How to Avoid Mood Swings

Take steps to avoid mood swings.

According to the Health Center website, more than 10 million Americans are affected by mood swings on a yearly basis. Mood swings are caused by an imbalance of the neurotransmitters released in the brain. Neurotransmitters direct how we feel. Hormonal changes in women after giving birth and during their menstrual cycle can also trigger mood swings. Mood swings don't just affect the person experiencing them, they also affect the people in their direct surroundings.

Things You'll Need

• Herbal supplements

Instructions

1. Incorporate foods into your diet that help prevent mood swings. According to the Go Herbal Remedies website, foods with Vitamin A, such as green vegetables, baby corn, green and yellow-colored fruits and carrots, prevent mood fluctuations. Foods with Vitamin C and E, including tomatoes, seafood, orange juice and almonds, prevent depression and stress.

2. Drink at least eight cups of water daily to stay hydrated. Dehydration is associated with mood swings. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake since these are diuretics and can bring on dehydration.

3. Get eight hours of sleep per day since insufficient sleep can make you feel fatigued, cranky and unable to handle daily demands. When you sleep your body restores itself and prepares you to handle the challenges of the coming day. You will be in control of your moods and will have the energy to deal with your emotions.

4. Exercise regularly to increase serotonin levels and reduce stress. According to the National Center for Biotechnology, exercise releases the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is also known as the feel-good hormone that regulates emotions. Aerobic exercise provides the best results.

5. Take herbal supplements to lift negative moods. According to the Health Center website, herbal supplements such as Valerian, Kava Kava and St. Johns Wort are clinically proven to aid in mood enhancement and support of the central nervous system.

6. Take up meditation. By taking some time to yourself while practicing meditation, you will be able to focus and control your moods better. Tai chi and yoga are also good options.

7. Talk about your feelings instead of expressing yourself through mood swings. By talking things out, you can limit the frequency of your mood swings. You will feel relieved after expressing yourself through communicating.

References

• The Health Center: How Common Are Mood Swings?
• All Sands: Controlling Bad Mood Swings
• Go Herbal Remedies: Diet For Retaining Good Mood
• National Center For Biotechnology: How To Increase Serotonin In The Human Brain Without Drugs
• The Health Center: Complementary and Alternative Medicine