Emotional health is more important than physical health. This statement may seem counterintuitive, but the truth of the matter is that while our bodies are indeed very fragile, our emotions tend to have a much deeper impact on how we live our daily lives. Emotions colour every action and decision we make in some way, shape, or form, so being in control of one's mental state at all times is an incredibly valuable skill to have for anyone seeking to lead a fulfilling life.

Emotional health is essentially the ability to handle life as it comes and to be oneself in every situation. Having good emotional health means that you will always know how to put things into perspective and that you will not let your feelings interfere with the way you carry out your daily activities. Being able to relate and understand other people and their actions without prejudice or judgment is also a key sign of emotional well-being, as is the ability to adapt quickly to new circumstances.

In order for someone to have healthy emotions, they must first realize what those emotions are and why they feel them. Many people experience negative emotions such as stress, anger, hurt, worry, fear, etc... but do not allow themselves time to sit down and figure out what triggered those emotions and why they exist in the first place. If you are able to understand your feelings, you can then determine how best to handle them.

For instance, if someone feels anger, it is important to recognize that anger does not always have to lead to aggression or hostility. A person could choose instead to channel their irritation into something constructive: finding a solution and addressing the problem itself would make far more of an impact than simply lashing out and hurting somebody else (which is often what happens when emotions go unchecked). Learning how to let out steam without becoming aggressive is one of the most valuable skills we can learn as humans; after all, we spend our entire lives experiencing new things that test our limits and leave us confused about how best to react, so learning how to work through our emotions is the only way we will ever be able to deal with these issues without too much trouble.

Another great skill that emotional intelligence can teach you is the art of staying calm in times of crisis. In a world where stress and anxiety seem to be featured on everyone's faces, being able to remain calm no matter what the situation maybe is an incredibly valuable asset for careerists, family members, and friends alike. When people around you are having meltdowns or losing control over minor setbacks, it does not make a good impression if you lose your cool as well. Having a strong mental state means that you can always pick yourself up after a fall and keep going forward, while those who let their feelings take control are much more likely to succumb to panic or depression.

Another reason emotional intelligence is so important has to do with how it affects your relationships with family, friends, and coworkers. Emotions are arguably the base element of any relationship, so being able to manage yours well means that you will have a far better time developing connections with others. Of course, being in touch with your feelings does not mean that you should always be an open book; people need space in order for things to develop without having every conversation weigh them down, but when you trust yourself enough to acknowledge what you are thinking and feeling at all times, everyone around you will feel much more comfortable opening up as well.

The best way I can think of to describe emotional intelligence is to imagine someone who has it like having a mental map of all their emotions. They know not only what they are feeling at any given moment, but also how that emotion relates to other feelings and situations; because of this, they are able to avoid making mistakes that would otherwise be impossible without knowing why they happened in the first place.

As many studies have shown (and as thousands of therapy sessions later reaffirm) emotional intelligence is the key ingredient in living an emotionally healthy life, giving you the advantage over those who let their feelings get out of control. By understanding your emotions better than anyone else, you can learn how best to deal with them while ensuring that they do not interfere with your daily activities or destroy personal relationships. Combine this with the confidence that comes from knowing that your mental state is as stable as can be and you have a recipe for success.

What do you think about emotional intelligence? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

* The five components of emotional intelligence: 

                 Self-awareness: The ability to recognize and understand your emotions and how they affect others around you.

                 Self-management: Your ability to control disruptive emotions and impulses; it also includes delaying gratification when necessary.

                 Social awareness: The capacity not only to understand other people's perspectives but also what makes them feel happy or sad.

                 Relationship skills: Not only being able to relationships with others but having the ability to foster them in the long term.

                 Emotional management: Your ability to use reasoning and knowledge about emotions to help you influence others.