed to rest.