People who have high emotional intelligence are able to recognize their emotions, identify what is causing them, and manage those feelings effectively. They are also aware of how they influence others around them, and how that perception shapes relationships.

Emotional intelligence (EI) has become one of the most popular psychometric tools in psychology. While it was once considered a trait only some people have, it now be categorized as a measurable skill or quality.

Most researchers agree that having higher EI helps you lead a happier life. You will experience less stress due to better control of your emotions, and you’ll connect with other people more easily because you understand the effects that mood has on theirs.

There are many different types of emotional skills. Some that get focused on include understanding your own emotions, using emotion regulation strategies, identifying emotions in others, and managing emotions in yourself and in others.

With this article, we'll go over ten ways to improve your emotional quotient. Many of these tips can be done at any time, anywhere, from anywhere with internet access to you. No special training is needed!

Want to 10x your business's website traffic?

Look no further! Juice.ai puts your business in charge of its content strategy and gets you targeted clicks to your website. Check it out now!

You do not need to do all of these things but doing at least two per week will make a difference. Try out one new thing each week and see how you feel about your self and your relationships.

Link between emotional intelligence and mental health

Over the past few decades, there has been growing interest in what is now referred to as “emotional literacy or understanding.” Some researchers refer to this as “practicing social skills” because it more broadly implies that all of our emotions are trained experiences.

This perspective shifts the focus away from whether people have adequate emotion regulation strategies (which we know they do) and instead looks at how well individuals understand their own feelings and those of others.

Emotion research indicates that being able to recognize your own emotions and those of other people is an important part of staying healthy.

It has also been linked to better academic success, job performance, and interpersonal relationships. In fact, one study found that having high emotional intelligence was directly related to employees feeling satisfied at work and wanting to remain employed there.1

There are many theories about why engaging in activities that increase emotional intelligence may help promote overall wellness. These include:

Improved self-esteem

Increased motivation

Enhanced problem solving ability

More effective communication

Some studies suggest that practicing mindfulness — which includes things like noticing and acknowledging your thoughts, giving value to present moment experience, and accepting nonverbal messages – could contribute to higher levels of emotional intelligence.2

Given its link with improved psychological wellbeing and quality of life, developing the skill set of emotional intelligence should be considered a worthy goal for everyone.

Definition and elements of emotional intelligence

So what is emotional intelligence? That’s a good question! First, let us define it. According to Daniel Goleman, author of the best-selling book “Emotional Intelligence,” emotional quotient (EQ) is your ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions.

In his definition, he suggests that EQ is not only about feeling feelings, but also including how you relate to other people and situations influenced by your emotions. This includes things like empathy or understanding what someone else is going through, and controlling your reactions to avoid being hurt or overwhelmed.

Some experts describe it as having something in common with IQ — both are measurable qualities that play a significant role in success. Others believe they are two separate domains of talent that work independently of each other. No matter which camp you belong to, there is no denying their importance in our lives.

There are many different routes to develop emotional intelligence, so whether this quality is your strongest areaor not depends on who you are as person and what skills you already have.

Ways to improve one's emotional intelligence

One of the most important things you can do to improve your emotional intelligence is learn how to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions.

Many experts agree that in order to feel happier every day, you have to work on yourself by focusing on what makes you happy and getting rid of anything that doesn’t. This means letting go of negative thoughts and feelings about past relationships or current situations and replacing them with positive ones.

You also need to acknowledge and accept your own weaknesses so you don't keep putting more pressure on yourself to make up for someone else's shortcomings.

It's easy to tell when someone has low self-esteem – they're constantly talking about their strengths and denying their weaknesses.

Taking care of your mental health

One important thing about emotional intelligence is taking good care of your mental health. This means doing things like talking with friends, exploring new hobbies, and putting effort into work and family.

You can also ask for help when you need it — from other people and outside sources such as counselors or group programs.

Experts agree that social support is one of the most significant factors in helping someone manage their emotions and stressors.

So try asking loved ones to do something for you, and see if they will. You’ll have to work at it though; this won’t make much difference if you don’t use the skills you've been practicing.

Seek help when needed

It is very important to learn how to manage your emotions in order to succeed. While having these skills is helpful at any stage of life, it can be especially crucial for students as they enter into more complex stages of their lives.

Students will go through many different stages during their education, some longer than others. Some may even find themselves no longer able to continue studying because they do not have enough motivation or attention focus.

Becoming aware of your emotional strengths and weaknesses can help you identify what factors are preventing you from achieving your goals and helping you deal with difficult situations. You can talk to your friends, family, teachers and other people around you to get insights that can aid in improving your emotional intelligence.

There are several ways to improve your emotional literacy. You can take classes, read books, speak with professionals and/or colleagues, and explore various strategies and techniques yourself. Doing so will make a difference in the way you feel about yourself and the world around you.

Connect with your friends

Letting go of jealousy or resentment towards someone is very difficult unless you connect with them.

If you are constantly thinking about what they said or did that made you feel bad, then it can prevent you from moving on.

You may even begin to think that person does not like you, which could be false sometimes.

It’s easy to get jealous but connecting with those people will eliminate most if not all of this negativity.

By being more positive and understanding, you will help them return the kindness.

Everyone has their own personal struggles in life, so instead of adding to theirs, try to remove some of the negative energy.