“Anchoring” is a powerful NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) technique that can be used at any time for instant stress relief.
Did you know, we all use “anchoring” every day we just are not aware of it. Have you ever heard a piece of music that has taken you back to a specific place and time?
A particular sound, in this case, is an anchor.
We create anchors every single day. Due to the fact that the brain operates on a system of comparing present experiences with stored events if it gets a match then it accesses the previous file and opens it. It could be as simple as a word, a taste, an image, smell or sound.
I remember once walking into a gift shop. As I did so I smelled their fragrant soaps, and in an instant, I was taken back to being in kindergarten. It was as if time stood still and I was four years old.
The whole event lasted only a few minutes, but for days afterwards, I was remembering my happy adventures as a child. That was an anchor I didn’t even know existed!
Benefits of using the Anchoring Technique for Stress Relief
- “Anchoring” can be powerful in helping you to have more confidence and be more relaxed in difficult situations e.g. meeting new people, writing exams or dealing with stress.
- It’s a simple way to allow you to change an unwanted feeling to a resourceful feeling in a matter of seconds.
- Help to change or eliminate worry, stress, and anxiety.
- Unlock powerful internal resources within yourself.
- Increased sense of peace, joy, and self-confidence.
How to use Anchoring in 5 Easy Steps
- Determine how you want to feel. Let’s say you want to feel more joyful and confident. I need you to remember a time when you felt these feelings, such as when you passed an exam, visited a magical place, or spent time with your lover. If you can’t access one, then think of a movie where you have seen a character feeling really joyful and confident.
- Sit back, and picture that moment in your head. Recall in detail the tastes, smells, colours, and feelings. Now, make the picture bigger and brighter and more colourful. You can even turn up the volume. Think about where in your body you feel good, perhaps your heart area, your head or legs. Now take that feel-good-feeling and multiply it in strength. Make everything better, brighter, happier and better until you are beaming with joy.
- Now, squeeze your index finger and thumb of your right hand together. Think of this as a SAVE AS button.
- Clear your mind for a moment, then switch back very quickly to the confident and joyful feelings and simultaneously squeeze the finger and thumb together. Do this 3 – 4 times. The finger-and-thumb gesture becomes your “anchor”, working as a trigger every time you squeeze them together.
- Test the anchor by touching your thumb and forefinger together and find out if you naturally access that confident state. Stay here for a few seconds and pay attention if you can access the feel-good feelings. Ah, doesn’t it feel good!
If you are not 100% satisfied with the outcome, repeat steps 1 – 4. Remember that practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting.
The trick is to remember to start using it in situations where you need an emotional boost!
As a kinesiologist, I often use anchoring for stress relief. You can also teach it to your kids – how cool is that!
It is an excellent tool to have in your toolbox!
Do you need extra support in dealing with stress? Herewith a few additional tools on How to Be More Present and Feel more Grounded.
May this beautiful technique become part of your everyday life!
Love & light
PS. Let me know how this technique worked for you.