Emotional intelligence refers to a person's ability to understand, perceive, and control their own emotions and those around them. Some experts say that emotional intelligence can be equally, if not more important, than IQ. From your relationships to your goals, emotional intelligence ultimately plays a role in every aspect of your life. And while some believe it's characteristic that some are born with, research suggests that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened.

Components of emotional intelligence

EI was developed by John Salavoy and John Mayer, two social psychologists. Their work is responsible for the increased interest in emotional intelligence, from the workplace to the school curriculum. There are four levels of emotional intelligence, which include:

Self-awareness: The ability to recognize and understand emotions is a fundamental skill of EI. Aside from perceiving your own emotions, however, is being aware of the effect of your actions, moods, and feelings of others. This often includes awareness of nonverbal cues, like body language and the facial expressions people use. Although this comes more naturally to some people than others, you can take a few easy steps in improving your self-awareness. 

Start by monitoring your own emotions, recognizing different reactions to emotions, and identifying each emotion as it arises. You'll start to notice the relationship between your feeling and how you behave as a result.

Self-regulation: Once you become aware of your own emotions and the impact you have on other people, you'll need to learn how to regulate and control them. This doesn't mean putting your feelings on hold or suppressing them, but rather being able to express them at the right time and place. Emotional regulation is all about expressing them appropriately. 

If you know someone who can diffuse a tense situation or is good at managing conflict, they're probably good at regulating their emotions. They also tend to be conscious about how they influence other people, take responsibility for their actions, and adapt well to change. 

Practice being mindful of your thoughts and feelings in different situations, and find ways to cope with the uncomfortable ones. Soon, you’ll start to recognize the way your emotions help you determine your actions.

1. Social skills: Having strong social skills allows you to build meaningful relationships and develop a more vital understanding of yourself and those around you. But, it involves a bit more than merely understanding emotions. You'll need to put the information to work in your daily interactions. Practicing essential social skills like active listening, asking open-ended questions, having good eye contact, or showing interest in others are excellent ways to improve this emotional intelligence area.
   
   
2. Empathy: Or the ability to understand how people feel, is one of the most critical components of emotional intelligence. Aside from recognizing how someone else is feeling, empathy involves your response to people based on this information. How do you typically respond when a friend is feeling sad or hurt? In a professional setting, an empathetic manager understands the power dynamics in the workplace. This can positively influence their relationships with their employees, and they probably don't take advantage of their power. 

Improving your emotional intelligence isn’t always easy. It’s a skill that takes time to develop. But by practicing and implementing some of the tools mentioned, you’ll start to notice positive changes in the way you understand yourself and those around you.

You already know that exercise is excellent for your physical health. But how exactly does it tie to mental well-being? Regular exercise can help prevent mental health problems before they start and assist in maintaining existing ones. And although it seems like it's the last thing you want to do when you have depression, it can make a big difference once you get started. 

Here are a few ways exercise can help you fight depression: 

1. Manage stress.  Exercise decreases stress hormones and increases your body feel-good' chemicals—naturally boosting your mood. Additionally, your relationship with stress changes. Those who exercise regularly are less affected and manage their stressors more healthily. It's a powerful way to release built-up physical and mental tension while reducing feelings of fear and worry.
   
   
2. Social support. We all need a support system. Doing your favorite workout with a friend not only benefits your health but strengthens your relationships with others as well. On the other hand, some physical activities promote opportunities to meet new people. Even a friendly smile or a simple "hello" as you walk around your neighborhood can improve your mood.
   
   
3. Improved cognition. The same "feel good" endorphins that are released when exercising are the ones that help you concentrate, focus, and feel mentally sharp.  Exercise also promotes the increase of new brain cells and counteracts age-related decline.
   
   
4. Higher self-esteem. By meeting even the smallest exercise goals, you'll feel a sense of achievement and boost self-confidence. Regular activity can also make you feel better about your appearance.
   
   
5. Better quality of sleep. Exercise impacts everyone differently. Some may find it helpful to do it right before bed, and some prefer to do it in the mornings. Regardless of when you choose to exercise, doing so regularly can improve your sleep patterns.
   
   
6. Increased energy. It may seem like exercising will make you feel more tired, but raising your heart rate a few times a week will make you feel more energized. Start with 1-2 minutes per day, and increase as you go.

 The challenge of getting started

Depression manifests as trouble sleeping, low energy, changes in appetite, fatigue, and low mood, which all result in less motivation to exercise. Although it's challenging to break this cycle, getting up and moving for a few minutes a day is helpful. Begin by setting small, realistic goals, and soon, a few minutes will quickly turn into 20, and so on. When your body starts to feel better, so will your mind.

While exercise is an essential component of your mental health, it is not a replacement for proper treatment. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, and if you have any mental health concerns, contact a mental health care provider. 

Introduction

Marriage counseling is a type of counseling where the counselor works in such a way to remove conflicts, making mutual understanding between the couple. The main focus of marriage counseling is to conclude whether to carry on with the relationship or part ways. Only married couples don't need to go for marriage counseling, all couples can go for it.

Here is everything about what marriage counseling consists of.

Asking about problems and issues

The process of marriage counseling starts with the counselor who, after knowing about the relationship of the couple would give his/her opinion. The counselor will make further decisions on how the couple should stay with each other, whether they should give each other some time or stay together.

Bringing out emotions

While counseling, the counselor advises the couples to vent their heart out. About every kind of feeling that they have towards each other. The counselor with his expertise will work and ask questions in such a way that the couple will bring out their point of discussion. Consult marriage counseling Urbana to get your problems solved.

Reaching a conclusion

After both the persons have kept their points before the counselor, the counselor will analyze and interpret everything about the couple's situation and then finally give them a concluding note. The conclusion will consist, whether a couple should give each other time or should spend more time together.

When should the couples consider going to Marriage counseling?

Here are some reasons which can be the reason why you should consult a marriage counselor.

1) Lack of communication

If you feel that as a couple, you face communication problems or you hesitate to talk or share about something with your partner, then this might be a sign when you should think about marriage counseling.

2) Affair

If you are in love with someone else or you feel that your partner is cheating on you, in this case, first you should try to talk about this problem with your partner but if the problem and doubt continue, consult a marriage counselor.

3) Financial Issues

The financial issue is something which is a very personal thing and is better when solved inside the room itself. If you think that you are continuously having disagreements and fights related to money and financial matters, then you should try reaching out to a marriage counselor.

4) Violence or bad experience

If your partner has ever become violent with you or you have some really bad experience that you think is affecting your relationship then consulting a marriage counselor can be the best option for you.

Conclusion

There is nothing bad about taking marriage counseling or expert advice. Marriage counseling is something that has always worked amongst and has helped them decide on a better life for each other. A marriage counselor helps you decide whether you need more time in your relationship or not. If you also have problems in your relationship, it's time you should search on the internet about a marriage counselor near me and live a happy life.