6: Seconds

The first 6 seconds are biology. The next 6 minutes are a story you're telling yourself.

The "6-second rule" is a core concept in emotional intelligence developed by . It refers to the fact that the chemical "burst" of an emotion lasts roughly six seconds before being absorbed by the body.

Did you know that an emotional "burst"—the chemicals flooding your brain—only lasts about 6 seconds?. 6 seconds

According to the emotional intelligence experts at , that’s how long it takes for a feeling to physically process in your body.

If you're still angry after 6 seconds, you're subconsciously choosing to stay there. The first 6 seconds are biology

If we pause for just 6 seconds before reacting, we give ourselves the chance to act with empathy instead of impulse. It’s a small window that makes a huge difference in our relationships and our mental health.

Those 6 seconds are a signal. What you do next determines your peace of mind. It refers to the fact that the chemical

Everything you feel after those initial 6 seconds is a choice to keep fueling that emotion.