7 Ways to Beat Mood Swings
Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
By Marnie Kunz
Of the many issues 2020 gave us, mood swings during covid times aren’t usually on the radar. But how many times have you felt like “it’s ok, I got this, I am working on myself during this time, taking classes, running, getting stronger,” only a few hours later to find yourself in bed, drowning your sorrows in chips and sugar? Welcome to the destabilizing force of 2020, where the chaos and hardships of economic uncertainties, job losses, business closings, health risks, covid-19, lives uprooted, routines interrupted, and political divide can easily bring up all the feels and our worst coping habits.
“Between the lockdowns, loss of jobs, financial hardships, ongoing changes, and adjusting to the ‘new normal,’ it is not surprising that many of us can feel like we’re on an ongoing emotional rollercoaster,” says Lydia Antonatos, MS, LMHC of Choosing Therapy.
Getting out for a run is a great way to calm mood swings.
“Pandemic life has spawned much uncertainty and unpredictability into our lives, inevitably creating sudden shifts in our moods,” Antonatos says. “Some days, we may wake up a bit more optimistic, yet the minute we turn on the news we feel like crying. We feel blessed to still hold a job and be able to work from home, but then lash out at our kids for interrupting a Zoom call. We attempt to look at the pandemic life as an opportunity for personal growth, only to realize we are stuck in a rut unmotivated to do anything. How can our mood remain stable when our environment seems to be having mood swings of their own?”
Good question. If you are experiencing mood swings during pandemic life, know that you are not alone. And there are ways to lessen the mental turmoil and find some inner calm. Here are 7 ways to beat mood swings during covid times:
Acceptance. Accept the circumstances, even as difficult as they may be. Acknowledging that there are things out of our control allows us to focus on the things that are, says Antonatos. This approach can help us stay grounded by preventing our emotions from intensifying and permitting us to think more rationally.
Focus on the basics. Create your own routine so you have some structure in your days. Having a healthy routine (eating well, restful sleep, physical activity, and hygiene) has a positive impact on our overall well-being, reducing stress, and anxiety and regulating our moods. Tending to our basic needs can also give us a sense of control within the unpredictability of the pandemic.
Mental preparedness. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best, advises Antonatos. As crazy as it sounds, this can be effective in building mental endurance. It can prepare us to sustain increasing adverse events that will inevitably arise during this pandemic period.
Monitor your moods. Make time to examine events that influence our mood swings, says Antonatos. “In doing so we can increase self-awareness and find a link between situations and our response patterns. Thus, allowing room for modifying any self-defeating behaviors that lead us to poorly manage our moods.”
Break a sweat. Make exercise a priority. Get outside for a walk, run or bike ride and you’ll not only reap fitness rewards but also boost your mood. Even if you aren’t training for a race, it’s important to still get out for your regular runs to keep your spirits up and body relaxed. Also getting some sunlight will help soothe your mood.
Take a break. Practice self-care and spend some time relaxing your mind and body. Take a few minutes to write about the things that are going well in your life and that you are grateful for. Engage in relaxing exercises like meditating and/or yoga. This can improve our mood and have a positive effect on how we approach the pandemic life.
Talk about it. “There is no need to keep our feelings bottled up,” says Antonatos. “Calling a close friend or family member can taper off the overwhelming emotions we are experiencing during these times. Consider seeking help from a professional or online support group. This can alleviate our shifting emotions and make us feel like we are not alone in this pandemic life."
Have you experienced mood swings during pandemic life? What helps you cope? Comment below.
Related Posts: Mental Health Tips for Runners, Tips for Loneliness in Lockdown, How to Avoid Toxic Positivity, 10 Ways to De-stress Now, 10 Self-Care Tips for Runners
Lydia Antonatos is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. Lydia received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and her undergraduate degree from Saint Thomas Aquinas University. She has over 16 years of experience working in the helping field, 8 of which have been in a clinical capacity. She is well versed in working with mood disorders, anxiety, stress management, addictions, and phase of life problems, among other things.
Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach and the creator of Runstreet Art Runs, which bring together communities through running and street art. She is a Brooklyn resident, running coach, and writer. She enjoys traveling, art, and eating messily. You can follow her running and events at @Runstreet Instagram and Runstreet Facebook.
