What are Hot Buttons? We hear a lot about the importance of emotional intelligence in personal and work life. However, tangible and easy-to-use strategies to cultivate emotional intelligence without psychobabble are hard to find. One simple strategy to increase awareness of your and others’ emotions, a key component of emotional intelligence, is identifying your hot buttons (Lynn, 2007). This technique is useful in gauging your reactions during an emotionally charged or high-stress situation and makes you aware that there may be other ways of reacting to a situation rather than the usual fight-or-flight response. Hot buttons are events, words, phrases, situations, or a combination of these things that set off an immediate and intense negative emotion in you. People may not be intentionally trying to push these buttons, but your defensive reaction may drive them away. Thus, recognizing these hot buttons and not letting yourself give into these will help you maintain healthy interperson...
Authored by Dr. Harpreet Duggal, a board-certified psychiatrist and expert in self-managing depression, this blog offers practical strategies for treating depression beyond medications and therapy. It explores key elements such as healthy living, positive psychology, relationships, personal values, strengths, communication, and overall wellness. Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional treatment advice.