One of the very best tips for clearing your mind that I have received from our collective unconscious, also sometimes referred to as the internet, is EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique). This is a somatic tapping technique that brings you back into your physical body and into the present moment. I first practiced this technique when I was working full-time in an office setting as an accounting assistant for a wholesaler. Essentially this meant that I was collections for this company–calling mom ‘n’ pap shops asking why they haven’t paid their $200 bill and trying to make a payment plan for them or getting screamed at for my callousness trying to collect on an invoice. Not only was this job emotionally taxing, my home life was unsafe and terrifying during this time also. I had no tools yet for emotional regulation and therapy was only taking me so far. I would often cry at work in the bathroom or take a few laps around the block to dry the tears but my emotions were still running the show. Being overwhelmed was my normal. When I learned about EFT I didn’t believe it would work and I didn't quite understand what exactly the point was. But I tried anyway. First, I assessed my stress level as a 10 out of 10. I then tapped the side of my palm below the pinky finger, above my eyebrows, the outsides of my eyes, under my eyes, just below my nose, the space between my chin and my lower lip, my clavicles, just below my armpits, and then the top of my skull. All the while stating calmly to myself what the issue was, “Nobody likes me; I’m not enough.” After the first round I reassessed my stress level and was surprised to find it was down to an 8. I did a few more rounds until I reached a 2 (the stress level that I deemed acceptable to return to work). This was the first time in my life that I experienced emotional regulation that didn’t involve another party. I felt empowered and optimistic for what seemed like the first time in my adult life. I continued to use this tool at every opportunity and I discovered that I didn’t always have to feel low energy or “down”. I learned that I had power over my emotions and that I could choose to get swept away or I could return to my body and listen to the emotions, honor them, and release them with compassion. It wasn’t until years later that it clicked that this was what I was doing. I was regulating my emotions successfully–not denying them or suppressing them. Now, I am free to feel all of the emotions and be grateful for the lessons they teach me and guidance they can provide. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed or swept up by emotions, just keep tapping.