Finding Balance: Your Body’s Built-In Stress Relief

If managing stress feels like an all-hands-on-deck practice some days, you’re not alone. Fortunately, TaskHuman coaches offer holistic approaches from both Eastern and Western traditions that you have access to at your fingertips.

This guide will share practical techniques that not only provide immediate relief but also help to build lasting resilience. The best part? They’ll help you develop critical awareness-building skills grounded in emotional resilience and the natural world.

After engaging with this foundational piece, learn how to sustainably implement tools in the real world. And head here to refresh yourself on the fundamentals behind the science of stress.

Eastern Meets Western: Where Ancient Holistic Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Centuries-old Eastern practices are increasingly being validated by modern Western science. It’s like having the best of both worlds, and this combination can transform your stress management game.

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) revolution

Wellness expert and TaskHuman Coach Silvina Paula introduces the powerful tool of: “Emotional Freedom – tapping technique. It involves Eastern and Western ways of being healthy. It mixes psychology and traditional Chinese medicine.” 

Think of it as acupuncture without needles, backed by psychology.

How tapping works

“Start with being aware of the main feeling the person is going through,” Paula explains. The process is simple:

• Rate your stress/emotion (1-10)

• Identify where you feel it physically

• Focus on specific energy meridians

• Begin the tapping sequence

Recent studies show EFT can reduce cortisol levels by 43%, decrease anxiety scores by 40%, and improve depression symptoms in 88% of participants.

Your quick-start guide to tapping for stress relief

Here’s a simple guide to get you started, based on Paula’s recommendations:

#1 – Locate the karate chop point

Find the fleshy outer edge of your hand below your little finger. This is your “karate-chop” point.

#2 – Tap while acknowledging your feelings

Gently tap this point with the fingertips of your other hand. As you tap, acknowledge the stress or anxiety you’re experiencing. You can say something like, “Even though I feel stressed about [a specific situation], I deeply and completely accept myself.”

#3 – Move through the main meridian points

Now, gently tap about 7 times each on the following points in sequence (see image below for visual reference):

• Eyebrow: Inner edge of your eyebrow, near the bridge of your nose.

• Side of Eye: Bony area on the side of your eye.

• Under Eye: Bony area under your eye.

• Under Nose: The point between your nose and upper lip.

• Chin: The crease in your chin.

• Collarbone: About an inch below your collarbone.

• Under Arm: About four inches below your armpit, on the side of your body.

• Top of Head: The center of the top of your head.

As you tap each point, continue to acknowledge your feelings. You can repeat a simple phrase like, “This stress,” or “I release this anxiety.”

#4 – Re-rate your stress level

After completing a round of tapping, take a deep breath and notice how you feel. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most stressful, how would you rate your stress level now?

#5 – Repeat as needed

If your stress level is still high, repeat the tapping sequence. You can adjust the phrases you use to reflect any shifts in your feelings. Keep tapping until you feel a sense of relief.

Important notes:

• Be patient and kind to yourself. Tapping might feel a bit strange at first, but with practice, it can become a powerful tool for managing stress.

• Consistency is key. Try incorporating tapping into your daily routine, even when you’re not feeling particularly stressed. This can help build resilience and emotional well-being.

• Visual Aid: Include a clear image showing the tapping points on the body. This will make it easier for readers to follow along.

• Further Resources: Consider adding links to videos or articles that demonstrate the tapping technique and provide more in-depth information.

By following these simple steps, you can experience the benefits of tapping for stress relief. 

Give it a try and see how it works for you!

Pro tip: “Find the points where feelings are situated,” Paula advises. “Then they can tap where the energy lines are and learn to practice on their own.”

This isn’t about replacing traditional medicine — it’s about expanding your stress-management toolkit with proven techniques from both Eastern and Western traditions.

Get Back To The Basics Of Stress Relief

Despite our brains being wired for nature, we spend most of our lives indoors. Let’s explore how to reduce this disconnect.

The nature prescription

Coach Silvina shares a deceptively simple but powerful solution: “Leave the scene of stress and go in nature. Anywhere we can be in contact with the natural elements helps us to recover our natural rhythm.” 

The science backing this up is remarkable:

• Just 20 minutes in nature lowers cortisol levels by 21.3%

• Forest bathing boosts immune function by 50%

• Green spaces reduce mental fatigue in 95% of people

“Focus on grounding – keeping your feet on the ground and having contact with the earth,” Coach Silvina emphasizes. “Take off your shoes, connect with the earth.” 

This isn’t just metaphorical advice. Research from the Journal of Environmental and Public Health shows that direct physical contact with the Earth’s surface can reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, lower stress hormones, and regulate circadian rhythms.

Here’s what you can add to your nature stress relief toolkit:

• Morning sunlight exposure (crucial for circadian rhythm)

• Lunchtime walk in green space

• Evening outdoor wind-down

• Barefoot walking (when safe)

• Garden therapy

• Beach or park meditation

• Forest bathing sessions

• Create a desktop garden if you need to be at your desk

• Use nature sounds during work

• Take “sky breaks” instead of coffee breaks

• Bring outdoor elements inside, like rocks or plants

Pro tip: Start with just 5 minutes. Studies show even brief nature exposure can reduce stress markers by 15%.

Remember: Every moment in nature is an investment in your well-being. As the research shows, we’re biologically programmed to find peace in natural settings — it’s time to reclaim this connection.

Use Your Body’s Built-In Stress Solution

Let’s get physical for a minute. 

Your body can be your most powerful tool for managing stress. Since your body processes stress before your conscious mind realizes, it’s critical to increase the connect with your body to proactively move through stress.

“We need to be aware of our emotions,” Coach Silvina emphasizes, and movement is one of the best ways to build this awareness. Try these evidence-based approaches:

• Gentle yoga
• Tai chi
• Body scanning

Even just focusing on your breathing can really help. Research shows conscious breathing can:

• Lower blood pressure in 3 minutes
• Reduce stress hormones by 43%
• Increase focus and mental clarity

Your 5-Minute Body Reset

When stress hits, try this sequence Paula recommends:

1. Pause and feel your feet on the ground
2. Notice where you’re holding tension
3. Take three conscious breaths
4. Gently move the tense areas
5. Check-in with how you feel

Pro tip: Start noticing your body’s stress signals. Create a “body map” of your common tension spots and check in with them regularly.

The real takeaway here is that your body is always communicating with you. Learning its language is key to managing stress effectively.

Related Reading: How Awareness And Connection Relieve Stress and Restore Well-Being & When The Going Gets Tough: Your Real-World Guide To Stress Management

Wrapping Up

We’ve uncovered powerful techniques for transforming your relationship with stress to reconnect and build resilience. Now, it’s time to take charge and write your next chapter.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Your body is your wisest guide. Pay attention to its whispers and shouts.

• Nature is your ally. Connect with the Earth’s grounding energy.

With TaskHuman coaches, support is just a click away with experts like Silvina Paula, who can provide personalized guidance on:

• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

• Body-based awareness practices

• Natural healing approaches

Are you ready to rewrite your stress story?

Book a 1:1 session today and embark on a journey toward greater balance and well-being. Your future self will thank you.

Book A Session