Maximize EQ to Maximize Mental Health
Earlier this month I was preparing for a monthly call with a client that tends to put me on edge. Each month as I get closer and closer to the call, emotions start percolating in me and I begin to feel cranky and moody. If I let this go on too long, I find myself spiraling into self-doubt and thoughts that I am not good enough or smart enough. I have learned when I start to feel these feelings, I need to “name it to tame it.” In other words, I have to stop and reflect on what is triggering me and why. Otherwise, I will let my thoughts dictate how I feel which will dictate how I act and that impacts my mental well-being, for better or for worse.
Most of the time when I manage my emotional intelligence, I show up better for myself and better for those around me. This was not something I was born knowing how to do. Unlike a person’s IQ (intelligence quotient), many people don’t naturally have a high EQ (emotional quotient). It must be learned and practiced.
Our EQ, often called EI (emotional intelligence), plays a significant role in mental health. The stronger our EQ the more resilient we tend to be and the stronger our mental health. In the spirit of May being Mental Health Awareness Month, here are four components to emotional intelligence and how they are connected to our mental health:
Self-awareness: Emotional intelligence involves understanding our own emotions, recognizing their impact, and being aware of our strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is crucial for mental health because it allows us to recognize their emotional state and understand the underlying reasons for their feelings. This awareness can help prevent emotional turmoil from escalating into mental health issues like anxiety or depression.
Self-regulation: One of the biggest components of emotional intelligence is the ability to manage emotions effectively. This includes regulating impulses, controlling stress, and adapting to changing situations. People with the ability to do this navigate through challenging emotions without being overwhelmed. This is linked to better mental health outcomes as it reduces the risk of mood disorders and burnout.
Social awareness: Understanding the emotions and needs of others is a key aspect of emotional intelligence. People with high EI/EQ can “read the room” and pick up on the finer nuances of non-verbal communication. This social awareness helps people be more empathetic which fosters healthy relationships, social support, and a sense of belonging which are all protective factors to our mental health.
Relationship management: The ability to communicate effectively with others helps build and maintain stronger relationships. This contributes to positive interactions and strong social connections with others which are vital to mental wellness.
If you are looking to strengthen your emotional intelligence and, therefore, improve your mental health, here are four tips you can put into action today.
Practice self-awareness: Take time each day to reflect on your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations and why you feel that way. Journaling can be a helpful tool for increasing self-awareness. Also, seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or mentors to gain insight into how others perceive you.
Learn to regulate your emotions: Develop strategies to manage your emotions effectively. This may involve techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness practices like meditation, stretching, or gratitude. Experiment with different methods to find what works best for you in different situations. All my Express Desk Stretch videos include stretching exercises that can help calm you down, as well as breathing techniques you can use to get re-centered. Check out my latest one here. Remember, it is okay to experience a wide range of emotions; the key is to respond to them healthily and constructively.
Practice empathy: Put yourself in other people’s shoes and try to understand their perspectives and emotions. Actively listen to others without judgment and validate their feelings. Cultivate empathy by engaging in random acts of kindness, volunteering, or participating in activities that promote understanding and compassion.
Learn from experiences: Remember, you are always a work in progress. Despite a desire for perfection, realize it does not exist. Be open to feedback from others and use it as an opportunity for growth vs. taking it personally. Celebrate your successes, but also acknowledge and learn from your mistakes. Embrace challenges as opportunities to develop resilience and adaptability.
By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can cultivate and strengthen your emotional intelligence, leading to healthier relationships, improved well-being, and greater success in various aspects of your life – all of which contribute positively to your overall mental health.
My company, WorkFlowGrow, works with companies and teams to strengthen emotional intelligence. Email me at anita@workflowgrow.com if I can help your organization improve emotional intelligence which improves resiliency, and that leads to stronger teams, stronger organizations, and stronger bottom lines.
Warm regards,
Anita