Mood swings, as the term suggests, is sudden and intense change in mood. You can go from happy and optimistic to sad, pessimistic in a matter of moments. The whole shift can leave you irritated and perplexed. Several mental health disorders, hormonal disturbances (mostly in women), and lifestyle factors such as food and rest can cause mood swings. Processing and dealing with such an intense shift in emotions can be overwhelming and stressful. Hence, the need is to control it. In its latest post on Instagram, Mumbai-based ‘The Yoga Institute’ shared such techniques that can help you in controlling mood swings.
How To Control Mood Swings
Here are 4 techniques that can help you control mood swings.
1. Practice Self-Reflection
The act of turning inward is how self-reflection can be easily described as. Sit down with your thoughts. Understand what triggers those mood shifts. Pay attention to how you feel. Understand how you feel better. These are some of the ways how self-reflection can help you to understand your mood swings, and control them. Writing down your thoughts is another method you can employ to understand yourself and your mood better.
2. Do Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
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The Yoga Institute also recommends Surya Namaskar for controlling mood swings. Here’s a step-by-step guide on sun salutations:
- Prayer Pose (Pranamasana): Stand tall in prayer pose.
- Raised Arms Pose (Hasta Uttanasana): Extend your arms upward.
- Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Fold down to touch your toes with your fingers.
- Equestrian Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana): Extend your left leg backward. Bring your knees and fingers to the floor.
- Plank Pose (Dandasana): Raise your left knee off the ground and bring your right leg back into plank pose. Your belly must be firm and your core tight.
- Caterpillar Pose (Ashtanga Namaskara): Bring your lower legs, chest, and chin to the ground while your belly and hips remain off the ground.
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Next, come in cobra pose.
- Downward Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Rise in the downward-facing dog.
- Equestrian Pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana): Again, some in the equestrian pose, but with your left leg forward.
- Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Then, come in forward fold.
- Raised Arms Pose (Hasta Uttanasana): Again, extend your arms upward.
- Prayer Pose (Pranamasana): Complete one round of sun salutations with the prayer pose.
3. Spend Time In The Sun
Sunlight is known to boost mental health. When you spend time in the sun, your body releases a hormone called serotonin, which boosts mood and induces calmness, as per a leading health website. It also helps with better sleep at night, which is also crucial for managing mood swings. However, do not overexpose yourself to sunlight, and do not forget to wear sunscreen.
4. Get Close With Nature
Spending time amid nature is another way you can control mood swings. According to the American Psychological Association, spending time in nature has been linked to a better mood. Not only that, but it is also helpful for stress management, improving attention as well as overall mental health.
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Also read: Intense Mood Swings In Kids Can Be An Alarming Sign
Mood swings can feel overwhelming. However, there are techniques you can employ to manage them as well as your overall mental health. Focusing on your overall lifestyle can also help you with improving your mood, physical and mental health.
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