Stress management is the final area that contributes to emotional
intelligence. This is about how well we cope with change, the
unfamiliar, and our daily challenges. Here, we examine how well we
manage stress.
These competencies make up the Stress Management area of the EQ model:
- Flexibility
- Stress Tolerance
- Optimism
In my last blog, Stretch And Get Flexible,
I examined the first emotional intelligence competency under this
Stress Management composite, Flexibility. Let’s continue with the second
competency and discuss Stress Tolerance.
Stress Tolerance is the ability to tolerate stress, without a decrease in performance.
Stress is a common occurrence, and if you aren’t careful, it can
negatively affect your emotional and psychological well-being. Whether
you are feeling stress from your scholar, professional, or personal
life, it is important to know that you have to power to pinpoint those
stressors and control them.
So, how do you increase your stress tolerance?
Here are three tips that will be the key to your success.
1. Realize the things you can’t control
There are plenty of things that can happen unexpectedly. Your job is
to realize that we can’t possibly control everything. When you feel as
though certain events have blindsided you, react appropriately – be
creative and come up with new ideas to help you accomplish what you need
to.
2. Take care of YOU
Many of us overlook this simple trick for managing stress. Eating
right, exercising regularly, and getting a full night’s rest are things
we should all be doing for ourselves. Our bodies go through a lot in a
day – it makes sense to treat them properly so they continue helping us
get what we need done!
*Quick Tip – Do one thing a day that make you happy, even if it’s watching your favorite episode of Friends.
3. Let it out
What are friends for? They are in our lives to share the ups and
downs with – so when you feel stressed about something, go to friends or
family and talk about it! Bottled up frustration and anger will only
increase the stress you are already feeling. When you let go of those
feelings and share them with your friend, they will help you sort
through your feelings, thus, increasing your stress tolerance.
So there you have it – three simple steps at building your stress tolerance.
1. Realize the things you can’t control
2. Take care of YOU
3. Let it out
Feel your stress levels lowering already? Perfect can’t wait to hear
about your progression! So, make sure you leave a comment below.
If this post has you curious and you’d like to learn more, watch my video on my Leading with Emotional Intelligence training programs (training programs are available in both face-to-face and online delivery formats).
Join me next time as I continue to break down the final emotional
intelligence area of Stress Management and explore the third competency
in this area, optimism.
Learn more about emotional intelligence in my previous blogs:
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