"The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts"

Have you ever felt like your emotions were on a rollercoaster? One moment you’re on top of the world, and the next, you’re in a free fall. You’re definitely not alone. We all go through a whirlwind of emotions, and learning how to understand and manage them is a big part of life. But here’s a thought: could these emotions actually affect your health?

In this blog, we’re going to dive into emotional intelligence (EI) and why it’s so important, especially for young women in healthcare. Think of EI like a skilled pilot navigating a plane through rough skies and it helps us steer our emotions toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. So, let’s explore how mastering our emotions can make a real difference!

Emotional Intelligence: More Than Just a Buzzword

Let’s break it down. Emotional intelligence (often shortened to EI) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions and the emotions of others. It’s the quiet skill that allows us to connect with people, feel empathy, and make thoughtful decisions, even when emotions are running high.

Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, sounds nice, but how does this impact healthcare?” Well, in my experience, it’s the key to creating a patient-centered approach. Imagine walking into a clinic as a young girl facing menstrual pain or any other health issue. You’re vulnerable, perhaps anxious, and unsure of what’s happening to your body. The difference between a positive and negative experience often boils down to whether the healthcare provider shows empathy.

In those moments, it’s not just about diagnosing a problem. It’s about making the person feel understood. That’s where emotional intelligence shines.

How Emotional Intelligence Can Change Healthcare

In healthcare, emotional intelligence is essential for both providers and patients. Here’s why:

• Building Trust: When doctors and nurses demonstrate emotional intelligence, they create an atmosphere of trust. Patients are more likely to share important details about their health when they feel their concerns are being taken seriously.
• Better Communication: Healthcare is a field full of jargon, and emotional intelligence helps providers communicate in a way that patients can easily understand. It’s all about speaking with someone, not at them.
• Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Many health-related situations are stressful, especially for young girls and women dealing with stigmatized issues like menstrual health. Emotional intelligence allows providers to recognize and address these emotions, helping to reduce anxiety and create a more supportive environment.
• Patient Empowerment: Emotional intelligence also empowers patients. When they feel understood and respected, they’re more likely to take control of their own health and make informed decisions.

I’ve seen firsthand how this works through the Utpat Foundation’s initiatives. Whether it’s running workshops that teach emotional resilience or advocating for menstrual equity in schools, we’ve made emotional intelligence a core component of our approach.

The Utpat Foundation’s Journey: How We Embrace Emotional Intelligence

I co-founded the Utpat Foundation to create safe spaces for girls and women to talk about menstrual health without judgment. In the process, we discovered that emotional intelligence is critical not just for the girls and women we support but also for the educators, healthcare providers, and mentors we work with.

Take, for example, our school workshops. When we started educating young girls on menstrual health, we quickly realized that information alone wasn’t enough. Some girls were too shy to ask questions, while others had been taught to feel shame about their bodies. That’s when emotional intelligence came in. We began training our educators to approach every question with empathy, to listen more than they spoke, and to create an environment where every girl felt safe to share.

I remember one particular workshop where a young girl hesitated to raise her hand during the Q&A. You could tell she had something on her mind but wasn’t sure how to say it. Our educator, instead of moving on, took a moment to address the group, saying, “There are no silly questions here. We’re all in this together, and your feelings are valid.”

That small moment made a world of difference. The girl raised her hand and asked her question, and we all learned something new that day about the importance of creating emotionally safe spaces in healthcare.

Emotional Intelligence and Period Poverty

Now, let’s talk about something else I’m deeply passionate about: period poverty. For those unfamiliar, period poverty refers to the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and facilities. It’s an issue that disproportionately affects young girls and women from low-income backgrounds.

Period poverty isn’t just about the physical lack of resources; it’s also about the emotional toll it takes. Many girls experience shame, embarrassment, and isolation because of their periods, particularly when they don’t have the products they need. Emotional intelligence plays a vital role here. We must not only provide the resources but also ensure that these young girls feel seen, heard, and supported.

Through the Utpat Foundation, we advocate for inclusive school policies that ensure access to menstrual products and proper facilities, but we also focus on the emotional side of things. By creating an environment of empathy and understanding, we help young girls realize that there’s nothing shameful about their bodies.

How You Can Embrace Emotional Intelligence

So, how can you develop your own emotional intelligence, whether you’re in healthcare or just navigating life? Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful:

• Practice Active Listening: This means really focusing on what the other person is saying, without interrupting or thinking about how you’re going to respond.
• Develop Self-Awareness: Take time to understand your own emotions. Why do you feel the way you do? The more self-aware you are, the better you’ll be at managing your emotions in stressful situations.
• Show Empathy: Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. What might they be feeling right now? How can you show them that you understand?
  
• Take Care of Yourself: Emotional intelligence isn’t just about understanding others—it’s also about taking care of your own emotional well-being. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, eating well, and finding time to relax.

Let’s Create a More Empathetic Future

In short, emotional intelligence has the power to change healthcare. It’s not just about treating symptoms. It’s about treating people. Whether it’s a young girl struggling with menstrual health or a patient dealing with a chronic illness, emotional intelligence helps create an environment where healing can truly take place.

I’m proud of the work we’re doing at the Utpat Foundation to promote wellness and emotional intelligence, and I hope you’ll join me in making empathy a priority in every aspect of life. Let’s create a future where emotional intelligence isn’t just a skill but a way of life in healthcare and beyond. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

Join us at the Utpat Foundation in creating a safe and empowered environment for young girls and women to embrace their menstrual health without shame. You can also visit my website for more information and to better understand the things we are advocating.