Moods - something we all feel, but most of us don't really pay that much attention to.
But they are actually more complicated than we assume and influence our thoughts and actions a lot more than we give them credit for.
Our moods can change on a dime - from happy and content to irritable and angry, or any emotion in between.
But what exactly drives how we feel?
Let's take a closer look at the things that affect our mood and see if we can figure out what dictates our emotions and what we can do to manage them.
What Is Mood Exactly?
While feelings and emotions are intense and short-lived, moods are more low-key emotional states that can last for minutes, days, or even weeks.
So what's the difference?
Well, feelings and emotions are usually linked to a specific trigger - like seeing a scary movie or getting a good grade on a test.
These triggers cause an intense emotional reaction that doesn't last very long.
Moods, on the other hand, while still linked to your emotions, are more general states of being.
Just like emotions, moods can vary in valence, but generally, people categorize them as good or bad.
Okay, now that you have a more general understanding of what moods are, let's see what affects them.
Understanding The Factors
It's no secret that our moods can greatly impact our lives.
If you think about it, moods play a role in many aspects of your day-to-day and even relationships with people.
They can affect how productive we are at work, and they can influence the decisions we make and affect our communication with the people around us.
That's why it's important to understand which are the factors that have led to the mood and emotions you are experiencing.
The first factor we want to talk about is sleep.
You might have noticed that when you're well-rested, you're more likely to be in a good mood and have the energy to take on the day.
And in contrast - lack of sleep can cause you to feel down, irritated, and even angry.
Another key factor worth mentioning is the environment.
For example, walking around in nature is something that can bring up your mood.
However, interestingly nature can have the opposite effect on your state.
Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is categorized as a mood disorder, is most reported during seasons with bad weather, darker days, and colder temperatures.
And, of course, the food we eat can also profoundly impact how we feel and think.
Sugar crashes, anyone?
All jokes aside, research in the area of food and depression is becoming a hot topic and has generally shown that the way you eat can, in fact, affect your mind.
So next time you feel off, take a step back and see if you can narrow down the cause.
By understanding what affects our moods, we can take steps to improve them.
What You Can Do
Unfortunately, improving your mood might take more than just ice cream and cheering yourself up with positive words.
But don't worry - the steps you need to take are pretty straightforward and are guaranteed to boost your happiness.
We cannot highlight enough the importance of getting a good 6-7 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
It will not only bring your mood up but also fill you with energy, which might be helpful for our next point.
Exercise - whether talking about a walk around nature or lifting weights at the gym, exercise will undoubtedly help lift up your mood (no pun intended).
Of course, a well-balanced and healthy diet is also something that can keep you happy and full of energy.
And last but not least, if you're looking to improve your mood, be sure to surround yourself with friends and loved ones who will make you laugh and help you see the glass half full.
Here we want to mention that in some cases if these things don’t seem to be enough.
If this is happening to you, it’s important to see a professional who could help you get to the root of the problem.
After all, your mental health is just as important as your physical health!
Closing Thoughts
So, what are the takeaways?
Well, the next time you find yourself in a funk, take a step back and try to understand what’s going on.
Once you know the cause, it will be much easier to put into place some steps that can help turn your mood around.
And if all else fails, there’s always chocolate.
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