Mood swings

Who has mood swings? I know women are the most notorious of the genders for having mood swings, but males have them too (of course this is coming from a female)

My son had me in a foul mood today and I'm afraid it set me up for a bad bad bad day. Instead of trying to make things seem better, I dwelt on what made them bad. That on top of a sprained ankle, which hurt terribly until I exercised enough tonight that the endorphins numbed the pain. I wasn't in a great mood today.

I know during a specific time of the month, it's hard for females to keep their emotions under check. I can become a big ball of hormones and can get a little...........well not so nice. Add on normal stress of the day (kid, house, husband, chores and then myself) and it can be a bit overwhelming for the bystander.

I've noticed that David picks up on these moods and exploits them. Yes, my 4 year old has learned how to tell when I'm in a good mood and a bad mood.

So, when you're in a bad mood how do you get into a better mood?

I drink chamomile tea and meditate. Great way to relax me. Chamomile is a natural herb used to help insomnia. I've found it helps me relieve stress as well as help me sleep.

I can't tell you how many times a day I stop and breathe, count to 10. Me and my husband have a 10 second rule. When we're in an argument we both pause, think, breathe and gather our thoughts before we go into a casual conversation or some cases a debate. This is one of the reasons you rarely hear us fight. And I do mean RARELY do we fight.

I journal. When I'm feeling upset, sometimes venting in a journal is the best way to help me calm down. I get my frustrations out, off my chest and I'm good to go.

You can take your mind off of what has given you the mood swing. Most of the time, that means picking up a book for me and letting David have his play time, away from me. Or sending David to the park with his daddy for some alone time. But if I can't be away from him I tend to just read.

I practice my karate. Sometimes 20 minutes of just walking and getting your mind off of the situation that put you in your mood can help. Studies show that exercise actually has an antidepressant effect on the body.

I watch a movie. Sometimes comedy, sometimes romance. Rarely when I'm in a bad mood do I watch a thriller, horror or violent movie. NOT A GOOD IDEA. I tend to go for movies that I KNOW will make me feel better. Usually "Pretty in Pink" After 7 years of marriage, my husband can speak along with the movie. It's my "feel good movie" if you will.

Things NOT to do.

Drink. Alcohol and bad moods are a mixture for disaster. Looking for a "pick me up" by using a depressant makes no sense at all.

Caffeine. Caffeine being a stimulant can actually overstimulate you and cause more nervousness and irrationality.

Become violent. THINK RATIONALLY! Don't hit, regardless of the situation. Violence never solved anything.

Indulge in "Comfort food" Chocolate, ice cream, pop corn etc. Sets you up for medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and can lead to eating disorders. Best to stay away from food when you're in a bad mood.

My thoughts: Turn that frown upside down and smile. Laughter is the best medicine, so go have you some.