5 must-read books to enhance your emotional intelligence

Ever been called emotionally needy, high maintenance, overly sensitive, demanding or selfish? If yes, don't worry; you are not alone!

Our thoughts shape our mood and attitude, but sometimes our brains produce "automatic thoughts" beyond our control, affecting our behaviour. PhD holders Dennis Greenberger and Christine A. Padesky explain this in their book “Mind Over Mood”.

These automatic thoughts can make it tough to manage overwhelming emotions, leading to low emotional intelligence. Lisa Ferentz, in her book “Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors”, says these behaviours come from attachments that mess with your emotional balance. If you don't keep them in check, you might struggle to show emotions and communicate your needs, hurting your emotional quotient.

As a result, reading became a crucial strategy for strengthening mental and social intelligence. To help you boost your EQ, here are the best books on emotional intelligence that you must read:

1. The Book of Moods, Lauren Martin

It is a valuable read for anyone seeking to understand and manage their emotions better. This book combines extensive research, personal stories, and moments of self-realisation to offer insights into our emotional lives. It takes readers into the nature of moods, helping them recognise and address their emotional triggers. So, whether you are dealing with anxiety, frustration, or any other challenging emotion, this book offers tools to navigate and control your feelings, promoting a healthier, more balanced life.

2. A Gentle Reminder, Bianca Sparacino

It is a comforting emotional intelligence book for those times when you need emotional support and encouragement. This book is like a warm embrace for your broken pieces, offering gentle words to help you mend and move forward. Sparacino provides soothing reminders to persevere through life's challenges and to embrace both your past and the future. Furthermore, the book encourages you to acknowledge your struggles, celebrate your progress, and keep your hope alive. Therefore, "A Gentle Reminder" is a must-read, providing inspiration and consolation to help you keep going and find inner peace in life.

3. When You’re Ready, This Is How You Heal, Brianna West

Undeniably, one of the bestselling books on emotional intelligence that will prepare you to handle the aftermath of traumatic events and their impact on your life. This book walks you through the process of transforming trauma into an opportunity for personal evolution. It encourages embracing the pain and using it as a catalyst for becoming more self-aware and emotionally intelligent. In doing so, the book hopes to promote emotional fortitude and a more profound self-awareness, which will ultimately result in a life that is more harmonious and enlightened.

4. The Mountain Is You, Brianna West

“The Mountain Is You” is indeed among the best reads on improving emotional intelligence, providing practical advice and strategies for identifying and addressing self-sabotage. This book will give you the confidence and direction you need to leave your comfort zone and detrimental habits, embracing the adjustments required to realise your full potential. In addition, through self-awareness and emotional intelligence, West believes we can transform our lives and achieve our goals. By turning our biggest obstacles into opportunities for growth, we can move forward with confidence and purpose.

5. The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements draws on ancient Toltec wisdom to help you break free from self-limiting beliefs. It is considered one of the best books to improve emotional intelligence because it focuses on four key principles: be impeccable with your word, do not take anything personally, do not make assumptions, and always do your best. This book presents a powerful code of conduct that can quickly transform your life, guiding you towards greater freedom, genuine happiness, and love. By adopting these agreements, you can overcome negative thoughts and behaviours that hold you back, leading to a more fulfilling and liberated life.