Emotional Intelligence and learning to talk about your feelings

In the world that we live in right now, we are certainly becoming more comfortable talking about our feelings. Understanding how our behaviour, thoughts and interactions matter to those around us. We are learning to talk about how something worries us, or how we feel anxious over it. We are more honest about the effects something has on us. This is Emotional Intelligence.

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as to perceive and effectively respond to the emotions of others. You may not know it, but EI involves a set of skills and competencies that contribute to healthy emotional functioning and successful interpersonal relationships.

When you are emotionally intelligent, you can more easily identify your emotional triggers and better align your values with your actions. More importantly, you can begin to identify other people’s emotional triggers and values, thus improving your relationships. Ultimately encouraging better relationships with more communication and better connections.

Key aspects of Emotional Intelligence

Some key aspects of being emotionally intelligent can include the following:

1. Self-Awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. It involves understanding our own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. Self-aware individuals can accurately recognise their emotions in the moment, therefore understanding how these emotions impact their thoughts and behaviours.
2. Self-Regulation is the ability to manage and control our emotions, impulses, and behaviours. It helps us to respond to situations in a calm and adaptive manner, rather than reacting impulsively. Self-regulation allows individuals to handle stress, adapt to change, and maintain emotional stability.
3. Empathy is the capacity to understand and share the emotions of others. It’s like putting on someone else’s shoes and seeing things from their perspective. Empathetic individuals are ultra-sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and are likely to respond with compassion and support.
4. Social Skills, are a range of abilities that facilitate positive interactions and relationships with others. These skills include effective communication, active listening, conflict resolution, teamwork, and collaboration. People with strong social skills can confidently navigate social situations, build rapport, and establish meaningful connections.
5. Motivation for EI is the ability to harness emotions to drive oneself toward goals and maintain a positive outlook. Motivated individuals are often resilient, determined, and able to stay focused on long-term objectives. They can bounce back from setbacks and use their emotions as fuel for personal growth and achievement.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Developing emotional intelligence can have numerous benefits. It can improve self-awareness, better self-regulation, enhance interpersonal relationships, and increase overall well-being. Emotional intelligence is relevant in various settings, including personal relationships, the workplace, and leadership roles.

It is important to note that emotional intelligence is a skill that can be developed and improved over time. Strategies for enhancing emotional intelligence include self-reflection, practising mindfulness, seeking feedback from others, developing active listening skills, and engaging in empathy-building exercises.