Physical Health & Emotional Intelligence

Can our emotional intelligence have a measurable impact on our physical health? While not every aspect of emotional intelligence affects every aspect of physical health, studies have shown major overlaps between these two seemingly separate parts of our lives.

We are well aware of the impact that stress can have on our physical well being.  Stress can activate cortisol which is a steroid hormone released by the adrenal glands. When the body perceives something as a threat, it triggers the adrenal glands to release cortisol and adrenaline. This natural response results in a burst of new energy and strength. Although this response is helpful, too much cortisol can have a negative effect on your body. 

While producing cortisol is a necessity for life and helps keep us motivated, awake and responsive to our environment, maintaining abnormally high circulating cortisol levels can become dangerous and contribute to long-term health problems.

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  Chronic Stress is now linked with just about every health problem out there. Stress affects most people at least to some degree and impacts health by sending chemical signals around the body, including to the heart and blood vessels, immune system, lungs, digestive system, sensory organs, and brain. Stress has the power to increase breathing, heart rate, pain and muscle tension, your appetite (including overeating), and sleep-related problems.

  Emotions like stress also have the ability to override our objective mind. They can influence how we run our personal lives, business relationships, manage our health, decision making and much more. In fact, poor food choices can be triggered by emotions, which can lead to long term chronic illness. 

  Emotional Intelligence

  What is Emotional Intelligence?

  It's the ability to:

  • • Manage your own emotions
    • Understand and influence the emotions of others

  It is also being aware that emotions can drive your behavior and effect people (positively and negatively) and knowing that emotions can also have a big effect on your health.

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  Just like training your Physical Body, your Emotional Intelligence needs training as well.

  Here are 5 steps to help you with Emotional Intelligence Training

  • Train yourself to sense your emotions via sensations in your body. 
  • Be an observer of yourself.
  • Notice your own strengths. 
  • Start with self-awareness. 
  • Continuous learning

  
  

  Understanding your Stress Response System and the connection with Emotional Intelligence will help you manage your emotions in healthy ways. Take control of your feelings and behaviors, learn to manage your expectations of others, and adapt to changing circumstances.
  

  
  

  
  

  Donald Grandy

  Precision Nutrition Certification - Pn1
  Sport and Exercise Coach

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  dongrandy@gmail.com
  

  
  

  *This content is strictly for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.