Keep your emotional intelligence factor alive in this crisis

Looking at the crisis kind of situation everywhere in the world melts my heart and when I keep thinking about its adversities on the human race my heart starts thumping even more. Millions of people across the globe have taken a toll on this pandemic called COVID -19. There has been a sudden demise of many innocent people around the world and those who are infected or perceived to meet an infected person, have been quarantined to maintain an atmosphere of security for others.

People have been forced to stay inside their homes and cut down on their public appearances as a result of which there is immense worry and anxiety in the minds of people. The public spaces are dying empty as people do not feel secure anywhere else outside their homes.

To make the situation worse, economic collapse has been foreseen by economists in the form of slashing stock markets, mass layoffs, closure of corporate houses and job losses for daily wage workers can add more and more tension and stress in the minds of people. This is an anxious circle of Novel Coronavirus around us.

Now looking at so many different emotions like fear, worry, anger, helplessness, anxiety, etc. makes me wonder how can we overcome these so that we can have more strength and resilience to face the situation which may still last longer. 

Many of us have read articles and books on Emotional Intelligence or EQ but did we made use of it is a matter of concern. Before going into many details let us first understand the term itself.

EQ is the ability to monitor your own emotions and be empathetic to others’ emotions. At its most complex, it’s a measure of emotional skill, health, empathy, and awareness all at once.

If we start connecting the dots we will realize that being emotionally intelligent is all about recognizing your emotions (Either negative or positive) in a particular situation, tell them apart and connect your feelings with their causes and consequences.

Being emotionally intelligent, you will know what you’re right emotions are and instead of keeping your worries alive you will start to label and express your emotions appropriately and regulate your emotions effectively.

We can handle the crises in two ways. Either by being in fear of getting infected or by accepting the truth that yes there is an infection around but we will soon get over it with all our strength and immunity. In the former situation, we keep dying every day of our negativity and anxiety and in the latter, since we have accepted the truth we will start looking out for alternatives to happiness and courage gracefully.

Developing your ability to apply EQ to your anxiety attacks can help give you some much-needed control over this crisis. Here’s where to start:

• Recognize and understand your anxiety – The first step to applying Emotional Intelligence is to address the problem very clearly. Here we all need to understand the causation and consequences of this disease. Just be aware of the problem that persists. Do not stand in ignorance. Be open to understanding the adversities behind it. There is ample knowledge material on the matter, go read it and understand what triggers the virus. Half knowledge on the subject is even more dangerous.
• Label and express your anxiety – Anxiety is a complicated emotion with all kinds of effects such as racing heart, sleeping disorders, sweating, bad stomach, etc. that closely resembles fear and also similar to sadness, anger or frustration. If you know what are you feeling exactly you can name it and express it to your loved ones. Sharing our fears and anxieties reduces our tension and makes us mentally and emotionally stronger. Talking your heart out will give you a practical approach to fight the crisis.
• Regulate your anxiety – So now that you have reduced your stress by recognizing, understanding and expressing your anxiety, start understanding your emotional patterns and make lifestyle changes that support your present mental health conditions and keep you emotionally healthy.

Once our emotional quotient improves, then only we can help our family, friends and society at large and help in uplifting them emotionally and morally so that we can navigate the crises and come out of this stronger than ever.

"Let’s spread happiness around by being peaceful inside."

Swati Jain

(Life Coach)