Moods Vs Emotions.

Basic emotions and moods are distinct psychological experiences that differ in several key ways. Basic emotions are a set of primary, universal, and innate emotions believed to be biologically programmed in humans. They include emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, fear, disgust, and surprise. Mood refers to a more general and enduring emotional state that is less intense and more prolonged than basic emotions. Moods can persist for hours, days, or even weeks.

Just tracking your mood won’t bring that level of understanding of your “bad mood” sources or what is really bothering you. Therefore it will be more complicated to identify and resolve your issues. In other words, the mood is just an imprint of your emotional experience in the past.

• Basic emotions are relatively short-lived and intense. They are typically triggered by specific events or stimuli and have a clear onset and offset. However, mood refers to a more general and enduring emotional state that is less intense and more prolonged than basic emotions. Moods can persist for hours, days, or even weeks.
  
• Basic emotions are highly focused and have a specific target or cause. When you experience a basic emotion, you can usually identify what triggered it. Moods are often more diffuse and less tied to specific events. You may be in a good mood or a bad mood without necessarily being able to pinpoint a particular cause.
  
• Basic emotions are believed to serve evolutionary purposes, helping humans respond quickly to environmental stimuli and threats. For example, fear prompts the fight-or-flight response in the face of danger. Moods are not as directly tied to immediate adaptive functions as basic emotions. They can influence cognitive processes, decision-making, and overall wellbeing over time.
  

Basic emotions are distinct, brief, and intense experiences with specific triggers and clear expressions. At the same time, moods are more general and enduring emotional states that can be influenced by a wide range of factors and may not have a specific trigger or expression. That’s why working with your emotions is essential for understanding the cause of your distress and “bad moods.”