We know that EI is a learned set of skills that involves understanding and managing emotions, and that there are several benefits to having higher EI. On the flip side, when EI is low, feelings of anxiety and depression can result. In a very recent study, Sturgill et al. (2021) sought to determine the effectiveness of delivering app-based EI curriculum and mindfulness techniques among college students. Ultimately, students who used the app for just one term (14-weeks) reported significant improvements in personal wellness, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and an overall improvement in their EI. And yes, this was in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Other studies have found that apps designed around mindfulness and meditation help to manage stress, the culprit behind the "fight or flight" action that inhibits the ability for the brain to engage with EI techniques. Mindfulness is an effective stress antidote, and using a mindfulness-based app can improve self-reported levels of stress, resilience, and overall life satisfaction in adults in just 10 days, with even more improvements after using the app for 30 days.

It may not be feasible to integrate mindfulness apps into academic curriculum at all levels, however, being aware of the power of these apps can help educators and trainers find creative use-cases.

In 2015, Amazon launched Connections, a daily survey tool for its employees. Each day, every single Amazon employee must answer a question before they can gain access to their computers or workstations. The questions cover topics like job satisfaction, team communication, work culture, and training opportunities. The survey data is aggregated and only shared internally with the intent of organizational improvement, however, the biggest criticism of this approach is that it is not anonymous. As a result, the Connections approach has questionable validity company-wide.

This example amplifies the need to have authentic, honest reflections in practices of self-care and EI exercises. Further, the mental well-being journey in leadership is critical, but ultimately very personal. Organizations and leaders may do well to build in policies that allow employees to practice with mindfulness apps in the workplace (designated areas, times, or apps) so that everyone can benefit from the advantages of increased EI.

Using an app to track emotions and practice techniques related to EI can be an effective way to improve one's skills, ultimately improving one's ability to learn and/or lead. While individual users differ in their preferences, ideally, apps related to EI training should include the following elements for optimal effect:

• labelling - the ability to name and track emotions (self-awareness)

• training - opportunities to practice skills related to EI such as self-regulation (e.g., meditation) and empathy (e.g., compassion)

• intervention - tracking or training can occur in moments when it's needed most, based on emotional inputs; reminders or alarms can prevent missing entries or extended absences from training sessions

• personalization - aspects of the app should be customizable, including when daily prompts or reminders occur, and users should be able to select training most relevant to their goals

• gamification - users are more likely to engage with the app when gamification tools and game-based learning are used

New to EI apps? Consider trying one of these.