Stress management is the final area that contributes to emotional intelligence. This is about how well we cope with change, the unfamiliar, and our daily challenges. Here, we examine how well we manage stress.

These competencies make up the Stress Management area of the EQ model:

• Flexibility
• Stress Tolerance
• Optimism

In my last blog, Stretch And Get Flexible, I examined the first emotional intelligence competency under this Stress Management composite, Flexibility. Let’s continue with the second competency and discuss Stress Tolerance.

Stress Tolerance is the ability to tolerate stress, without a decrease in performance.

Stress is a common occurrence, and if you aren’t careful, it can negatively affect your emotional and psychological well-being. Whether you are feeling stress from your scholarly, professional, or personal life, it is important to know that you have to power to pinpoint those stressors and control them.

So, how do you increase your stress tolerance?

Here are three tips that will be the key to your success.

1. Realize the things you can’t control

There are plenty of things that can happen unexpectedly. Your job is to realize that we can’t possibly control everything. When you feel as though certain events have blindsided you, react appropriately – be creative and come up with new ideas to help you accomplish what you need to.

2. Take care of YOU

Many of us overlook this simple trick for managing stress. Eating right, exercising regularly, and getting a full night’s rest are things we should all be doing for ourselves. Our bodies go through a lot in a day – it makes sense to treat them properly so they continue helping us get what we need to be done!

*Quick Tip – Do one thing a day that makes you happy, even if it’s watching your favourite episode of Friends.

3. Let it out

What are friends for? They are in our lives to share the ups and downs with – so when you feel stressed about something, go to friends or family and talk about it! Bottled-up frustration and anger will only increase the stress you are already feeling. When you let go of those feelings and share them with your friend, they will help you sort through your feelings, thus, increasing your stress tolerance.

So there you have it – three simple steps at building your stress tolerance.

1. Realize the things you can’t control
2. Take care of YOU
3. Let it out

Feel your stress levels lowering already? Perfect can’t wait to hear about your progression! So, make sure you leave a comment below.

If this post has you curious and you’d like to learn more, watch my video on my Leading with Emotional Intelligence training programs (training programs are available in both face-to-face and online delivery formats).

Join me next time as I continue to break down the final emotional intelligence area of Stress Management and explore the third competency in this area, optimism.

Learn more about emotional intelligence in my previous blogs:

• A Leader’s New Best Friend
• What’s Your Score?
• What Really Matters
• Once You Know Better, You Do Better
• Can You Express Your Feelings?
• Are You Assertive?
• Freedom = Independence
• Interpersonal Relationships – Connecting with Others
• Walking In Someone Else’s Shoes
• Lend a Helping Hand
• Problem Solving – Emotions Can Help, Not Hurt Your Process
• Test What Is Real
• Controlling Your Impulses – What to do When Temptation is Calling Your Name?
• Stretch And Get Flexible