We all know at least one person who seems to have a natural knack for handling themselves and others with ease.

They’re the ones who navigate through life’s ups and downs with a steady hand, manage to stay poised during heated arguments, and genuinely empathize with the feelings of others.

What’s their secret? They’re emotionally intelligent.

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is what sets these individuals apart. It’s not just about being smart or having a high IQ – it’s about understanding and managing your emotions, as well as those of the people around you.

But EQ isn’t merely an inborn trait; it can be nurtured and developed. The trick lies in our daily habits.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 daily habits that emotionally intelligent people consistently practice.

1. They start their day with mindfulness

Emotionally intelligent people often begin their day with a moment of silence, meditation, or simply a few deep breaths. This isn’t about achieving nirvana or anything – it’s just a simple habit that helps them tune into their feelings and set a peaceful tone for the day.

Mindfulness gives them a clear head to deal with whatever comes their way. So instead of jumping straight into emails or social media, they take a moment to just be.

Try it tomorrow morning and see the difference it makes!

2. They’re in tune with their emotions

Emotionally intelligent people don’t just brush their feelings under the carpet. They acknowledge their emotions – be it joy, sadness, anxiety, or excitement – and let themselves feel them without judgment.

This doesn’t mean they’re constantly on an emotional rollercoaster. It just means they’re aware of their emotions and don’t try to block them out.

This understanding helps them navigate their day with more grace and empathy towards themselves and others.

3. They take breaks to recharge

Emotionally intelligent people know that everyone has a limit, and it’s important to take breaks to recharge.

This is a habit I’ve personally picked up and it has made a world of difference in my daily routine.

I used to think that working non-stop meant I was being productive. But over time, I realized I was just burning myself out. So, I started taking short breaks throughout the day – a quick walk outside, a five-minute meditation, or even just a moment to enjoy a cup of tea.

This has not only helped me stay fresh and energized but also made me more aware of my emotional state throughout the day.

It’s a small habit, but it has had a big impact on my emotional well-being.

4. They practice active listening

Emotionally intelligent people are excellent listeners.

But they don’t just passively hear what others are saying – they actively listen. This means they give their full attention to the person speaking, showing genuine interest in understanding their perspective.

According to research, we only remember about 25% of what we hear. That’s because most of us are not fully engaged in listening.

However, active listeners, like those with high emotional intelligence, retain much more information because they are fully present in the conversation.

Next time you’re in a conversation, try to really focus on what the other person is saying instead of planning your next response.

Not only will you understand them better, but you’ll also strengthen your relationships by showing that you truly value their thoughts and feelings.

5. They express gratitude

Emotionally intelligent people make a habit of expressing gratitude. It’s not just about saying “thank you” for big favors – it’s about appreciating the little things in life that often go unnoticed.

Expressing gratitude has a way of shifting our focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right. It’s a gentle reminder that even amidst challenges, there are always things to be thankful for.

You might think this is a small thing, but it can truly touch the hearts of those around you.

You see, when you express gratitude, you’re not just making your own day brighter – you’re spreading that positivity to others as well.

So why not make someone’s day today? A simple “thank you” can go a long way!

6. They handle criticism gracefully

This is a tough one, but emotionally intelligent people have mastered it. They know how to handle criticism without taking it personally.

I must admit, this was something I struggled with initially.

In the past, whenever I received criticism, I would immediately go into defense mode. But over time, I realized that criticism wasn’t an attack on me personally. It was an opportunity to learn and grow.

Now, whenever I receive feedback, I take a moment to process it rather than reacting instantly. I try to understand the other person’s perspective and see if there’s something I can learn from it.

This shift in mindset has not only helped me improve professionally, but it has also reduced unnecessary stress and conflict in my life.

Criticism isn’t always bad – sometimes, it’s just the push you need to become better!

7. They’re not afraid of saying “No”

Emotionally intelligent people know that they can’t please everyone – and they’re okay with that. They understand that saying “yes” to everything is a surefire way to burn out and lose sight of their own needs.

Sometimes, saying “no” can be tough. We want to be helpful, we want to be liked, we don’t want to let people down.

But here’s the hard truth – you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you’re constantly stretching yourself thin trying to meet everyone else’s demands, you’ll have nothing left for yourself.

So, emotionally intelligent people say “no” when they need to. It’s not about being selfish. It’s about setting boundaries and taking care of their own mental and emotional health.

And that’s something we should all strive for.

8. They avoid negative self-talk

Emotionally intelligent people are aware of their inner dialogue and make a conscious effort to avoid negative self-talk. They understand that the way they talk to themselves matters.

According to psychologists, the language we use in our self-talk can affect our mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. Negative self-talk can lead to higher stress and lower self-esteem.

Emotionally intelligent people practice positive self-talk. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” they’ll say, “This is challenging, but I’ll give it my best shot.” This shift in language can make a big difference in how we perceive ourselves and our abilities.

Be kind to yourself in your thoughts. You’re doing better than you think!

9. They embrace change

Emotionally intelligent people understand that change is a part of life. They’re not scared of it, but rather, they embrace it.

I remember a time when I was terrified of any kind of change. It felt safer to stay in my comfort zone. But over time, I realized that by resisting change, I was also blocking new opportunities and experiences.

So, I decided to change my attitude towards change. Instead of seeing it as something scary and uncertain, I started viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning. This shift in perspective has helped me adapt to new situations with much more ease and confidence.

Change isn’t always bad. Sometimes, it’s just the universe nudging you towards growth and new experiences!

10. They don’t sweat the small stuff

Life is too short to get worked up over minor inconveniences or setbacks. Emotionally intelligent people get this. They have this incredible ability to keep things in perspective.

They understand that not every battle is worth fighting, and not every hill is worth dying on. They pick their battles wisely, knowing that some things just aren’t worth their time or energy.

So, next time you find yourself getting frustrated over something small, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Will this matter in a week? A month? A year?”

If the answer is no, let it go. Your peace of mind is worth more.