Last update: June 16, 2016
Emotional intelligence: this is definitely that dimension of our life that we should all develop and manage adequately. Knowing how to listen, understand the emotions of others and control their own, knowing how to communicate and inspire mutual respect in which we all come out as winners is essential.
This type of intelligence should be included in school curricula, in order to develop these fundamental skills in children from an early age. It is a way to know yourself, to self-control and also to express yourself, to know one's limits and, at the same time, put them in relief in front of others avoiding possible manipulations.
As you already know, the one who has a very high IQ or the one who has a better job and is dedicated to accumulating "things" is no longer intelligent. True intelligence is that associated with authentic happiness, the one that makes us proud of who we are or what we have, even if it is very little. Why not practice these simple exercises to improve our emotional intelligence?
Exercises to improve emotional intelligence
1. Know yourself
Knowing yourself is an adventure that lasts a lifetime, which, however, is realized at the same time, day after day, giving us goals and asking us questions. This is an introspection exercise that we should do every morning. Ask yourself what do you expect from the day and what from tomorrow.
When you arrive in the evening, analyze how you felt during the day. Did you act as you hoped? Have you expressed yourselves according to your values? You can also use the classic paper, a diary or your notebook of thoughts. It is a simple exercise, but at the same time very useful. Ask yourself questions, investigate yourself.
2. Emotional regulation
Think of your emotions as if they were scales: it is not worth going to extremes, much less falling into drama, because, in the long run, you always end up losing. Do not allow yourselves to be manipulated, do not pay attention to answers given with anger or anger. The ideal would be somewhere in between. You must never cross the limits of your emotions.
When you notice that you are about to "fall" or "explode," visualize a small, quiet, spacious house. It is your palace of thoughts. Before acting, reason and analyze the situation. Only after you have achieved this self-regulation, do you make a decision. First, however, you must think before acting in that private house that gives you so much tranquility.
No one has more control over your life than you, never forget that. For this reason, you must not allow them to take you to foreign territories where you can lose your calm and your identity. Work on your inner balance.
3. Empathy
Empathy is a concept we all know and value. However, we don't practice it as much as we should. It is easier to put yourself in the shoes of those people who convey positive feelings to us. We identify better with them and the level of understanding and closeness is more intense.
E what if one day we try to understand those who cause us more problems? Think of that leader, for example, who respects you little; or that colleague who always speaks ill of others and who is only looking for problems. Try to "put yourself in their shoes" and maybe you will discover what is behind it: insecurity, low self-esteem… try it, you might learn something.
4. Self-motivation
Maybe today you won't feel like it, you won't be motivated, but starting now, we'll do a simple exercise: we will look at the positive side of things, leaving aside the negative aspects. Wake up every day thinking of something that fascinates you and that you want to achieve.
Life without charm is not life. Find your daily motivation.
Sometimes even the little things are useful: ending the day in that bar you've never entered. Make a call to that person you haven't seen in a long time. Buy yourself a new dress. Plan a trip away from home for the weekend. Enroll in a yoga or painting class. Smile a little more ...
5. Social skills
We try to communicate better. And not only through words, but also with gestures. Get closer to the people around you, smile, offer a caress, a pat on the back, a hug. You will see that the reaction of those around you will be different.
Seek and offer positive emotions, try to listen a little better to whoever is in front of you and look them in the eye. Sometimes you will discover much more than mere words can say.
Practice these exercises, develop your emotional intelligence and be happier, making others happy too.
