What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in Peer Support?

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand and manage your own and others' emotions, especially in interpersonal situations. EI is crucial for peer support, which is a form of mutual help and guidance among people who share similar experiences or challenges. Peer support can improve well-being, recovery, and social inclusion for people who face mental health, substance use, or other issues. However, if your EI is lacking, you may struggle to connect, empathize, and communicate effectively with your peers. Here are some tips on how to improve your EI and enhance your peer support skills.

1 Assess your EI

Before you can improve your EI, you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. There are various tools and tests that can help you measure your EI, such as the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) or the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i). These assessments can give you feedback on your abilities to perceive, use, understand, and regulate emotions. You can also ask for honest feedback from your peers, mentors, or supervisors on how you express and respond to emotions in peer support settings.

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2 Learn from others

One of the best ways to improve your EI is to observe and learn from others who have high EI. You can find role models in your peer support network, such as experienced peer supporters, trainers, or coordinators. You can also look for examples of EI in books, podcasts, videos, or online courses. Pay attention to how they demonstrate empathy, compassion, active listening, and constructive feedback. Try to emulate their behaviors and attitudes in your own interactions with peers.

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Shefali khurana

💡LinkedIn Top Voice💡|| Senior Analyst || Inspiring Growth Through Motivation & Strategic Marketing Insights || HR Professional || Open for Collaboration
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To learn from others: Active Listening: Pay close attention to what others are saying, seeking to understand their perspectives. Ask Questions: Inquire about others' experiences, insights, and expertise to gain valuable knowledge. Observation: Observe how others approach challenges or tasks, identifying effective strategies. Feedback: Welcome constructive feedback from others to understand areas for improvement.

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3 Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your present moment experience, without judgment or distraction. Mindfulness can help you improve your EI by enhancing your self-awareness, self-regulation, and attention. You can practice mindfulness through meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, or other activities that help you focus on your sensations, thoughts, and feelings. You can also practice mindfulness in peer support situations, by being fully present and attentive to your peer's emotions and needs.

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Shefali khurana

💡LinkedIn Top Voice💡|| Senior Analyst || Inspiring Growth Through Motivation & Strategic Marketing Insights || HR Professional || Open for Collaboration
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Focus on the Present: Pay attention to your current thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths, and focus your attention on each breath. Observation: Engage your senses by observing your surroundings without attachment to thoughts. Mindful Activities: Incorporate mindfulness into daily tasks, such as eating or walking, by being fully present.

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4 Expand your emotional vocabulary

Another way to improve your EI is to expand your emotional vocabulary, which is the range of words you use to describe and express your emotions. Having a rich emotional vocabulary can help you communicate more clearly and accurately with your peers, as well as understand and empathize with their emotions. You can expand your emotional vocabulary by reading books, articles, or blogs that use diverse and nuanced emotional language. You can also use tools such as the emotion wheel, which is a visual representation of the different types and levels of emotions.

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5 Seek feedback and support

Finally, improving your EI is an ongoing process that requires feedback and support from others. You can seek feedback from your peers, mentors, or supervisors on how you are improving your EI and peer support skills. You can also ask for support when you face challenges or difficulties in your peer support role. For example, you can join a peer support supervision group, where you can share your experiences, learn from others, and receive guidance and encouragement.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in Peer Support?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your EI

2 Learn from others

3 Practice mindfulness

4 Expand your emotional vocabulary

5 Seek feedback and support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

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What do you do if your emotional intelligence is lacking in Peer Support?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your EI

2 Learn from others

3 Practice mindfulness

4 Expand your emotional vocabulary

5 Seek feedback and support

6 Here’s what else to consider

Peer Support

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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