Lockdown and the Importance of EQ

Sehar talks about the importance of EQ or EI in dealing with the challenges of lockdown. An exclusive for Different Truths.

Emotional Quotient (EQ) or Emotional Intelligence (EI), as we know it, I feel, is an art more than it being present inside our brain as chemicals and hormones.

Emotional Quotient (EQ) or Emotional Intelligence (EI), as we know it, I feel, is an art more than it being present inside our brain as chemicals and hormones.

Today, what I am going to talk about is not the definition of being Emotionally Intelligent as stated in journals, articles and blogs widely available across the internet.

But the definition of EI in a phase where all of us are facing at least one new challenge each day. And when I talk about challenges it doesn’t mean a fierce one a daily life challenge can be as simple as getting up from the bed and making yourself productive for the day.

When we talk about being Emotionally Intelligent there are few factors that come into play such as the ability to understand and manage your own emotions handle stress and anxiety, able to communicate effectively, able empathise with others, take initiative to overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

Having discussed the above, by now you must be wondering, why am I harping on EQ so much!

…my recent experiences, conversations and observations have led me to believe that people with higher levels of EQ will be able to combat this phase of lockdown and uncertainty a little more gracefully than others.

Yes, my friends, my recent experiences, conversations and observations have led me to believe that people with higher levels of EQ will be able to combat this phase of lockdown and uncertainty a little more gracefully than others.

Now, when I say the above there are no clinical tests conducted nor any sampling has been done but it is my sheer gut feeling and knowledge based on my experiences that have led me to believe that EQ is one potion that will help you sail through these times.

Reasons?

A person with EQ can communicate and express, giving the person the magicof words that can help in expressing all kinds of emotions, giving their mentalhealth a boost.

1. 

    

   A person with EQ can communicate and express, giving the person the magic of words that can help in expressing all kinds of emotions, giving their mental health a boost.

2. An emotionally intelligent person can empathise and is also well aware of the emotional needs of people around him or her. Isn’t having a person who knows that you need him or her or a person who knows how you are feeling is like having your favourite to cuddle on right now?
3. People with balanced EQ and IQ can initiate dialogues and battle challenges which can help in quicker conflict resolutions and stronger bonds.
4. EQ can help build stronger relationships, help in achieving personal goals and at the same time help you to connect with your feelings, turn intention into action, and make informed decisions about what matters most to you. Isn’t being Emotionally Intelligent the need of the hour?Fear, anxiety, stress is engulfing us all, but here are few ways you can build up on your EQ to combat the stress and lead a better lockdown life1. Self-management
   

Practise the art of managing oneself like a pro, being too dependent on external factors often create conflict and lead to disappointment.

Learn to manage your emotions, try not to lose control over yourself when the times get rough.

Learn to manage your emotions, try not to lose control over yourself when the

times get rough. Remember emotions are pieces of information tell us a lot about ourselves and the people around us.

2. Think – Act, Don’t React!

Self-awareness: Be aware of the reactions, physical changes intense emotions bring into you – Be Mindful and try to accept the emotions that way they are. As it is okay to be happy it is absolutely okay to cry too!

3. Social Awareness 

Try to practise the art of being sensitive, the world needs people who can empathize and be sensitive. Sometimes all one needs is an ear to listen, a shoulder to sob or just a person to hug. There are instances when you don’t necessarily need to advise but just listen.

Let us listen more and judge less!

4. Relationship Management

Bonding and building relations with others is a process that begins with emotional awareness and your ability to recognise and understand what other people are experiencing or feeling.

If you are emotionally aware of how that other person is feeling or is experiencing, your other skills can come into play to make the bond stronger and more fulfilling.

The best way to manage relations during this phase of lockdown is to pick up cues from nonverbal communication – the body language of your family. 

The best way to manage relations during this phase of lockdown is to pick up cues from nonverbal communication – the body language of your family.

You can also try to add humour to daily life experiences when things seem to go wrong or becomes too dark.

Remember, my dear friends, howsoever much I or any writer would like to heal with their words, it is your spoken word – your touch, your voice that can heal a person.

Having said that it is always easier said than done, remember friends if you can be that one person in the life of anyone, who is currently going through upheaval or trauma, this world will definitely become a better place to live in!

Let us today believe and accept that each emotion is as real as the other and let us begin accepting that each emotion needs your attention as much as the other. 

Let us today believe and accept that each emotion is as real as the other and let us begin accepting that each emotion needs your attention as much as the other.

Do not push things under the pillow, lest the pillow becomes too full and too hard.

Talk, bond, communicate, be aware, and be kind.

Maybe the lockdown has many more blessings than challenges for us… It depends on which side we decide to look at.

Photo from the Internet