Medicine
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Best Tips for Dealing with Mood Swings?

Alex Tree
Alex Tree

Meditating, exercising, and avoiding excessive fatigue are some ways of dealing with mood swings. Pregnant women in particular are prone to mood swings and can sometimes benefit from meditation, yoga classes for expecting moms, and massages. An exercise routine approved by a doctor can also help when dealing with mood swings because of the hormones released during the activity. Fatigue is also a common cause of mood swings, but some people have medical conditions that prevent them from getting a good night’s sleep. Seeing a health professional is recommended when mood swings become severe or last for more than two weeks.

Dealing with mood swings is a normal part of pregnancy. A woman’s body goes through a lot of changes during this time, including changes in metabolism and hormones. These changes can make it harder for a pregnant woman’s brain to regulate her mood, leading to mood swings. In this case, the best way of dealing with mood swings is to participate in activities that relieve stress. Meditation, pregnancy yoga, and massage can help.

Short naps can help combat fatigue.
Short naps can help combat fatigue.

Light to moderate exercise can help when dealing with mood swings. Exercising encourages the body to produce a certain hormone that minimizes stress. Running on a treadmill, scrubbing a kitchen, and lifting weights are all forms of exercise capable of improving mood. It is generally advisable to run an exercise routine by a doctor before committing to it.

Pregnant women may experience hormonal mood swings.
Pregnant women may experience hormonal mood swings.

Sometimes mood swings are caused by fatigue, like not getting enough sleep at night or staying up too late. People with certain medical conditions, like thyroid issues that are not medicated properly, can experience fatigue even when their sleep patterns are healthy. Eating balanced meals and taking short naps combat fatigue, but it is also important to get the health problem diagnosed and treated. In the case of thyroid issues, it sometimes takes doctors months of routine blood tests to find the proper dosage.

Yoga can be helpful in controlling the stress and anxiety associated with mood swings.
Yoga can be helpful in controlling the stress and anxiety associated with mood swings.

While mood swings are normal for pregnant women, growing teens, and overly fatigued people, severe mood swings and mood swings that last for a long time are abnormal. Seemingly severe mood swings should not be dismissed based on a person’s gender, age, or health condition. When dealing with mood swings, a person can look for other signs of a mental health problem, such as memory loss, inability to sleep, and irritability. A doctor might be able to find a genuine health problem, like depression or a mental disorder.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Short naps can help combat fatigue.
      By: Sanjay Deva
      Short naps can help combat fatigue.
    • Pregnant women may experience hormonal mood swings.
      By: igorborodin
      Pregnant women may experience hormonal mood swings.
    • Yoga can be helpful in controlling the stress and anxiety associated with mood swings.
      By: Deklofenak
      Yoga can be helpful in controlling the stress and anxiety associated with mood swings.
    • Massage therapy is suggested for pregnant women to reduce mood swings and relieve stress.
      By: Alfred Wekelo
      Massage therapy is suggested for pregnant women to reduce mood swings and relieve stress.
    • Mood swings are considered normal for growing teens.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Mood swings are considered normal for growing teens.
    • Exercising encourages the body to produce certain hormones that reduce stress and boost mood.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Exercising encourages the body to produce certain hormones that reduce stress and boost mood.