Six Steps to Prevent Mood Swings during Menopause

One moment, you’re singing to yourself, anticipating what a good day it will be. A minute later, you’re ready to pull your hair out—or someone else’s. It’s your first menopausal mood swing of the day, and you’re not looking forward to the next few hours of emotional ups and downs. Fortunately, there are simple techniques you can use to manipulate your body into a good mood. Skip the boring breathing techniques or potentially damaging hormone therapy, and follow these six steps to a happier you.

Get enough sleep

Take a look at your sleeping habits and problems that may be robbing you of enough sleep. If you suffer from night sweats or sleep apnea, for example, this could be causing you to lose the vital rest that you need, especially during menopause. Maintaining a good mood becomes more difficult if you are not well-rested.

Exercise

Physical activity makes your body produce endorphins, the brain chemicals that lift your mood. Try to do half an hour of exercise at least three days a week. Each workout you do can keep you in a good mood for a few hours.

Ditch the caffeine and nicotine

Cigarettes and caffeine are stimulants that can produce mood swings. Instead of drinking coffee or sodas, drink a glass of warm milk. It has tryptophan, a chemical that stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain and keeps depression at bay. Whole grain breads also contribute to your serotonin levels.

Wind down.

Replace your bad habits with activities like meditation and yoga, which produce those much-needed endorphins and also reduce the cause of mood swings—stress.

Talk to your friends.

It sounds simple enough, but talking about your problems with other women who are experiencing menopause can make you feel better. While you’re enjoying some ‘girls only’ time, reflect on how you would have reacted in situations where they lost their cool, and vice versa.

Laugh.

Laughter has been scientifically proven to ease pain and produce more endorphins by increasing oxygen flow to the brain. In addition, it pulls your body out of a state of stress by raising your pulse, then winding it down.

More Information about Side-stepping Mood Swings:

Estrogen is a regulator of serotonin, which balances our moods. When there is an imbalance of estrogen in the body, serotonin is affected, resulting in mood swings. However, there are other natural ways to boost the body’s production of serotonin to regulate mood. Click the following link to learn how you can fight menopausal mood swings.