Score More (Soft) Skills
Women's Health South Africa|September - October 2022
Emotional intelligence is a special kind of savvy that boosts mental well-being and relationships - but most people don't realise when it's lacking. Amp up yours.
JIHAAN MYERS
Score More (Soft) Skills

You're ranting to your girlfriend over FaceTime about your child's tantrums, the tendinitis ruining your runs, a never-ending work project. She's there but she's not...there. Her responses aren't making you feel validated; she's turning the convo back to how perfect her life is and seems totally distracted with side-texting. Admit it, you've been in a situation like this, where the lack of self-awareness across from you is, to be honest, driving you nuts. What your pal's displaying are signs of a lack of emotional intelligence or EQ. (And once you experience it, you swear you'll never be that person to others.)

The concept encompasses your ability to understand people's feelings and regulate your own so you interact better with others, says psychologist Dr Susan Albers-Bowling. Reading the room and knowing what vibe you give off is pretty crucial to your health, as it's basic to social connection. "Without these skills, people tend to be more reactive around other people and relationships become strained or damaged," says therapist Dr Lisa Marie Bobby, a marriage counselor and therapist who offers EQ coaching. Or, "they're so cut off from their emotions that they don't make decisions based on both empathy and other information."

And here's the truth: EQ can be a major blind spot for many people. In fact, the lower your emotional quotient, the better you think it is, recent research shows. (That makes total sense since when you lack self-awareness, you're not as likely to see how you come across to others.)

This story is from the September - October 2022 edition of Women's Health South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the September - October 2022 edition of Women's Health South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM WOMEN'S HEALTH SOUTH AFRICAView All
Irreconcilable Differences?
Women's Health South Africa

Irreconcilable Differences?

You’re one-upping your partner on all health fronts and now your relationship has more tension than your new resistance bands. Here’s how to get over the hurdle of mismatched goals.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Hot And Bothered
Women's Health South Africa

Hot And Bothered

Inflammation is all the rage in health conversations right now and research is establishing it as a major player in all sorts of issues you don't want to deal with. But! You can safeguard yourself from the smokin' internal inferno with these smart strategies.

time-read
3 mins  |
July - August 2024
Self-esteem under the microscope
Women's Health South Africa

Self-esteem under the microscope

The term brings to mind positive-thinking memes with sunset backdrops and swirly lettering. But could I you sum up self-esteem when asked as part of a pub quiz? Didn't think so. And there's more at stake here than winning the points.

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
the reset
Women's Health South Africa

the reset

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024
Mind Over Muscle
Women's Health South Africa

Mind Over Muscle

Could you level up your strength training just by putting your mind to it?

time-read
2 mins  |
July - August 2024
ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Women's Health South Africa

ON BEING THE HEROINE OF YOUR OWN LIFE

Olympian. All-African Games winner. African champion. Record-breaker. Javelin athlete Jo-Ané van Dyk talks mental fortitude and what it takes to live up to your own hype. If there's one thing she can do, it's to throw down. And it's all about to reach peak levels.

time-read
4 mins  |
July - August 2024
Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free
Women's Health South Africa

Why Women Are Choosing to Be Child-Free

The choice can be liberating, yet stigmas persist. Here, how to cut through the noise with clarity and confidence to make the decision that's right for *you.*

time-read
7 mins  |
July - August 2024
FUEL YOUR SKIN
Women's Health South Africa

FUEL YOUR SKIN

Inside your body, there's a crew of unsung protein heroes that scientists believe are the key to a healthy, glowing complexion. Heads-up: your routine is about to change for the better.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
How To Be Decisive
Women's Health South Africa

How To Be Decisive

You could use a Magic 8 ball to help you make a choice. Or, while you're waiting to 'ask again later', let our experts explain the best ways to get unstuck.

time-read
5 mins  |
July - August 2024
Build A Strong Base
Women's Health South Africa

Build A Strong Base

You heard it here: the pelvic floor is the forgotten core - and you're selling yourself short by waiting for a specific life stage to train it. Your four-move workout is here.

time-read
1 min  |
July - August 2024