When I’m stressed, I eat chocolate. When I’m anxious, I go for a run. That’s my coping mechanism.
But, emotionally intelligent people, they have a different approach. They don’t just react, they respond.
And they do it in ways that are not only effective but downright inspiring.
Here’s the deal. Stress and anxiety are a part of life, but how you handle them can say a lot about who you are as a person.
Especially if you’re one of those who possess emotional intelligence.
Let’s dive into the 8 things these emotionally intelligent folks do when the going gets tough. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
1) They recognize and validate their feelings
Emotions are like waves.
They surge, they crash, and sometimes they pull you under. But emotionally intelligent people don’t just let the tide carry them away.
No, they’re more like experienced surfers, riding the waves instead of being swept up by them.
When stress or anxiety hits, they don’t ignore it or try to suppress it. They acknowledge it. They sit with it. They validate it.
But here’s the kicker – they don’t let it define them.
Just because they’re feeling anxious doesn’t mean they are anxious. It’s just a feeling, and like all feelings, it will pass.
Remember, acknowledging your emotions doesn’t mean you’re weak.
It means you’re human. And guess what? That’s perfectly okay.
2) They take a moment to breathe
As someone who has dealt with anxiety, I can tell you this – it’s easy to forget to breathe.
Your heart is racing, your mind is spinning, and before you know it, you’re gasping for air. It’s a terrifying feeling.
But here’s what I’ve learned from my emotionally intelligent friends.
When stress or anxiety hits, they pause. They close their eyes. They take a deep breath in, hold it for a moment, and then let it out slowly.
It might sound simple, but this act of mindful breathing is incredibly powerful.
It helps them to stay grounded and focused. It helps them to regain control over their body and mind.
I remember using this technique at a public speaking event. I was nervous, my palms were sweaty, and I felt like running away.
But then I took a moment to breathe. In…and out…In…and out…
And you know what? It worked. I was able to calm down and deliver my speech successfully.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, try taking a deep breath. You’ll be surprised at how much it can help.
3) They practice mindfulness
Emotionally intelligent people often turn to mindfulness when they’re stressed or anxious.
Instead of getting caught up in the whirlwind of their thoughts, they anchor themselves in the present moment.
Mindfulness is all about being fully engaged in the here and now.
And it’s not just about meditation or yoga, it can be as simple as paying attention to the sensation of your feet hitting the pavement while you walk, or savoring the taste of your morning coffee.
And here’s something you might not know – regular practice of mindfulness can actually change the structure of your brain.
Neuroscientists have found that it can increase the density of grey matter in brain regions linked to learning, memory, and emotion regulation.
That means it can help you not only manage stress and anxiety better but also boost your cognitive abilities.
So, whether you’re feeling stressed at work or anxious about an upcoming event, try practicing mindfulness.
It could be the game-changer you need.
4) They reach out for support
Nobody is an island. We all need support from time to time, and emotionally intelligent people understand this better than anyone.
When they’re stressed or anxious, they don’t bottle it up or try to handle everything on their own.
Instead, they reach out to their loved ones, express their feelings, and ask for help when needed.
That’s because they understand the power of connection.
They know that sharing their struggles can lighten their load, and that seeking advice or support can provide them with new perspectives and solutions.
Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Keep in mind, it’s okay to ask for help.
5) They maintain a positive outlook
I’ve noticed something about emotionally intelligent people. They have this ability to find a silver lining in every situation, no matter how bleak it seems.
And that’s something I’ve been trying to practice in my own life.
When they’re stressed or anxious, they don’t dwell on the negatives. Instead, they try to find something positive to focus on.
It could be a lesson learned, a skill developed, or even just the strength they’ve discovered within themselves.
I remember when I was facing a major setback at work. It was stressful, and I was anxious about what it meant for my career.
But then I tried to look at it from a different perspective.
I focused on the skills I was gaining from handling such a difficult situation, and how it was making me stronger and more resilient.
Maintaining a positive outlook doesn’t mean ignoring the problem.
It means acknowledging it, dealing with it, and then looking beyond it to find the good. Because believe me, there’s always some good to be found.
6) They welcome their stress or anxiety
Now, this might seem a bit unusual, but emotionally intelligent people don’t always see stress and anxiety as bad things.
In fact, they often welcome these feelings when they come knocking.
You see, they understand that stress and anxiety are natural responses to challenging situations.
These emotions can serve as signals, telling them that there’s something important at stake.
When they feel stressed or anxious, instead of running away from these feelings, they lean into them. They see these emotions as opportunities to grow and learn.
They ask themselves, “What is this stress telling me? What can I learn from this anxiety?”
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try welcoming it. See it as a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries and growing as a person.
And remember, growth often comes from discomfort.
7) They take care of their physical health
Emotionally intelligent people understand that our minds and bodies are deeply connected.
When they’re stressed or anxious, they don’t just focus on their mental well-being, they also pay attention to their physical health.
They know that regular exercise, a balanced diet, and a good night’s sleep can do wonders for reducing stress and anxiety.
Exercise, for instance, releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters. A healthy diet can stabilize mood swings, and a good sleep can rejuvenate the mind.
So, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, don’t forget to take care of your body.
Go for a run, eat some fruits and veggies, get some shut-eye.
It might seem unrelated to your emotional state, but trust me, your body will thank you and so will your mind.
8) They practice self-compassion
Above all else, emotionally intelligent people are kind to themselves. When they’re stressed or anxious, they don’t beat themselves up or engage in negative self-talk.
Instead, they treat themselves with compassion and understanding.
They acknowledge their feelings without judgement. They remind themselves that it’s okay to not be okay.
They give themselves permission to feel, to struggle, and to make mistakes.
Because at the end of the day, we’re all human.
We all have our ups and downs, our triumphs and challenges. And it’s through self-compassion that we can navigate these with grace and resilience.
So remember, be kind to yourself. You deserve it.
Embracing emotional intelligence
If you’ve journeyed with me this far, you would have realized that emotionally intelligent people approach stress and anxiety differently.
It’s not about escaping these feelings, but embracing and learning from them.
Because emotional intelligence isn’t just about understanding and managing our emotions.
It’s about using these emotions to facilitate our thinking, to understand others better, and to navigate the world with resilience and grace.
And it’s through this deep self-awareness and self-regulation that emotionally intelligent people thrive amidst life’s challenges.
Whenever you’re feeling stressed or anxious, remember these 8 practices.
And more importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Because you’re not just dealing with stress or anxiety, you’re growing from it.
In this journey of self-discovery and growth, you are your own best companion.
So take a moment. Breathe. You’ve got this.
