Using Emotional Intelligence to Master Anxiety

Hello ladies,

I hope you all enjoyed celebrating the holiday with family and friends and are ready to embark upon this next quarter in your life. I really love learning about emotional intelligence and empowering women everywhere to apply this concept to every area of their life. Today I am excited to share with you how emotional intelligence can help you master anxiety.

As you may or may not know the definition of anxiety is, a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event, or something with an uncertain outcome. To put it plainly anxiety is always about something in the future that has not happened yet and never about anything in the past. For example, you may have anxiety about taking a test or having a serious conversation with someone and you are not sure how they will take it. You may experience anxiety when you are running late for work and are not sure how your boss will react. I’m going to share with you five steps to help you master your anxiety using emotional intelligence.

Step 1: Recognize and acknowledge your emotions. The first step in using emotional intelligence to master anxiety is to develop self-awareness by recognizing and acknowledging your emotions. Take the time to identify and understand the specific emotions you are experiencing, whether it's anxiety, fear, or a combination of different feelings. This self-awareness will lay the foundation for effectively managing and addressing these emotions. Ladies what I am encouraging you to do is take a few minutes to breathe. Recognize what you are feeling and give yourself a moment to calm down and master your emotions.

Step 2: Understand the triggers and underlying causes. Once you have identified your emotions, it's important to explore the triggers and underlying causes that contribute to your anxiety. Reflect on the situations, thoughts, or external factors that tend to evoke these emotions. This understanding will help you gain insights into the root causes of your anxiety, allowing you to address them more effectively. Simply ask yourself “why” you are experiencing anxiety over this situation. Next, ask yourself "what" is the worse thing that could happen. Once you calm your emotions, you can begin to think calmly and rationally. The majority of the time it is not as bad as you think. I’m sure you have heard people say, “I did all of that worrying for nothing.” Don't put yourself through that. "Think about what you are thinking about." Joyce Meyer.

Step 3: Develop coping strategies. With a better understanding of your emotions and their triggers, it's time to develop coping strategies to master your anxiety. These strategies may include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation, that can help you calm your mind and reduce stress. Engaging in regular physical exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep can also contribute to overall emotional well-being. Using these coping strategies consistently can help you develop behaviors that can become a part of a healthy lifestyle.

Step 4: Cultivate self-compassion and positive self-talk. Practicing self-compassion and positive self-talk is crucial in mastering anxiety. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it's natural to experience these emotions. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and encouraging statements. Remind yourself of your strengths and past achievements, boosting your self-confidence and resilience in the face of anxiety-inducing situations. I always practice and teach my clients to celebrate small victories every day to help keep them in a healthy mental space of treating themselves with kindness. It doesn’t have to be something big. You can celebrate by getting the laundry done, cleaning the house, controlling your anger that day, or doing an act of kindness for someone. Why not give yourself a hug. All of these things help us become the best and highest version of ourselves. I have said it before, life is a journey not a race to the finish line. But a process to learn, grow, and experience the joys along the way.

Step 5: Seek support and professional help if needed. Remember that you don't have to face anxiety alone. Seek support from trusted friends, family members, or a support group that can provide empathy and understanding. If anxiety persists or significantly impacts your daily life, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor experienced in anxiety management. They can guide you through specific techniques and provide valuable insights to help you master your emotions effectively.

Remember, mastering anxiety takes time and practice. By incorporating these steps into your life, you can develop emotional intelligence and cultivate the skills necessary to master and overcome these challenging emotions. Now, go out there and make the day as beautiful as you are.

Love and Blessings,

Dr. Doris

My Prayer for you today is: Father in heaven, help your beautiful daughters to love themselves the way you love them. Let them know that no matter what they have done or what has been done to them, they are the apple of your eye, your masterpiece, and nothing can ever separate them from your love. For this we say thank you in Jesus name. Amen!