All of us have changes in mood or mood swings all day. By maintaining a small diary over a few days, I observed that there are many highs and lows, ups and downs in my moods as I go through daily activities.

I noted down the situations which elicited various commonly experienced emotions. For instance, I felt nervous before an important examination, tense and concerned about my future career, and anxious when someone close to me was unwell. I also experienced joy and happiness when meeting friends, alongside moments of sadness, unhappiness, and irritation.

As famous analytical psychologist Carl Jung remarkably said, “How can I be substantial without casting a shadow? I must have a dark side, too, if I am to be whole and by becoming conscious of my shadow, I remember once more that I am a human being like any other.” Experiencing these negative emotions is a natural part of life.

While all of us face major problems at some point in our lives, some people have an extreme reaction to the problems and stresses of life. After collecting this information, I have a better understanding of my own moods and how they fluctuate through the day.