The Art of True Rest

(and how I used EFT to release my internal blocks to it)

Rest.

We know it’s important. We tell ourselves we’ll get more of it “when things calm down” or “after this busy period.” But somehow, the moment never quite comes.

This summer, I decided to stop waiting and start exploring what true rest really means for me - and I quickly realised it wasn’t as simple as putting my feet up.

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The surprising truth: I wasn’t actually resting

Even when I gave myself permission to pause, my mind kept ticking over. I’d find myself mentally running through to-do lists, feeling fidgety, or reaching for my phone out of habit.

Somewhere deep down, there was a belief that slowing down was indulgent - or worse, lazy.

And so, rest never felt satisfying. I’d get up from the sofa or finish a quiet moment and still feel… tense. My body wasn’t truly letting go.

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My rest always came with conditions

Every six months, after my infusion, my body naturally calls for a slower pace. In the past, I’d take time off work - but I didn’t give myself permission to slow down in other ways. I’d still try to balance family life, stay on top of the house, keep some level of social life, and carry the daily mental load without asking for (or fully receiving) help.

Looking back, I can see how much of this came from my worth being tied to doing. I believed that to be valuable, I had to be capable, helpful, and “on” all the time. Even in the moments when my body was crying out for stillness, I’d resist letting myself truly stop. And inevitably, my body would step in and force me to stop by becoming unwell.

This year, I decided to try something different. I wanted to explore what it would feel like to actually rest - to let go of more than just my work schedule and give myself space in every part of my life.

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How EFT helped me open to deep rest

EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) works by gently tapping on specific acupressure points while speaking words that acknowledge your truth. This process calms the nervous system and helps release the stress responses tied to old patterns and beliefs.

When I used EFT for rest, I focused on the specific blocks I felt after my infusion: guilt for not doing more, discomfort with asking for help, fear of missing out, and the fear that resting made me “less than.”

If you feel a block with rest, here's an example sequence you can try:

The EFT tapping points - gently tap each point 5-7 times.

Before You Begin - Body Awareness

Before you start tapping, pause and gently scan your body.

Notice where you feel resistance to rest — maybe it’s a tight chest, a clenched jaw, a knot in your stomach, or heaviness in your shoulders.

There’s no need to change anything — simply notice, breathe, and give this area your attention. You might even rate the intensity of this sensation from 0–10 so you can notice any shift later.

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Round 1 - Acknowledging the Block

Karate Chop Point (side of hand)

Even though I find it hard to rest without feeling guilty, and that I’ve let others down, I deeply and completely accept myself.

Even though I still feel responsible for everything at home, I accept how I feel.

Even though I struggle to ask for and receive help, I choose to be gentle with myself.

Eyebrow Point

I feel guilty when I rest.

Side of Eye

My mind says I should be doing more.

Under Eye

I still carry the family and home responsibilities.

Under Nose

I find it hard to hand things over.

Chin

I link my worth to being busy and capable.

Collarbone

I don’t know who I am without the doing.

Under Arm

It’s hard to feel safe letting go.

Top of Head

I give myself permission to notice these feelings.

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Round 2 - Acknowledging the Protector

Eyebrow Point

My busyness has been here for a reason.

Side of Eye

It’s tried to keep me safe.

Under Eye

Staying busy has helped me feel in control.

Under Nose

It’s helped me avoid uncomfortable feelings.

Chin

My busyness kept me going when things were hard.

Collarbone

It gave me a sense of purpose and value.

Under Arm

I can thank it for how it’s tried to help me.

Top of Head

And I can choose a new way now.

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Round 3 - Empowerment & Integration

Eyebrow Point

I honour my body’s need for rest.

Side of Eye

Rest makes me stronger and more present.

Under Eye

I am worthy of care and support.

Under Nose

It’s safe to let others help me.

Chin

My value isn’t measured by how much I do.

Collarbone

Every pause nourishes my whole being.

Under Arm

I welcome stillness and support.

Top of Head

I choose rest as an act of deep love for myself and for others.

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Closing - Hand on the Body

Return your awareness to the area you noticed at the start.

Place one or both hands there, soften your breath, and say:

“I hear you. I’m here for you. I give you permission to rest.”

Stay for a few moments, letting your touch be a signal of safety and your breath a reminder that you can slow down.

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Rest is not a luxury - it’s a need

Through this process, I’ve learned that true rest isn’t about doing nothing. It’s about allowing your body and mind to come into a state where they can receive - whether that’s quiet, stillness, comfort, or care.

And sometimes, we need tools like EFT to help us remember that it’s safe to rest, safe to ask for help, and safe to be cared for.

If you’d like to experience deep, restorative rest in a nurturing, held space, my September and October bookings are now open. Please go online or message me to book.

May you find moments this month to pause, exhale, and truly let go.

Warm wishes,

Liz x

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If you’d like to explore EFT further, you can search for local practitioners in your area, or a great place to start is with The Tapping Solution website, app, or publications.