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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Origin of Everyday Moods summary
Robert E. Thayer
Managing Energy, Tension, and Stress
29 mins
Brief summary
The Origin of Everyday Moods by Robert E. Thayer explores how our moods, energy, and stress levels affect daily life. It offers insight into ways we can regulate our moods for a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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The Origin of Everyday Moods
Summary of 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Different levels of energy and tension combine to form moods.
Think about the last time you were in a fantastic mood. How would you describe your bodily sensations and emotions during that period?
Perhaps you felt full of energy, alert, and boundless. You were relaxed, with no feelings of tension or anxiety. If you’re extroverted, you may have described yourself as energetic, peppy, and vigorous. Or, if you’re more introverted, you may have used words like confident, sociable, and happy. Your heart rate was probably relatively quick, your respiration elevated, and your metabolism high.
The average person might call this a “good mood.” But the author would instead call it calm-energy. Like all moods, it reflects your body’s physiological functioning as well as your psychological experience. This state is characterized by high energy and low tension, which means your body has plenty of resources and can use them efficiently, while mentally, you feel focused and at ease.
The key message here is: Different levels of energy and tension combine to form moods.
In 1985, psychologists David Watson and Auke Tellegen studied hundreds of moods. In the process, they discovered a surprising fact: that most moods are just variations on two dimensions. They called these positive affect and negative affect.
The author argues for a slightly different framework. Instead, he considers energy and tension to be the central factors and has defined four different human moods. Each one is differentiated by varying combinations of energy and tension.
We’ve already discussed the most positive mood, calm-energy. Another fairly enjoyable mood is calm-tiredness. In this state, your cardiovascular system is operating at low levels. You’ve got lower energy stores, and you might describe yourself as tired, sleepy, or drowsy. Nonetheless, there’s low tension, so you feel relaxed – perhaps you’re listening to music, reading a book, or engaged in a hobby.
Then, there’s the slightly less positive mood called tense-energy, which you might feel when working to meet a tight deadline. Your cardiovascular system, respiration, and metabolism are again at elevated levels. But unlike in calm-energy, your jaw, shoulders, and neck probably feel tense. You might describe yourself as jittery or anxious.
The final mood is one that almost everyone would describe as bad. It’s called tense-tiredness. This mood occurs when your body’s energy stores are very low. You’re fatigued, but instead of feeling relaxed, you’re tense. You’re also more prone to negative thoughts about yourself and your problems.
Which of these moods are you feeling right now? Depending on what time of day it is, you may have a different answer, which we’ll explore in the next blink.
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What is The Origin of Everyday Moods about?
The Origin of Everyday Moods (1996) explores the complex relationships between the biological and psychological factors that create and influence human moods. It also challenges common misconceptions, like the myth that moods are caused by thoughts. With a greater understanding of mood science, we can better manage and control our everyday moods.
The Origin of Everyday Moods Review
The Origin of Everyday Moods (1994) by Robert E. Thayer delves into the fascinating world of human emotions and why we experience various moods throughout the day. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It presents a comprehensive analysis of everyday moods, highlighting how factors such as sleep, exercise, and environment can impact our emotional well-being.
- Backed by extensive research and scientific studies, the book unveils valuable insights into the connection between our physical states and our emotions.
- Thayer's accessible writing style and engaging storytelling keep readers captivated, ensuring this book is far from boring while providing a deeper understanding of our daily moods.
Best quote from The Origin of Everyday Moods
Mood is something like a clinical thermometer, reflecting all the internal and external events that affect us.
—Robert E. Thayer
Who should read The Origin of Everyday Moods?
- Fans of psychology and personality studies
- Those who just can’t seem to break out of a bad mood
- Anyone curious about the different factors that influence our moods
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The Origin of Everyday Moods FAQs
What is the main message of The Origin of Everyday Moods?
The main message of The Origin of Everyday Moods is understanding the causes and patterns of our daily moods.
How long does it take to read The Origin of Everyday Moods?
The reading time for The Origin of Everyday Moods varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Origin of Everyday Moods a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Origin of Everyday Moods is worth reading as it provides insights into the origins of our moods and offers strategies for managing them effectively.
Who is the author of The Origin of Everyday Moods?
The author of The Origin of Everyday Moods is Robert E. Thayer.
What to read after The Origin of Everyday Moods?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Origin of Everyday Moods, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Anger Management for Dummies by Charles H. Elliott & Laura L. Smith
- How Emotions Are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
- The Chimp Paradox by Prof Steve Peters
- Emotional Agility by Susan David
- Know Thyself by Stephen M. Fleming
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
- Unmasking the Face by Paul Ekman and Wallace V. Friesen
- 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do by Amy Morin
- Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop
- The Generous Leader by Joe Davis