EMOTIONS demand Expressiveness#AtoZChallenge

E is for EMOTIONS

We (Humans) operate in a social context and our every interaction with others trigger a range of responses, some conducive and some not-so-conducive. Our reactions and over-reactions to these interactions/ situations gets manifested in the form of “EMOTIONS”. Simply defining, Emotion is an aspect of consciousness that results in generation of different types of feelings that lead to many physiological and mental changes. Emotions are an inseparable part of our personality as is evident from the presence of limbic system in our brain. Within this amygdala is the structure that deals with emotions.

Why Emotions are important ?

• Emotions are the building blocks of life and an essential component of our overall personality.
• They impact us at a physiological and mental level  and often is the cause of Stress in our lives
• They form the basis of human relationships in the different roles we play in our lives
• They help us relate at interpersonal and intrapersonal level which results in better self-awareness and also awareness about those whom we interact with.
• They help us assume better control of ourself and enable us to manage our reactions more appropriately.
• They help us release pent up energies by prompting us to react (take action)
• They directly impact inculcation of good qualities like gratitude, empathy and service-orientation   
• Gives an insight into our flip side by making us aware of non-productive emotions that we undergo

 How to build Emotional Strength ?

• Understand different emotions by practicing acceptance of every kind of emotions that occur in us. This build acceptance
• Understand the distinction between sympathy and empathy
• Develop Listening skills as this builds empathy skills which directly impact our emotional strength by helping us understand the other person’s view
• Become more aware about what all physiological changes emotions generate in us. This awareness would then help us understand the symptoms of being in an emotional state.  
• Identify the triggers of negative emotions and build a plan to deal with them in a constructive way.

To end this post, here’s a link to a nice article from Daniel Goleman on EI (Emotional Intelligence) - http://tinyurl.com/korzr9z. 

Link to my other post on Emotions - http://createyourbest.blogspot.in/2015/08/the-complicated-world-of-emotions.html