Mood swings are prevalent among young women. They can be very difficult to deal with and have quite an intense way of taking over your mind. One moment you can be totally content, but the next moment sobbing uncontrollably. The littlest thing that someone says can just make you angry or even lash out at them. The difference in emotion and behavior can be disorienting and disrupt your relationship with others. When you understand the positive ways to re-balance your mind, you will feel empowered to take control of your emotions.
Go Outside
It is extremely uplifting and rebalancing to go outside and spend some time in nature. We can become overwhelmed when surrounded by buildings and crowds of people, and it can make situations in our life seem more complicated than they really are. Nature simplifies things; a refreshing breeze, the warm sun. Seeing the colors and hearing the sounds of the outdoors can shift your thoughts. Go to a forest trail, the beach, a mountain, or even just sit at your nearest park for positivity.
Be Active
When you lead a sedentary lifestyle, any stress in your life will be much more prominent. When you get physical activity, it boosts your mood and energy levels quickly, and helps you let go of unnecessary worry.
Do 40 minutes of cardio three to five times a week, whether it be brisk walking, dancing, swimming, or a machine at the gym. This will increase serotonin, a happy neurotransmitter, and release endorphins that can calm you. Alternatively, try yoga for its emphasis on balancing the body, mind, and heart. The deep stretching and balancing can release gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which induces tranquility.
Spend Time with Friends
You may feel inclined to lock yourself up in your room and mope, but this will only make things worse most of the time. Spending good quality time with others releases oxytocin, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for feelings of love and support. Eliminate that feeling of alienation by reconnecting with close friends and family, and remember that you always have others to talk to.
Eat Well
If you are in the habit of eating a lot of packaged sugary foods or fried fast foods, then you will be more prone to mood swings. Try to eat as naturally and plant-based as possible to avoid fluctuating mood. A wide array of colorful fruits and veggies - paired with whole grains, lean proteins, and nuts - is great for balancing your mood. Try replacing red meats with tofu or salmon.
Try Herbs
Herbs are helpful for just about every symptom of mood swings. Whether it is finding hormonal balance, relieving depression, or curbing anxiety, the benefits can be felt. For hormonal balance, try calendula or vitex chasteberry. When you are anxiety-ridden, have kava or valerian. Or, if you are feeling unusually sad, have St. John's Wort. All of these are widely available at natural shops or online in tea or supplement form.
Your mood is directly related to your lifestyle choices. When you sit around, do not get fresh air, and eat unhealthy foods, it will be reflected in your emotions. Make an effort to establish a positive lifestyle filled with movement, sunshine, and plant-based foods and goodies for sustained well-being of the body and mind.
Sources
- Goldman, B. (2013). 'Love hormone' may play wider role in social interaction than previously thought, scientists say. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2013/september/oxytocin.html
- Office of Dietary Supplements. (2011). Vitamin D. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/
- Office on Women's Health. (2013). Physical Activity (exercise) Fact Sheet. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our-publications/fact-sheet/physical-activity.html
- Princeton University. (n.d). Serotonin. Retrieved March 14, 2014, from http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Serotonin.html