#72 Performance expert explains how to manage your stress and be the best
Mar 22, 2023
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Dr Jemma King, a human behaviorist specializing in emotional intelligence and performance under stress, discusses the impact of stress on decision-making and the importance of emotional intelligence in high-pressure situations. She also explores the erosion of trust in institutions, the role dynamics and compliance in various environments, and navigating stressful situations and financial decisions.
Emotional intelligence moderates stress by perceiving, managing emotions effectively.
Sleep quality and cortisol management improve decision-making under stress.
Chemosignaling and emotional contagion impact interpersonal dynamics and decision-making in group settings.
Deep dives
Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management
Being emotionally intelligent is a protective factor against stress, affecting how one perceives and manages emotions. Dr. Zuma King discusses the importance of emotional perception, understanding emotions, using them for goal attainment, and managing emotions in oneself and others. This emotional intelligence model acts as a moderator of stress, emphasizing the need to optimize biochemistry for cognitive decision-making during stressful situations.
Adaptive Physiology in Stress Responses
Understanding how cortisol affects decision-making and physiology is crucial. Cortisol, triggered by stress, hinders cognitive functions and creates a bias towards negativity. Adenosine, a byproduct of energy metabolism, leads to feelings of doom. Deep, slow-wave sleep facilitates adenosine clearance and emotional regulation, emphasizing the importance of sleep architecture and managing cortisol levels.
Chemosignaling and Emotional Contagion
Chemosignaling, detecting emotional cues from others through scent receptors, influences human interactions. Emotional contagion highlights how one's emotional state impacts others in group settings. Paying attention to these subtle cues, managing one's emotional presence, and understanding how physiological factors influence decision-making are essential for navigating stress and interpersonal dynamics.
Understanding the Influence of Emotional Intelligence in Modern Media
Modern organizations like Instagram constantly manipulate emotional intelligence through techniques like A/B testing to shape user experiences. This constant manipulation raises concerns about the impact on individuals, especially younger generations who may not have the critical thinking skills to navigate these emotionally driven platforms effectively. Learning how organizations leverage emotional intelligence to influence user behavior is crucial in empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
The Importance of Sleep Consistency in Overall Well-Being
Consistent sleep patterns play a crucial role in overall health and well-being, with sleep quality directly impacting metabolic function and cognitive processes. Creating a routine where individuals go to bed at the same time each night can significantly improve their sleep quality and ultimately their performance in daily activities. Ensuring a balance between work, relaxation, social interactions, and self-care forms the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, enhancing longevity and mental clarity.
Dr Jemma King is a Human Behaviourist specialising in Emotional Intelligence and Performance under Stress expert.
Dr King is also a Research Fellow at the University of Queensland School of Psychology and works as a specialist external advisor to McKinsey and Company.
She has consulted the Australian Defence Force, Special Operations Command, and the Centre for Australian Army.