Emotional Intelligence and Well being

Where does our sense of well-being come from?

Good thoughts and feelings give us a sense of well-being. As these find manifestation in our emotions, it is ultimately our emotions that give us this. The key, therefore, is to be able to control our emotions. This comes from our ability to regulate ourselves. This is also known as self-regulation

What is self-regulation?

Self-regulation happens when we are able to control our emotions in a manner that helps us to respond with behavior that is appropriate to the context. This then consists of:

Self-control

Trustworthiness

Conscientiousness

Adaptation

Innovation

How does self-regulation work for us?

Self-control helps us to not respond impulsively to any stimulus. It allows us to give time between stimulus and response so that we are able to give a well thought out response. This has a favorable impact on the person that we interact with. This is because this allows us time to select an appropriate response.

Trustworthiness makes it easy for people to approach us. They do not need to have their defenses up when interacting with us. This helps in a big way when we connect with people and interact with them.

Conscientiousness makes us result oriented and it provides us focus. It also helps people to rely on us with the result that we get greater responsibility and more business.

A lot of stress is caused when things do not work out the way that we want them to. The way out of this is adaptability. When we are adaptable, not only do things work out better for us, people also find it easier to interact with us. This definitely gives us a sense of satisfaction.

As time passes, newer ways of dealing are regularly needed. This is where innovation helps us. When we understand the need of the hour, we also develop processes that will help us in this.

Does emotional intelligence physically also give us a feeling of well-being?

The psychosomatic nature of health is well known. Negative emotions have a negative impact on our health whereas positive emotions have a positive impact. It has been found that many of our ailments occur because of negative emotions trapped within us. When we are able to release these negative emotions, we find radical improvements happening on our health front.

What role does mindfulness play?

Mindfulness is the ultimate self-control. Mindfulness not only makes us highly aware of what is happening around us, mindfulness also helps us to bring in an appropriate response. Mindfulness makes us aware of emotions rising within us and it helps to keep the amygdala in check. It is found that when mindfulness is practiced over a period of time, it actually shrinks the amygdala and develops the pre frontal cortex more. Hence mindfulness plays a pivotal role in regulating our behavior and this also has an impact on how others respond to us and how we feel.

In conclusion

Emotional Intelligence is increasingly acquiring a vital role and has developed into the top life skill needed today. Let us all benefit from it.