Emotional intelligence (emotional quotient or EQ) is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways. The ability that helps you to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. Emotional intelligence helps you to build stronger relationships, succeed at school and work, and achieve your career and personal goals. It can also help you to connect with your feelings, turn intention into action, and make informed decisions about what matters most to you.
Emotional intelligence is commonly defined by four attributes:

1. Self-management:

You’re able to control impulsive feelings and behaviors, manage your emotions in healthy ways. In order to take initiative, follow through on commitments, and adapt to changing circumstances.

2. Self-awareness:

You recognize your own emotions and how they affect your thoughts and behavior. You know your strengths and weaknesses and have self-confidence.

3. Social awareness:

You have empathy. You can understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, feel comfortable socially, and recognize the power dynamics in a group or organization.

4. Relationship management:

You know how to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly and inspire others. That means you can work well in a team, and you have the ability to manage conflict.

Emotional intelligence affects:

Your performance at school or work. High emotional intelligence can help you navigate the social complexities of the workplace. Also to lead and motivate others. In fact, many companies nowadays rate emotional intelligence as important as technical ability and employ EQ testing before hiring.

Your physical health

If you’re unable to manage your emotions, you are probably not managing your stress either. This can lead to serious health problems. Uncontrolled stress raises blood pressure, suppresses the immune system, increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Also contributes to infertility, and speeds up the aging process. The first step to improve emotional intelligence is to learn how to manage stress.

Your mental health

Uncontrolled emotions and stress can also impact your mental health. Also it makes you vulnerable to anxiety and depression. If you are unable to understand, get comfortable with, or manage your emotions, then you’ll also struggle to form strong relationships. This in turn can leave you feeling lonely and isolated and further exacerbate any mental health problems.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *