When you’re having a rough day, it can feel like the world is working against you in all aspects of your life. When you feel hopeless and want to give up, it can take a negative toll on your mood. Having mood swings is understandable, and thankfully there are simple ways to cope with this feeling.
Book time for yourself
More often than not, our mood swings can stem from external sources of stress. From mid-term week to thinking about post-grad plans, we tend to forget to take care of ourselves first when life feels busy. Before you let yourself reach your breaking point, booking time for yourself will give you a fresh state of mind to attend to your responsibilities.
From giving yourself a much-needed spa day or getting your hair or nails done, doing something for yourself will benefit your mental health in the long run. Although this may sound like “you are wasting time,” doing what makes you feel the happiest, whether it’s catching up on your favorite Netflix show or working out, will always be beneficial.
Surround yourself with motivational friends & family
Sometimes when we feel like we’re at our lowest, a good talk from a friend or family member can give you motivation to keep going. Catching up with your best friend on Facetime or talking to your older sister can help you get another perspective on what’s stressing you out and help you seek advice on how to handle situations. Sometimes all we need is a good vent to feel better about something going on in our lives. Talking about it over lunch or a shopping date can give you the confidence to get a brighter outlook on life.
Shift your focus to the positives in your life
When we put a greater amount of weight on the negatives in our life, it hurts our mental health. In the moment you may feel like the negatives outweigh the positives, but the positives in your life will always be stronger. It’s essential to shift your mind to believe that everything will go well in your life, and this can come from the simplest things we often take for granted. The hardships we face are temporary, and the next time you feel yourself stressing out, ask yourself if what you are stressing over will matter in a year from now. If not, toss the stress away and apply the energy toward something that will be worth it.