Why is emotional intelligence so important? Some keys to develop it

Emotional intelligence is the human ability to identify, express, understand, manage and transform one’s own emotions and those of other people.

This type of intellectual capacity It can be developed and enhanced throughout life. Which is essential for correct personal growth.

Why is emotional intelligence so important in adults?

Emotional intelligence in adults is very important because, among other things, It greatly favors the establishment of healthy social relationships. Well, it includes the ability to share and understand what others feel.

Besides, People with a high level of emotional intelligence are more likely to achieve successwhether work, social, etc.

On the other hand, psychologists Pablo Fernández Berrocal and Natalio Extremera assure that those people who optimally develop emotional intelligence experience fewer negative emotional states and they have an easier time being happy, promoting physical, psychological and social well-being.

Likewise, according to these two authors, when this intellectual capacity is developed promotes emotional assimilationwhich they define as:

Furthermore, emotional intelligence implies other beneficial consequences for life, since this helps enhance skills to:

Adapt to difficult or complex situations or moments. Control emotional transitions, which can do so much damage to oneself and others.Create positive moods. Be more creative.Enjoy better psychological stability.

Why is emotional intelligence important in children?

In the case of children, emotional intelligence refers to the awareness of their identity; to reflect on what you feel, want and do; and the ability to use one’s own emotions to use them to one’s advantage.

As in adults, emotional intelligence in children is extremely important; well allows infants to develop greater confidence in their abilitieswhich in turn allows you to make better decisions and maintain healthier relationships with your peers.

Likewise, a good emotional education during childhood will allow the child to be more assertive; That is, being able to express your emotions considering the feelings and emotions of others. Thus, the child will not only learn to show affection for those around him, but will also develop other behaviors typical of a successful personality. Such as:

A strong self-esteem I respect towards othersGreater motivationny self-knowledgeLess propensity to stress and depressionTendency to leadershipResilience in problematic situations

How to improve this intellectual capacity?

In the case of adults, below We share some aspects to take into account if you are looking for an improvement in your emotional intelligence. These are skills that, if we do not possess them, we should all try to develop.

Maintain a calm state, even under pressure

Today, many people experience some degree of stress in everyday life. The way you handle these situations can determine whether or not you feel emotionally exhausted.

So, People who feel continually upset and frustrated must face this problem, trying to find calm. To do this, it can be very helpful to do some physical, artistic or recreational activity, practice relaxation, etc.

However, if the stress or anxiety you feel reaches high levels and is affecting your own health, it is advisable to consult with a psychotherapist.

Accept and face negative emotions

It’s fundamental learn to develop the ability to manage negative emotions effectively to prevent them from being harmful. But how to achieve it? To do this you have to try to restructure and change your thinking. So that the negative or pessimistic ideas that one has in a certain situation can be modified.

This does not mean that negative moods must be avoided, but rather that we must observe them and analyze their origin.

Properly read the signals sent by others

This is an interpersonal capacity and has to do with knowing how to accurately perceive and interpret the expressions of other people, whether verbal, physical or emotional. This means not misinterpreting the intentions of those around us.avoiding the appearance of misunderstandings.

Therefore, when a foreign expression that is difficult to understand is observed, It is advisable to look for some possible explanation, before reaching a hasty conclusion.or make judgments and accusations.

Furthermore, when in doubt, always It is advisable to dialogue or talk with the other person to clarify the problem.

Express intimate emotions in personal relationships

To maintain close and lasting ties with others, It is important to learn to effectively express one’s own intimate and most personal emotions, such as love, tendernessrespect, etc.

In addition, It is necessary to respond appropriately when it is the other who does it. It is not about continually expressing what you feel, but there is no doubt that the exchange of intimate emotions helps to nourish and increase emotional relationships.

Express complex emotions when necessary

Assertiveness is the ability to openly express thoughts, ideas and opinions, respecting one’s own rights and those of others.
This includes being able to express disagreement in certain circumstances, without falling into being unpleasant or aggressive. Being assertive is being able to establish priorities and limits, without feeling guilty.

And in children?

If we want our little ones to start developing their emotional intelligence, here are some ways to do it:

Tell stories with emoticons

Emoticons are figures that reflect emotions such as fear, joy, sadness or anger. In this case, the ideal would be make some emoticon masks with different emotions and tell them a short children’s story.

Then, The child must interpret the story using one of the masks. If the emotion that the latter represents is sadness, the child must interpret the story according to this emotion.

Express emotions through art

In this case, you must write the name of at least 10 emotions on several pieces of paper. Then, the child will have to choose one at random and express the emotion that touched you through paint, cuttings or molding material.

In this case, you can suggest ideas that help him orient himself and express himself. In the end, iInvite him to present his work to other people or colleagueswho will have to guess what type of emotion he wanted to express.

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