The Moment Everything Tilted
There’s a moment I remember vividly—curled up on the floor of my kitchen, tears still warm on my cheek, laughter from earlier in the day echoing in contrast. A morning filled with joy had somehow become an evening wrapped in quiet sadness. No tragedy, no big trigger—just a shift. A swing.
We all live through these shifts—the highs and lows, the exhilarating peaks and crushing dips. I call them life swings. And just like a child on a swing, sometimes we feel the thrill of soaring forward... and sometimes we feel the gut drop as we fall back into ourselves.
But here’s the truth: life swings aren’t flaws in our design—they’re part of our dance.
What Are “Life Swings”?
“Life swings” is more than just a metaphor. It’s a reflection of the emotional rhythm of being human.
We all go through phases of hope, excitement, clarity, and then moments of doubt, grief, and exhaustion. It’s not always caused by something major. Sometimes it’s a hormonal shift. Sometimes it’s a change in the weather. Other times, it’s our spirit asking us to slow down, feel, or listen more deeply.
Unlike clinical mood swings, which can indicate a mental health condition, life swings refer to the natural, day-to-day, or week-to-week ebb and flow of emotions we all experience.
The Psychology Behind Emotional Highs and Lows
From a psychological lens, our emotions are responses to our environment, memories, beliefs, and biochemical makeup. Here’s how they often play out:
Neurochemistry at Play
Serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol are powerful influencers. A small change in any of these chemicals can shift your perspective from optimistic to overwhelmed in a heartbeat.
Environment & Lifestyle
Lack of sleep, a fight with a loved one, overworking, or too much screen time can all push us toward emotional instability.
Past Trauma or Unresolved Emotions
Old emotional wounds may resurface during life transitions or periods of stillness. These “uninvited guests” can amplify life swings.
Causes of Life Swings: More Than Mood Shifts
- Hormonal cycles (e.g., menstrual, adrenal fatigue)
- Life transitions (moving, job changes, relationship shifts)
- Burnout or prolonged stress
- Disconnection from self or values
- Seasonal Affective Patterns (especially in winter)
- Grief or loss (even subtle or anticipatory grief)
“There is a season for everything, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”
— Ecclesiastes 3:1-4
How to Cope with Life Swings—Gently and Wisely
1. Name What You Feel
Often, the pain comes from resisting the swing. Try saying: “I feel sadness right now, and that’s okay.” Naming is the first step toward healing.
2. Create a Grounding Ritual
Start your day with something steady—tea, journaling, prayer, or even three deep breaths. Consistency grounds you when your inner world shifts.
3. Ride the Wave—Don’t Fight It
The secret is not to suppress emotions, but to flow through them. You’re allowed to cry after a great day. You're allowed to feel joy after a difficult week.
4. Move Your Body
Even a 10-minute walk can shift stagnant emotional energy. Movement is medicine for the soul.
5. Write It Out
Journaling isn't just for clarity—it’s emotional release. Try finishing this sentence:
"Right now, my heart feels..."
Real People, Real Stories: When Life Swung—and Shifted
Alma, 42, shared how after the birth of her second child, she felt emotionally numb for months, despite her family’s joy. Therapy and spiritual journaling helped her name and heal the swing between motherhood bliss and silent sadness.
Jacob, 33, a tech professional, said he often felt elated on Friday evenings, but deeply anxious by Sunday night. He began meditating and unplugging from social media, which brought more balance into his internal rhythm.
You’re not alone. Everyone feels the tug of emotion, often when they least expect it.
Spiritual Wisdom: Finding Balance in the Swing
Many ancient teachings speak of duality—light and dark, sun and moon, expansion and contraction.
In Taoism, Yin and Yang symbolize that nothing is entirely one thing. Within light, there is shadow. Within sorrow, there is space for peace.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”
— Jon Kabat-Zinn
Therapist-Approved Self-Care Practices
Practice “Emotional Hygiene”
Just like brushing your teeth, take time each day to check in: What am I feeling right now? What do I need?
Practice Presence, Not Perfection
Perfection leads to pressure. Presence leads to peace.
Talk to Someone
Sometimes the best medicine is being witnessed. Whether it’s a therapist, coach, or trusted friend, your voice deserves to be heard.
When to Seek Help
Life swings are natural, but if they become overwhelming or interfere with daily function, you may be dealing with something deeper, like:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Trauma response
Please know: seeking help is a form of strength.
Resources:
- BetterHelp
- MentalHealth.gov
- Local crisis centers or community counselors
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to experience emotional swings?
Yes. Emotional ups and downs are part of the human experience. As long as they don't impair your ability to function, they're completely natural.
How do I stay mentally balanced through life’s ups and downs?
Create grounding routines, stay connected with your inner self, and allow your emotions to move through you without shame or resistance.
What’s the difference between mood swings and life swings?
Mood swings are often abrupt and intense changes that may be linked to mental health issues. Life swings are more subtle emotional shifts tied to the rhythm of everyday life.
Closing Thoughts: Finding Beauty in the Swing
Just like the moon waxes and wanes, and the tide comes and goes, so do our emotions. When we stop seeing life swings as problems—and start seeing them as part of the flow of being alive—we soften. We grow. We become.
So the next time you feel yourself rising or falling, remember: it’s all part of the swing. Hold on gently. Let the motion move you. And when it settles, you’ll still be here—wiser, kinder, and more whole.
