Archive for October, 2011

New Study Shows EFT Reduces Cortisol Levels and Stress

Monday, October 31st, 2011

After thousands of personal and amazing experiences using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) with clients and as a favorite self-care modality, I was overjoyed to learn about a new study which has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.

At last, data clearly demonstrates that cortisol, a well-documented biological marker for stress, is reduced significantly after just a single EFT intervention. This is exactly the kind of research that brings credibility to EFT as a treatment offering cost-effective and rapid relief for emotional pain and stress.

Below is the abstract of the study:

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on Stress Biochemistry: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dawson Church, PhD, Foundation for Epigenetic Medicine
Garret Yount, PhD, California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) Research Institute
Audrey Brooks, PhD, Psychology Department, University of Arizona at Tucson
Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, (2011), in press.

Abstract
Cortisol is a physiological marker for stress. Elevated cortisol levels are associated with accelerated aging, many organic diseases, and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety. This study examined the changes in cortisol levels and psychological symptoms of 83 non-clinical subjects receiving a single hourlong intervention. Subjects were randomly assigned to either an EFT group, a psychotherapy group receiving a supportive interview (SI), or a no treatment (NT) group. Salivary cortisol assays were performed immediately before, and thirty minutes after the intervention. Psychological conditions were assessed using the SA-45. The EFT group showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in anxiety (-58.34%, p < .05), depression (-49.33%, p < .002), the overall severity of symptoms, (-50.5%, p < .001), and symptom breadth across conditions (-41.93%, p < .001). There were no significant changes in cortisol levels between SI (-14.25%, SE 2.61) and NT (-14.44%, SE 2.67); however cortisol in the EFT group dropped significantly (-24.39%, SE 2.62) compared to SI and NT (p < .01). The reduced cortisol levels in the EFT group correlated with decreased severity in psychological symptoms as measured by the SA-45. These results suggest that salivary cortisol tests may be useful not only for assessing stress physiology, but also as an objective indicator of the impact of mental health treatments in reducing psychological symptoms. In the current study, EFT was shown to significantly improve both cortisol-related stress levels and self-reported psychological symptoms after a single treatment session.

Keywords: Cortisol, stress, depression, anxiety, physiology, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).
To purchase the full text of this paper, visit the journal’s web site at http://journals.lww.com/jonmd/pages/default.aspx.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Health & Wellness, Reflections on Life's Challenges, Uncategorized | Comments Off

Connecting with the Audience by Revealing a Secret

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

Have you ever been on stage trying to establish a connection with an audience? It can be especially challenging if you don’t know much about them in advance. Sometimes is just can’t be avoided, however you still need to find a way to reach them in those precious first minutes so that you can release your nervousness and get them to pay attention.

I had the honor of being chosen as one of the workshop presenters at the COSE Small Business Conference on Oct. 20 at the IX Center. It is a huge event with 6 or 7 concurrent workshops given during each time slot. A speaker cannot anticipant who will attend or how many for that matter. I was fortunate to have a full room of very diverse participants and I was excited, but also a little nervous. This would be the first time I had ever given this presentation, and I decided to open it by sharing one of my quirks with the audience so we could just get it out of the way. It was an amazing thing! Sharing this short story of less than 1 minute, I relaxed and had a ball leading the workshop. Maybe there’s something you need to tell your audience to connect with them and clear the air? Here’s the video so you can see for yourself how it went.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in conscious business, Reflections on Life's Challenges, Uncategorized, video included | Comments Off

Even Bloopers Can Be a Good Thing

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

One of the things I have learned during the past year is that people love to see my pets in videos and they also like when I don’t edit out all of the imperfections. Here’s a 12 second example of something that happened today!

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Nature, Reflections on Life's Challenges, Uncategorized, video included | Comments Off

Work Buddies & Strategic Alliances

Monday, October 17th, 2011

There is strength and comfort in being part of a team, especially if you are a solopreneur, home-based business owner or virtual worker. I’ve noticed lately that everywhere I go, I am being reminded that teaming up with others for a common pursuit is a really good thing. Just 2 weeks ago I gained a “sound bite buddy” in a media training class so the two of us could practice material we’re developing for radio interviews. I also acquired a speaking accountability buddy to check in with each week to make sure we are accountable for assignments for professional development course we are both taking. Soon I plan a project teaming with other authors and businesses as a means to support the launch of my new book and an Amazon.com marketing campaign. In all three cases, having these connections should help me succeed AND will also promote the success of my buddies too.

I have to admit, I prefer referring to these alliance partners as buddies. I like them, enjoy working with them and want to help them succeed. We operate as equal partners and we maintain the freedom to step out if the partnership does not serve us. The energy we exchange is not dollars, but rather support, ideas, encouragement and contribution. We are stronger because we chose to work together.

Today my mastermind group met to discuss strategic partnerships. I was impressed to come away with even more ideas for the value they bring. Where in your life or business would a work buddy make sense? Below are 5 considerations to help you identify opportunities for informal partnership:

1. Testing and Feedback: This kind of buddy offers a safe, confidential place to test ideas, products, material and concepts and to generate constructive feedback. This partnership requires expertise, a non-competitive spirit and honesty.

