Emotions- what are they? Chemical reactions of endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin in the brain, yes; but is there more to it? Something a tad more ‘emotional’ ?
All of us express emotions; it’s what makes us human. But, is there anything that can help us discern between the varied emotions we experience and managing them effectively to navigate situations successfully? To answer this question we need to understand the concept of emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and process our own emotions, as well as comprehend the emotions of others. It equips us with the tools to tackle any issue morally and equitably. In fact, countless studies have shown that those with a higher EQ perform better in almost all aspects of life than ‘high IQ geniuses’.
To be emotionally intelligent is to be able to deal with any problem calmly and patiently, an invaluable resource in modern times. Let’s consider the current Novel CoronaVirus situation. On March 25, the Indian government announced a nation-wide lockdown which caused the population to enter a state of panic. The majority of us began to hoard necessities like food and toiletries which lead to a shortage of consumer durables for the rest of the population. Moreover, the indiscipline of a few citizens who wouldn’t abide by the quintessential necessity of social distancing caused an immense spike in the rate of infection. Hypothetically, if we had all remained calm and acted out in a rational manner, there would have been a lot less struggle and a much better response towards the worldwide pandemic. In such a situation, emotions need to be properly channelized to generate positive outcomes.
An emotionally intelligent individual assesses the situation rationally and tries to help those adversely affected by the decision be it the daily wage earners or the domestic helps. He also appreciates the extra efforts put in by family members to ensure a smooth running of the household. His empathy, words of encouragement and gratitude can infuse enthusiasm and hope in others. He perceives the hapless situation as an opportunity to improve bonds with his family and value the time spent together, while sharing responsibilities.
We should view emotions as useful sources of information that guide us to navigate the social environment. Emotional intelligence can help us to harness emotions to facilitate cognitive activities such as thinking and problem solving and subsequently achieve intended goals.