Banish Stress – Unlock Creativity

Creativity
Purpose

Written By LesleyMoran

21/07/2024

You know that feeling when you sit down to work, all geared up to come up with brilliant ideas, and… crickets. Your mind’s blank; instead of solving the world’s problems, you’re staring at a wall. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Trying to be creative when you’re stressed is like trying to bake a cake with a broken oven—good luck getting anything to rise!

So why does stress make your brain freeze like a deer in headlights? When you’re stressed, your brain goes into survival mode, thanks to this nifty thing called the amygdala.

Picture your amygdala as your personal bodyguard on high alert, constantly shouting, “Danger! Danger!” even if the only threat is an annoying email from your boss. While super useful if a bear is chasing you, this reaction is less handy when trying to finish a project. The body has no idea what the danger is, so it reacts just as well to perceived threats as it does to real dangers.

Why Stress Blocks Your Creativity

Here’s the thing: when your brain is in fight or flight mode, it’s not interested in being creative. It’s too busy keeping you “safe” from perceived threats like deadlines or awkward conversations with your boss that remind you of something that may have felt similar where you felt out of control, or that someone else had the upper hand.  Perhaps it was a distant memory tucked away in your childhood. Blood rushes to your vital organs, and your thoughts get all jumbled. No wonder it feels impossible to be innovative when all you want to do is hide under your desk!

How EFT for Stress Relief Works

Stress

That’s where Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) come in and trust me; this tool is a game-changer. EFT, or tapping, involves gently tapping on specific points on your body while focusing on those negative thoughts. Sounds a little odd, right? I won’t lie—it does look a bit funny at first.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) aren’t just a quirky practice—they’re a well-researched, scientifically backed method for resolving and dissolving all kinds of emotional issues.

 Rooted in a combination of acupuncture principles and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), EFT works by tapping on specific meridian points to help release emotional blockages while addressing limiting beliefs and thought patterns. Multiple studies have demonstrated EFT’s effectiveness in reducing anxiety, stress, and even PTSD, making it a powerful tool for both emotional and mental well-being. So, while it might look a bit unusual, EFT has a solid foundation in both Eastern and Western therapeutic techniques.

Imagine this: EFT is like giving your brain a gentle massage, calming it down and sending a clear message that it’s safe to relax.

Tapping literally rewires your brain’s stress response. Regular practice can calm your amygdala (your brain’s “fire alarm”), letting you switch from survival to creative mode. It’s like flipping the switch from “I’m being chased by a bear” to “Hey, I can totally solve this problem!”

Creating a Stress-Free Environment for Creative Thinking

Now, let’s talk about your environment. Is your workspace a disaster zone? A cluttered, chaotic space adds to your stress, while a calm and organised one can do wonders for your creativity. Take a look around—are you surrounded by piles of stuff? Maybe it’s time for a little decluttering. A tidy space equals a tidy mind. Bonus points if you add something inspiring, like a plant or some uplifting artwork!

It’s not just about your physical space, though. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. You know, the ones who make you feel like anything’s possible, not the ones who drain your energy faster than your phone on 2% battery. We’re aiming for positive vibes only here.

Embracing Self-Care to Boost Creativity

Let’s be real: self-care isn’t just about bubble baths and candles (although, who doesn’t love those?). It’s about doing what’s necessary to recharge your body and mind, so you can show up as your best, most creative self.

Start with the basics:

  • Get enough sleep (seriously, no one’s creative after four hours of tossing and turning).
  • Eat food that fuels you (yes, coffee counts, but real food helps too).
  • Move your body (a walk or some stretches will do wonders).

Pro tip: try adding some deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into the mix to really calm your nervous system. You’ll be amazed at how much clearer and more creative your thoughts become when you’re not running on empty.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset to Unlock Creativity

Stress

Now, let’s talk about that all-important mindset. It would help to approach life with a growth mindset—believing that you can develop your skills through hard work and persistence. Instead of being paralysed by stress, view challenges as opportunities. I know, I know, easier said than done, right? But imagine seeing setbacks as nothing more than stepping stones to something greater.

When you hit a creative block, ask yourself: “What if this does work?” Flip that negative thinking on its head. The biggest breakthroughs have come from someone believing in a possibility that didn’t seem obvious at first. Creativity thrives when you open doors instead of slamming them shut with a quick “no.”

Your Journey to Stress Relief and Creative Freedom

So, here’s the deal: unlocking your creativity and reducing stress is totally doable. By embracing EFT, creating a supportive environment, prioritising self-care, and nurturing a growth mindset, you’ll thrive personally and professionally.

This journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it one step at a time, and be kind to yourself. If you hit a roadblock, remember—you’re not alone, and there are tools (like EFT) to help you get back on track. And who knows? You might just discover that the most creative version of yourself has been hiding under all that stress, waiting to come out and play.

Ready to unleash your creative genius and wave goodbye to stress? Let’s get tapping! Contact me to learn how EFT can bring calm and creativity back into your life.

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