There has been considerable research, like I have mentioned before, around the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in your success.
“In the last decade or so, science has discovered a tremendous amount about the role emotions play in our lives. Researchers have found that even more than IQ, your emotional awareness and abilities to handle feelings will determine your success and happiness in all walks of life, including family relationships” Dr. John Gottman
Social Responsibility is important in your EQ Growth.
I know you a probably thinking, why can’t I just worry about myself? Well, short answer is “go ahead”! But you are missing out on some great EQ growth opportunities...just sayin’.
Are you a wee bit curious?!?
Still not convinced that “giving” helps you? Well, join me anyway on this social responsibility tour. Keep an open mind. You may just find that there is actually something in it for you…if you make it to the end of this blog post 😉
To set the stage, here is the official definition of EQ Social Responsibility:
Social Responsibility is willingly contributing to society, to one’s social groups, and generally to the welfare of others. Social Responsibility involves acting responsibly, having social consciousness, and showing concern for the greater community.
Ok, still not convinced that this is a good idea?
Well…ok…be that way 😉
Before you leave…just watch this super awesome video…just for your OWN fun. 
Christmas Gift Experiment
Pretty cool! I love this video. I watched it several times and was so struck by the happy feelings that I experienced every time. I loved the evolution from wanting to keep the present to the absolute joy and fun of giving it away. T’is the season! I thought that this video was very timely for those of you out there who celebrate Christmas.
Have I convinced you of the power of giving yet?
Want to know more about this experiment? Read Full Story
Oh yeah ;)…You know it!
It’s Psych-Nerdy Time Again!
Researchers, Raposa, Laws and Ansell (2015), found that giving others a small helping hand is a surprisingly effective way to deal with everyday stressors. The following is what they found:
- The results showed helping others helped buffer people’s emotions against stress and made them feel happier.
- If a participant did engage in more prosocial behaviours, such as offering to open a door on stressful days, there was essentially no impact of stress on positive emotion or daily mental health.
Don’t let stress win!
Do something positive for someone else.
Craving more reasons?
Read This Too!
“Pay it Forward” Research
In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2010), researchers from the University of California, San Diego and Harvard provide the first laboratory evidence that cooperative behavior is contagious and that it spreads from person to person to person.
When people benefit from kindness they “pay it forward” by helping others who were not originally involved, and this creates a cascade of cooperation that influences dozens more in a social network.
If you are going to spread something this cold and flu season, choose to spread love, positivity and cooperation.
Just for Fun
Hile Rutledge, author and trainer, has compiled what he thinks are songs that exemplify social responsibility. Check it out and listen for the story behind the lyrics. Maybe this will inspire you!
Whether you have just finished celebrating Hanukkah, or are heading into the Kwanza and Christmas season, this is the time to give. Give a little prezzy and get the gift of lower stress in return.
The holiday season can be a very stressful time, so think about giving directions, asking someone if they need help or holding that elevator door. BE CONTAGIOUS!
I wish you all the best, wherever, whenever and whatever you celebrate..let’s be good to each other.
Dr. Heather Drummond, C.Psych.
Psychologist * Passionate Advocate for Flourishing * Human Muddling Through
#EmbraceThisMessyLife
References
- E. B. Raposa, H. B. Laws, E. B. Ansell. Prosocial Behavior Mitigates the Negative Effects of Stress in Everyday Life. Clinical Psychological Science, 2015; DOI: 10.1177/2167702615611073
- Prosocial Behavior Mitigates the Negative Effects of Stress in Everyday Life: Click Here
- Watch as Grand Central commuters give their Christmas gifts to complete strangers – Click Here
- A Surprising Way To Cope With Everyday Stress – Click Here
“It is very important to understand that emotional intelligence is not the opposite of intelligence, it is not the triumph of heart over head – it is the unique intersection of both.”