The rising cost of living in Australia is more than just numbers on a page—it is a source of daily stress for many individuals and families, myself included. This blog was inspired by a thoughtful conversation with an amazing friend and the tapping sequence shared here is the one I personally use to manage the stress associated with these escalating costs. According to Michelle Marquardt, ABS head of prices statistics: "Increases in living costs in the March 2024 quarter ranged from 0.7% to 1.7%, depending on the expenditure patterns of the different household types, compared to a rise of 1% in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Employee households recorded the largest increase in living costs and have been higher than the CPI since September 2022." With financial pressures intensifying, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about how to cope.
This is where Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or "tapping" can offer some relief. EFT is an evidence-based therapeutic technique that combines principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern psychology to help reduce stress and anxiety. By gently tapping and focusing on specific meridian points while addressing your particular emotional response to the cost of living crisis, you can begin to alleviate some of the weight on your shoulders triggered by financial worries.
Tapping Sequence for Managing Rising Living Costs
Before You Begin
Identify the Issue: Begin by assessing your current level of financial stress.
Rate the Intensity: On a scale from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most intense, rate your level of financial stress. This will help you track your progress.
Set Your Intention: Create a simple setup statement that summarises your feelings of financial stress, such as "Even though I am stressed and feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living, I choose to accept myself and my situation and I am open to finding financial peace."
Tapping Points and Sequence
Side of the Hand (SOH) Point
Location: The fleshy part of the hand on the outer edge below the pinky finger.
Action: Tap gently with the fingertips of your other hand while repeating the setup statement three times:
Setup Statement: "Even though I am stressed and feeling overwhelmed by the rising cost of living, I choose to accept myself and my situation and I am open to finding financial peace."
1. Top of the Head (TOH) Point
Location: Directly on top of the head, in the centre.
Reminder Phrase: "This stress about my finances feels so overwhelming."
2. Eyebrow (EB) Point
Location: At the beginning of the eyebrow, just above the nose.
Reminder Phrase: "I am worried about managing my rent and bills."
3. Side of the Eye (SE) Point
Location: On the bone at the outer corner of the eye.
Reminder Phrase: "Everything seems to be getting more expensive."
4. Under the Eye (UE) Point
Location: On the bone directly under the eye, in line with the pupil.
Reminder Phrase: "I feel anxious about my financial future."
5. Under the Nose (UN) Point
Location: Between the bottom of the nose and the top of the upper lip.
Reminder Phrase: "I feel like I am losing control over my finances."
6. Chin (CP) Point
Location: Midway between the bottom of the lower lip and the chin.
Reminder Phrase: "The cost of living keeps rising."
7. Collarbone (CB) Point
Location: Just below the collarbone, about a 2.5cm (an inch) down and 2.5cm to the side.
Reminder Phrase: "This financial stress feels so overwhelming."
8. Under the Arm (UA) Point
Location: About four inches below the armpit, in line with the nipple.
Reminder Phrase: "I am doing the best I can and I am open to feeling more at ease."
Completing the Sequence
Repeat the Sequence: Go through the tapping sequence 2-3 times, taking deep breaths between rounds.
Reassess the Intensity: After completing the tapping rounds, rate your level of financial stress again on a scale from 0 to 10. Notice any changes in intensity.
Adjust as Needed: If your financial stress is still high, repeat the tapping sequence with a modified setup statement, such as "Even though I feel overwhelmed by the rising cost of living, I choose to honour my feelings and embrace a sense of ease and grace." Continue tapping until you feel a sense of relief and empowerment. Seeking guidance from an experienced practitioner can ensure proper technique and guidance throughout the process until you can do it on your own.
Cultivating a Balanced Mindset
Tapping isn't merely about reducing stress; it is about cultivating a balanced mindset that can help you face challenges head on. By regularly practising EFT, you can learn to stay grounded, even when financial pressures are mounting. Just as a Rose requires the right balance of sunlight, water and nutrients to blossom, our minds need a balance of kind thoughts, self compassion and small actionable steps to bloom.
When we nurture our mindset, we ensure that our inner Rose Garden is free from the weeds of stress and self-doubt. Like a gardener tending to a Rose, we must be mindful of what we feed our minds, trimming away excess worries and cultivating thoughts that support growth and resilience. This balanced approach allows us to bloom with grace and sparkle even admits life's challenges.
The cost of living crisis may be daunting but you have the tools within you to find calm and clarity. By incorporating tapping into your daily routines you can develop the emotional resilience needed to navigate the cost of living crisis and emerge even stronger. Or you can learn tapping to enhance your ability to cope effectively with these challenges.
A gentle reminder, it is not just about surviving - it is about cultivating the power to bloom + sparkle, one tap at a time. Embrace your growth, nurture your inner Rose (a metaphor for your authentic self) and let the gift of resilience radiate through. 🌹 ✨
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