When exploring the topic of resilience from a perspective one key factor that stands out is the idea of control. The level of control we have significantly impacts our ability to bounce back. People, with control often show levels of resilience while those who feel more in control tend to demonstrate stronger resilience. This aspect is particularly important when considering how our bodies respond to stress. Stress can negatively affect our well being leading to physical and mental health issues.
It’s essential to set aside some time in your routine for self regulation. By doing you regain a sense of control over your day even if its 15 minutes, 10 minutes or even five minutes. This practice helps you process things and strengthen your support system during periods when work demandsre high.
Stress isn’t a one size fits all concept; it encompasses both forms. It’s crucial to differentiate between Eustress ( stress) and Distress ( stress) in order to recognise when we’ve crossed the line into unhealthy levels of stress. Interestingly individuals who find purpose, in their work often experience levels of stress. However, the combination of stress and purpose can have both negative effects. Sometimes organisations mistakenly try to foster a sense of purpose and higher performance by burdening their employees with tasks.
When people struggle to express their emotions they unknowingly contribute to suppression. Continuously suppressing ones emotions becomes an effort that drains the ability to find joy in life. It also depletes energy levels. Reduces productivity. Creating an environment where individuals can openly discuss their emotions and engage in conversations, about awareness is crucial for creating a workplace.
Exploring the aspects of emotions is a pursuit. As a manager or supervisor it is beneficial to pay attention to your sensations on a basis. Take note of moments when you feel physically fatigued. By exploring your landscape and nurturing emotional awareness you can prioritise self care. Different emotions manifest in ways; for example fear may feel like a sensation in your chest and shoulders while joy might be described as warmth radiating from your face and chest. Being attentive to how these emotions manifest and understanding their impact, on your body can be incredibly valuable.
Implementing strategies, like relaxing muscles adjusting posture or practicing breathing exercises can help manage the physical response to emotions. In situations making physical changes can transform challenging emotions, such as pre speech nervousness into a more manageable state. By conveying excitement than anxiety to your audience you gain control over your body language. Channel the emotion in a positive direction.
Additionally it is crucial to pay attention to the health and well being of your team members. Just as you need to be aware of your state it is equally important to recognise signs of emotional exhaustion in your co-workers. While employers typically assess employee performance it’s essential for management to pause and reflect on the underlying messages conveyed by these evaluations. Creating an environment that fosters conversations promotes a sense of belonging among employees and reinforces that they are valued individuals than mere parts of a system. Organisations that genuinely address these needs are more likely to retain talent because they demonstrate a commitment, to the well being of their workforce.
Empathy, an element, in connection and emotional intelligence involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It plays a role in building relationships resolving conflicts and navigating complex social interactions. While some individuals naturally have levels of empathy it is a skill that can be developed and refined through practice and self awareness. In this article we will explore techniques to enhance your ability to recognise and appreciate the emotions of others.
Active Listening
Active listening forms the foundation of empathy. It entails focusing on the speaker giving them your attention and genuinely showing interest in what they have to say. To become an listener;
a. Maintain eye contact.
b. Refrain from interrupting or prematurely planning your response while they are speaking.
c. Demonstrate engagement through nods, smiles or verbal cues such, as “I see ” “I understand,” or “Tell me more.”
d. Use ended questions to encourage them to express themselves
Practice Perspective Taking
Take on the perspective of the person by imagining their point of view and experiencing their emotions temporarily. This technique involves setting aside your feelings and judgments.
To better understand someone’s emotions it’s important to consider their background, experiences and circumstances. This will provide insights, into what might be influencing their feelings.
Take the time to assess your intelligence regularly. Reflect on how you react and feel in situations. Keeping a journal can be a tool for self reflection. By understanding your responses you’ll become more attuned to the emotions of others recognising similar patterns in them.
Non verbal cues are significant in communication. Pay attention to both your body language and that of others. When interacting with someone try mirroring their body language if it feels natural and respectful. This can create a sense of connection and rapport on a level. Practicing mindfulness meditation can help enhance empathy by increasing awareness of the moment and your own emotions. Mindfulness allows for management of reactions enabling responses rather, than reacting solely based on personal emotional states.
Engaging with literature, movies or documentaries that delve into characters and their emotions is a way to deepen your understanding of human psychology. Reading stories that evoke empathy and exploring perspectives can expand your awareness.
