How To Master Your Moods

Mood swings are normal and changing moods are reflected in our internal chemistry. As bad moods at times can be hazardous (hostile people are more likely to develop heart attacks), so mastering moods can be a life-or-death matter. Here is some advice:

• Pinpoint the problem:
When ones fuming or fearful, the first step is to discover ‘why’.

• Respect your rhythms:
Most of us see our moods as caused by the things that happen to us, but they turn out to be very much related to natural biological processes. The food we eat, our health and level of activity, even the time of day can play a role. Understand yourself and respect it.

• Get enough sleep:
Sub-optimal amounts of sleep can play havoc with our emotions. If something frustrating happens, we have more trouble controlling our anger, just as children have when they are tired.

• Get in touch with nature:
Contact with nature is thought by many experts to contribute to optimal moods. If getting outside isn’t possible, simply spending time near a window where one can see greenery can help.

• Get moving:
Exercise not only boosts energy, it also reduces tension, effects that last for at least an hour. Prolonged physical activity may also help.

• Eat wisely:
Mood swings are often fueled by neurotransmitters in the brain that are turned on and off by the foods we eat or don’t eat. To ensure that poor eating habits aren’t making you cranky, experts suggest to eat regularly, starting the day with a balanced breakfast; limit the intake of caffeine and sugar; drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day, as dehydration causes fatigue.

Also, carbohydrates make us feel better, as they work by increasing brain levels of serotonin, thought to cat as a natural sedative. Eating polished rice, sweet potatoes, or whole-wheat bread may produce a calming effect. Contain protein intake during cranky times, as it interferes wit the production of serotonin.

• Cultivate a positive outlook:
Some people equate negative moods and thoughts with being realistic. But actually, everything around us is essentially neutral; it’s we who entail them values, either positive or negative. The quickest fix of all may be simply to smile bad moods away and remain positive.