2. Accountability: This buddy knows your priorities, goals and deadlines and checks in regularly to keep you on track. Regular meetings with this kind of buddy help you make commitments, get things checked off your list and also gives you someone to celebrate with.

3. Connections: This sort of buddy has lists of emails, friends, customers, suppliers and organizations. They can make introductions and see possible new links for you and your business, often before you even recognize them. This buddy helps you expand the reach of what you do so that you can expand outward with greater ease.

4. Synergy: When 1+1>2, that’s synergy. Both parties offer value and when teamed together offer the marketplace greater convenience, value, savings or innovation. This kind of partnership is a win-win for all involved when done well.

5. Shared Expertise: Teaming up with an expert can save huge amounts of time and aggravation. An example might be a successful business attorney partnering with an internet marketing expert. The marketing expert needs legal advice and the lawyer needs internet marketing ideas. Both benefit and move forward, even if money never changes hands.

There’s always room for a buddy in your business. Keep your eyes open for opportunities and invite partnerships that build success for both of you as a way to build your local economy.

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in conscious business, Uncategorized | Comments Off

New Audiences – Can You Help Me?

Thursday, October 6th, 2011

One of the most humbling things I am called to do over and over again is to ask for help. Nevertheless I drag my feet, somehow holding on to the belief that others are far more in need of help than I am. The world is full of people eager to help one another, so if you are that kind of person, please keep reading. If you are already really busy helping others, I want you to know that I adore you for that and please keep it up. The world thrives because of folks like you.

Today I need help finding new speaking opportunities in Ohio and Beyond

After 6 years of speaking and coaching locally, I have enrolled in ProTrack with the goal of achieving professional speaker status through Ohio’s National Speaker’s Association (NSA) chapter. The past 6 months required me to cut way back on speaking to write my book, Energy Makeover – A Conscious Way to Stay Young, Have Fun, and Get More Done in 2011. Now that the book is out, I am excited to return to the podium with fresh material. Do you know of companies, associations, organizations and audiences in need of a speaker with an energized, uplifting message?

Now is a great time to talk with me about scheduling a program. I am willing to reduce my fees if the group will permit me to offer my books for sale. I am also very receptive to both domestic and international travel, and have a valid US passport.

My Message: Facilitating and Adjusting to Change The common theme behind every message I share is that change is an inevitable and something YOU can learn to handle well. Whether that change involves your job, friendship, romance, habits, physical issues, unemployment, finances, health challenges, aging or death – every change brings potential for growth as well as unpleasant energy drain. Even if you can’t control change, you can learn to control how you respond so that your energy is preserved. Energy Makeover is my term for the transformative and resilient response to change. Whether change involves a personal choice, organizational wellness initiatives or adapting a new work process, I can show an audience how to go with the flow and allow any change to be easier.

2011/2012 Short Program Topics!

Spring Forward with Change: It’s Easier with an Energy Makeover
Individuals, businesses and organizations face constant changes. Sometimes change is needed and welcome, but more often than not we find ourselves resisting, fearing or stressing about it. What if you didn’t waste all that energy fighting change? Know the physical signs and symptoms of change resistance, also known as energetic reversal. Learn 3 simple ways to boost your ability to change more comfortably using power you already have. Betsy will share stories and demonstrate techniques that will help you feel more settled about changes to your habits, beliefs, relationships, work situations and overall state of well-being. Everyone benefits from an Energy Makeover.

Let Emotions be Your Guide
Negative emotions add pounds to your body, keep you awake at night and cause you to age more rapidly than your peers. Put a stop to it NOW. Emotions, words and thoughts are powerful energy forms you can use to build confidence, health and stamina. Betsy will share 3 effective tools you can use for a rapid emotional shift. Betsy will demonstrate several techniques, including Emotional Freedom Techniques (acupuncture for emotions, without needles) with audience volunteers. Learn how easy it can be to let go, forgive the past and fully engaging in the present moment.

Escape to Magical Places
No matter where you are, you can create a magical place in which to thrive. This program explores daydreams, our homes, offices, natural settings, and vacation destinations as ways to heighten your awareness and reception of positive energy. Betsy will take you on a pleasant journey as you explore your own memories of favorite places. You’ll also be inspired with ideas for your next getaway from Betsy’s extensive list of recommended destinations.

Conquer Those Energy Vampires
Feeling drained more than you like? Does your energy feel out of control? Almost everyone has experienced an energy drain at one time or another. Once you have ruled out a physical health problem, it’s time to explore how you are interacting with the world around you. Learn to identify situations that cause your energy to plummet. Are there specific people sucking away your energy? Put on your detective hat and explore what’s really happening. Learn to prepare for and prevent energy drains as Betsy shares how to install the Diamond Shield™

Need a facilitator to help your group discuss, plan and embrace change? Ask me about facilitating your next board meeting, team or work group. I make sure participants connect, focus, and feel safe expressing themselves as they develop and engage in an action plan.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in conscious business, Health & Wellness, Inspiration, Reflections on Life's Challenges, Uncategorized | Comments Off