We’ve all been there—tight chest, racing thoughts, feeling stuck in a loop of stress or overwhelm. When anxiety hits, it’s easy to feel powerless. But what if I told you that you already have everything you need to shift your state?
The nervous system isn’t something that happens to you—it’s something you can work with. The more you understand it, the more agency you have over your emotions, reactions, and overall well-being. And that’s where the magic happens: once you learn how your system is always working for you, you begin to move through life with more ease, self-compassion, and confidence.
Here are three science-backed techniques to help release anxiety and bring your nervous system back into balance.
Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique – EFT)
Tapping helps calm anxiety by sending safety signals to the brain. Research has shown that EFT can lower cortisol levels and reduce symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and emotional distress.
How to do it:
Using two fingers, gently tap on key points:
- Eyebrow (start of the brow)
- Side of the eye (temple area)
- Under the eye (cheekbone)
- Under the nose
- Chin
- Collarbone
- Side of the hand (karate chop point)
While tapping, repeat a soothing phrase, such as:
- "Even though I feel anxious, I am safe in this moment."
Keep tapping for 2-5 minutes, breathing deeply.
By using this simple tool, you’re reminding your nervous system that you are safe, that you have choice, and that you are in control.
Shaking: The Body’s Built-In Stress Release Mechanism
When animals experience stress, they instinctively shake it off—think of a dog shaking off after a scare. Humans, however, tend to suppress this natural release, keeping stress trapped in the body. Shaking resets the nervous system and helps discharge excess energy.
How to do it:
- Stand with feet hip-width apart.
- Start bouncing lightly on your heels, letting your arms hang loose.
- Gradually increase the intensity, shaking your arms, shoulders, hips, and legs.
- Make a sound if it feels natural—sighing, humming, or even shaking out your hands with
- an exhale.
- Continue for 1-3 minutes, then pause and notice how your body feels.
Shaking is a reminder to your system that stress doesn’t have to stay stuck—it can move, shift, and release.
The 5-5-5 Breath for Instant Calm
Breathwork is one of the quickest ways to switch on your parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode) and signal safety to the body.
How to do it:
- Inhale through the nose for 5 seconds
- Hold the breath for 5 seconds
- Exhale slowly through the mouth for 5 seconds
- Repeat for 2-3 minutes, focusing on lengthening your exhale
This simple breathwork practice helps regulate the vagus nerve and brings your nervous system back to balance, back to self.
Final Thoughts: You Are More Powerful Than You Realize
You don’t have to live in a constant state of stress. Your body is not working against you—it’s working for you. And the more you understand your nervous system, the more compassion you can have for yourself. Every time you use these tools—whether it’s tapping, shaking, or deep breathing—you’re sending a message to your body: “I am safe. I am in control. I am powerful.”
So, the next time you feel overwhelmed: Pause. Breathe. Shake it off.
And remember: you have the power to shift your state and move through life with more ease and self-trust than you ever imagined.
If you’re ready to turn these insights into action you can access the My Gen-I-US App created by Shannon for her expert-led practices in nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, and emotional mastery—helping you shift from stress to balance with ease.
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