Emotional intelligence not only affects performance at work but also physical and mental health, relationships and social intelligence.
This is according to Allie Xu, a pharmacist who is working as a ‘pharmaprenuer’ on the side to launch her business, The Institute of Pharmapreneurs.
Increasing emotional intelligence can help pharmacists to deal with stress during this unprecedented time, says Ms Xu.
EQ is the ability to perceive emotions, to access and generate emotions so as to assist thought, to understand emotions and emotional knowledge, and to reflectively regulate emotions so as to promote emotional and intellectual growth.
Ms Xu emphasises that in addition to IQ, being successful in the world requires being ‘street smart’ and developing high EQ or emotional intelligence, which is defined as an individual’s ability to identify, evaluate, control, and express emotions.
Self-awareness is the first step to understand our own emotions and manage stress she says.
It is a conscious, deliberate reflection on personal feelings, desires and how these are associated with perceptions of self in the context of various situations. This includes empathy and understanding of self and knowing why emotions occur.
“To be able to manage stress during this crisis, the first step is to pay attention to our emotions. Often this is hard when we are so concentrated on patients who are ill and panic buying because of the pandemic. This is especially because we have so many things going on at the same time; the phone is ringing, a patient needs immediate attention and time five scripts are lining up with social distancing measures in place.
“Therefore, self-awareness is so important. It is the beginning of healing and how to deal with stress.”
For further information contact Ashleigh Price at ashleigh@rubyagency.com.au
