Managing Your Mood Swings with Your Children

Mood swings are unpredictable and can get further in the way of your menopausal life. It is especially challenging for a mother or grandmother who wants to spend as much quality time with her children or grandchildren as possible. The sobbing, anxiety, and frustration will make it impossible for you to focus on your kids to the extent you would like, and they will be confused by what you are going through. It is important to seek ways to remedy mood swings at this time, as well as to stay close and open with your offspring to avoid misunderstanding.

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Taming Anxiety

When you're uptight all the time, it can make you distracted and irritable. If you can barely tame your nerves about work or dinner or weekend plans, how can you begin to care about your children's problems? To stay present, try deep breathing and meditation. Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard have found meditation to significantly reduce stress and improve focus. Inhale deeply and slowly into your belly, and exhale all of your concerns. Continue this focused breathing and releasing for 15 - 20 minutes every day to pay more attention to your little ones.

Controlling Anger

Nothing is more devastating than losing your temper at your son or daughter. Since during menopause your sex hormone levels are interfering with your brain chemistry, it can make you snap unexpectedly, causing distance and heartache. This is usually a result of common triggers, which can further destabilize hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and even prescription medications can bear this side effect.

Try herbs to combat your fury. Particularly effective is black cohosh for balancing estrogen levels and restoring mood. Also, mineral-dense herb skullcap is known for fighting anger, rage, and temper tantrums.

Overcoming Depression

The hopelessness that comes with this symptom can make you feel like an inactive parent. Joy and self-esteem will decrease to a minimum, and many women resort to remaining sedentary and closing themselves off from others.

The best thing you can do to fight depression is remain active. Go outside, get some sunshine, and move your body. Around 30 - 40 minutes of cardio will increase your serotonin levels, providing sustained happiness. If you're looking for low-impact exercises, try yoga. A yoga session will increase your levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is known to induce deep relaxation throughout your body and mind.

Enjoying Your Family

Most importantly, spend time with your children. Cold distance can create friction and only perpetuates problems. Talk to them about what you are going through, and assure them of your love at every opportunity. Family trips to the beach, the park, or a restaurant can maintain a healthy bond and uplift you as well. When you spend time with loved ones, your oxytocin levels increase. This neurotransmitter fills you all with feelings of friendship, loyalty, and support.

Next time you feel like your sadness, stress, or anger is getting the best of you, close your eyes, calm yourself, and try an alternative remedy. Restore your connection with loved ones with positive lifestyle changes, bringing peace and harmony to your entire home.