Quick…how do you feel RIGHT NOW? Feeling a mood coming on? What’s it like? Maybe it’s that happy over-the-top feeling you hope lasts and lasts. Perhaps it’s a prickly irritation or a slow boil that has you teetering on the edge. It could even be a state of calm that feels like a favorite food or plush pillow.
Sprint, crawl, or standing still
Whatever you’re feeling, moods can make or break your day, but they aren’t always caused by just one thing. Moods are the result of a collection of things around you and inside you that become the houseguest you hope will stay forever or the interloper you fear will NEVER leave.
To get a grip on what you’re experiencing, it’s important to understand that emotions, moods, and traits are different.
Ch-ch-ch-changes…
Moods change for a number of reasons – something building up with your boss, unchanging weather, hormonal shifts, issue at home, or too much sugar. And if it seems some people are more prone to moodiness, you’d be correct with that assumption.
People are different and in particular the GENDERS are different. For example, the male brain on average produces 52 percent more serotonin, a chemical that contributes to a more positive mood, than the female brain. This difference likely explains why men and women respond differently to dramas and sappy stories and why having a bad day can be harder for women to bounce from.
Another difference involves hormonal changes. Research shows that some parts of a woman’s brain can change up to 25 percent during a given month due to hormone shifts. Other life issues can exacerbate these changes. To avoid overreacting to a spontaneous barb from your mate, take a step back and breathe. We may not be consciously aware of it, but we all bring the emotional baggage of a day into the room so don’t make your first assumption your conclusion when you look at your partner’s face or hear their tone of voice.
Where you live can affect your mood. Researchers decided to see if moods vary per region based on their tweets on Twitter. They found that people on the west coast of the US are consistently happier. Check out the video and start planning that west coast getaway for some feel good time. If you can’t travel there, then maybe just read or watch something funny. Studies show humor can flip a frown upside down. So go on – laugh out loud!
In addition to a deep belly laugh, go catch a few rays. This mood infographic shows how a little vitamin D goes a long way to helping people feel happy. To get the full benefit, skip the sunscreen for about 15 minutes unless there’s a medical reason you can’t.
Mood management
If mood swings seem to be part of your life, look for a pattern. Try keeping a daily record of your activities, food, and exchanges with others. Use Tokii’s MoodMeter to track your day-to-day feelings. You might just find the root of the swings buried in there.
Whether you’re feeling up or down one thing is certain: We can “catch” a mood. That’s why you sometimes take on your partner’s mood or your partner assumes yours. Paying attention to mood goes a long way to defining the emotional health of your relationship.
If you or your partner is experiencing an extreme mood (depression or mania) consistently for two weeks or more or constant mood swings, do something fast. See a therapist. Read articles and books. Consult with a physician. For the health of your relationship, act now.
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Very intriguing, useful information. I am a very moody person, always have been. In my older years now, I feel I have a better handle on it, but its not easy. How unfair is it that men can produce up to 52% more serotonin! I thought that they were more chipper due to not having a period! Now I know the truth!