In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in our emotions without taking a moment to reflect on how we truly feel. We might not even realise the impact our moods have on our overall wellbeing and interactions with others. However, in a bustling emergency department of an Australian hospital, a simple yet powerful practice emerged to encourage self-awareness and bring about positive change – the mood badge system.

 

The mood badge system

Imagine walking into the staff room at the start of your shift and being greeted by a noticeboard adorned with a range of coloured badges, each representing a specific mood – sadness, grumpiness, neutrality, happiness, and ecstasy. Every worker was asked to choose a badge that resonated with their current emotional state and wear it throughout their shift. It might seem like a trivial exercise, but the true power of this system lies not in wearing the badge, but in the process of choosing it.

Before anyone could make a choice, they had to go through a crucial step – noticing their own mood. This act of noticing is where the transformation begins. It prompts individuals to pause, reflect, and become aware of their emotions. When we acknowledge our feelings and accept them without judgment, we open the door to understanding ourselves better and, ultimately, to the possibility of positive change.

 

“If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”
Daniel Goleman


Self-awareness

The genius of the mood badge system lies in cultivating self-awareness. It reminds us that we are not merely passive recipients of emotions; instead, we have the power to influence them. Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence, and by recognising our feelings, we gain insights into the factors influencing our emotional states.

 

Triggers

Through self-awareness, we become attuned to triggers that affect our moods. It might be the stress of a challenging task, personal problems, or simply a lack of rest. Armed with this knowledge, we can then take steps to address those triggers positively. It might involve seeking support from colleagues, taking a few moments to meditate or practise deep breathing, or engaging in activities that lift our spirits.

 

Honesty

The badge system also encourages honest self-evaluation. Sometimes, we might be tempted to wear a happier badge to portray a positive facade. However, this practice emphasises the importance of authenticity and honesty with oneself. By acknowledging our true emotions, we are better equipped to handle them constructively.

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Observation

While some might debate the extent to which we can change our mood merely by deciding to do so, one thing remains undeniable – the critical role of noticing in this process. If we don't take the time to recognise our emotions, we remain stuck in a state of emotional autopilot, unable to make informed choices about how we want to feel.

 

Emotional self-regulation

As we practise noticing our moods regularly, we develop a greater sense of emotional self-regulation. We learn to identify patterns in our feelings and develop coping mechanisms to navigate through challenging times. This heightened self-awareness not only benefits us but also has a positive ripple effect on our interactions with others. When we are aware of our emotions, we are less likely to project negative feelings onto others and can respond to situations with empathy and understanding.

 

The wrap-up

Self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth and emotional wellbeing. The mood badge system introduced in the emergency department demonstrates the transformative power of noticing one's own emotions. By taking a moment to recognise our moods, we unlock the potential to choose our attitude and approach life with greater mindfulness. Let us all embrace the genius of self-awareness, so that we can truly thrive and lead more fulfilling lives.



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