- People are finding themselves more than ever before trying to understand and implement self care. COVID has probably been one of our most driving factors because of its isolation impact, friends moving away because of financial reasons and or to find new work or perhaps loosing a love one. This list is endless and personal for each individuals situation.
So, lets take a look at two important ideas. What is EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE and what is SELF CARE. I don’t believe there has been a more misunderstood subject matter. Its time we gain more knowledge of this area of beauty that lies deep within the human mind, soul, spiritural being, central nervous system and overall physiology.
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE:
Definition:
1. Emotional Intelligence or EI is the ability to recognize, understand and manage your own emotions as well as being able to understand and influence the emotions of others. It involves being aware that emotions drive behaviors and impact people either positively or negatively. Emotions can lead you to act without thinking. Having EI can help you avoid those situations when you might act on impulse rather than fact. Understanding and managing your emotions and those of others can help you be more successful in your personal and professional life.
2. 4 key elements to EI:
Self awarness mindful consciousness of ones strengths, weaknesss, goals and physical and mental presence. You can learn this as a skill to improve relationships, and increase productivity.
- Self regulation this is the ability to understand and manage your behavior and your reactions to feelings and things around you. this includes reactions to strong emotions like frustration, excitement ,anger and embarrassment, calming oneself down after something exciting or upsetting occurs, to as quickly as possible, get back to focus on task.
- Motivation this is a crucial element in setting and attaining our objectives. It fuels competition and sparks social connection. Its absence could lead to various degrees of mental and emotional issues. (** Observe your environment for gaslighting and other negatives around you)
- Empathy this one is real important; the ability to understand and share the feelings another, coupled with ability to imaginevwhat some else might be thinking or feeling.
- Social Skills is competence facilitating interaction and communication with others where social rules and relations are created, communicated, and changed in verbal and nonverbal ways. This process of learning these skills is called socialization. Lack of this may cause awkwardness.
SELF CARE
Definition:
- The practice of taking an active role to protecting ones own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. Example, expressing oneself is an essential form of self care. or taking action to preserve or improve ones own health. Individuals engage in some form of self-care daily with food choices, sleep, exercise, dental care and meditation.
2. 4 key elements to Self Care
- Physical The physical pillar of self-care encompasses any processes or activities that affect your physical wellbeing, including diet choices, exercise and sleep patterns
- Social Self care is not just you, its important to connect with other human beings on a regular basis. This means cultivating healthy relationships and connecting with people who” get you” . Seeking out positive social connections helps us create a sense of belonging and exceptance.
- Emotional involves taking care of matters of the heart with healthy coping strategies and self-compassion. Tapping into emotional self care helps you understand yourself more, deal better with challenges and setbacks, and develop healthy emotional responses.
- Spiritual involves taking care of your soul through activities or practices that provide a sense of purpose, direction, or meaning to your life. This may help you feel Moree grounded, and develop a sense of belonging in life.
Summary
As you read through both EI and Self Care. Take note of how both interact with each other. Notice Social Skills and Social Self; these two are about connecting to others by sharing yourself,” who you are”, in building relationships, wether its business, friendships, family and marriages. No matter who you are, race, work, where you go to school etc. we all need to walk away with a sense of respect. Regardless if its for the long haul or short term.
Please contact me with your feedback through this blog post and as always your go to balancensrength.com.
