Monday Motivation: Managing Your Mood
This article was originally published on June 29, 2020 at https://gritdaily.com/monday-motivation-managing-moods/
Monday motivation, we need it more than ever, let’s go! Summer’s sunlight is calling us, urging us to stop doing whatever we’re supposed to be doing and to go outside and play. Sunbeams also have magical powers that make even us Type-A folks relax and surrender. Studies show that your morning mood affects your productivity all day. Grit Daily is here to get your work week off to a good start. Pump your fists – it’s time for Monday motivation!
Are you a moody person?
The word “mood” itself can have negative associations, but it doesn’t need to be. Being a moody person or someone who has experienced mood swings isn’t anything odd or out of the ordinary. It’s perfectly standard. How you manage your mood is an entirely different story – that’s what this week’s Monday motivation theme is all about.
Being denied to feel our feelings isn’t something that we should ever have to experience. But we’re constantly told things like, “Stop being so dramatic!” or “You’re so bitchy today.” Sometimes, those external prompts can give us helpful insights which can invite us to think about how we’re managing our moods. Perhaps we’re letting our moods get the better of us which is affecting our relationships?
Monday motivation tips to manage your moods
Mood swings can be triggered by all kinds of internal (e.g. hormonal changes like PMS, pregnancy, menopause, transitioning, etc.) and external (e.g. unexpected loss, broken trust, etc.) factors. Although there is little that we can do to control what happens to us and what is happening within us, we can exert some level of conscious thought over how to best manage those feelings and experiences. Monday motivation reminds us to pause, absorb, reflect – and then take action to drive change.
#1 – consider compassion
Do this for yourself, and for those around you who are on the receiving end of your moods. Acknowledge to yourself and to them that something is different. Ask for their patience and support as you work through whatever is making you irritable or quick-to-temper or depressed. Be kind to yourself, accept that you’re experiencing some changes and give yourself the compassion and time that you need to sort things out.
Also recognize that your loved ones need your compassion, too: they’re likely troubled seeing you as you currently are and want to help but don’t know what to do. Think about the feeling that a hug brings. Then hug yourself and hold it. Hold onto that feeling of being hugged, that warm and tingly-all-over feeling because that’s the feeling that you want to experience more often. And it’s the feeling that you want those around you to experience, too.
#2 – take a moment to reset
If you feel a moment coming on, or you’ve started down that path where you can feel your mood bubbling up and it’s ready to spill over, step back. Pause. Tell whomever that you’re with that you need a few moments to reset. Explain that you’ve had some difficulties lately with your moods and you want a bit of space to regroup, then you’ll return to the conversation.
Sit in the ladies’ room for a few minutes, put on some relaxation music, watch a cat video or do something that will help you shift your mindset. And tell yourself that by doing X, your mindset will be different, and that mood will improve. Alcohol and drugs can complicate your situation and make it even more difficult for you to manage your mood.
#3 – do a poison purge
Take stock of what’s troubling you. Perhaps it’s too much social media or news and you should consider a break. Maybe you’re in a toxic relationship or situation? If you can’t escape, can you minimize your exposure and create a safe space where you can find solace to spend time away from that toxic situation? Think about how to eliminate, or at least reduce, the “poison” that you’re exposed to.
NOTE: if you are unable to manage your moods and they are growing increasingly dark for extended periods of time, talk to a professional to help you understand why you’re feeling the way that you are and to develop a plan to improve your mood.
If you like podcasts, well, wouldn’t you know, we’ve got those, too! Three of them, in fact: 1) Like a Boss with snappy insights; 2) wine down and chill; and 3) Monday motivation. All three are available on all streaming channels including Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more. Please tune in! Finally, if you enjoy sci-fi thrillers, check out The Battle for Humanity. Have a fabulous week!
Image by Stefan Keller from Pixabay