So many people struggle with the stability of their mood it's a wonder any of us actually succeed. This doesn't mean we're supposed to be Stepford friends, wives, sisters or mothers, smiling and happy throughout the day (though some pharmaceutical advertisements might have us believe otherwise). On a healthier level it simply means that, as with other areas of our lives, when we feel we are not out of control in our emotional lives, we just feel better about everything.
Stabilizing your mood means you can avoid a roller coaster of emotions during the day -- you don't have to wake up depressed and then get completely ecstatic during the office party, only to become irritated and practically enraged during the commute home on the subway, or in your car, or on your bike or footpath.
Stabilizing your mood improves your self esteem, you feel you can handle anything that comes up because you won't become so upset that you feel practically paralyzed. Your relationships grow as people begin to really depend on you and not worry about catching you in one of your darker or angrier or trickier moments.
Please keep in mind that I am fully aware that for some people, pharmaceutical assistance is not only helpful, but absolutely necessary to keep their chemistry in tune, I am simply offering some natural suggestions in addition to these prescriptions or, in some cases, as an alternative to try.
* A lot of exercise -- We all think so highly of getting thin, but what we put on the shelf or view as a pesty step-sister is the benefit of mood stabilization as a bonus of exercise. Even if you never lose a pound (which you will, believe me) exercise for mental health is one of the best aspects of jumping on that bike or treadmill. You can release rage, pent up frustration, sweat out hours of feeling victimized, over analyzed, criticized or punished; you can express yourself, listen to the music of your choice, punch a heavy bag, meditate. Your brain chemistry actually changes when you work out and certain studies have shown that for people with severe depression, regular and consistent exercise often works better than anti-depressant medication.
The self esteem you get from exercise is something amazing. It reaches far beyond the way you look, into the part of your brain producing endorphins, those wonderful things that reduce your perception of pain and act almost as a sedative.
* Avoid sugar, caffeine and alcohol -- Nothing creates mood instability, irritability, and unpredictability of mood like these three things. Your mood will climb to the highest of heights only to plummet down again at any given moment. They are artificial and addictive, falsely sending messages of ecstasy to your brain and then bringing you crashing down, taking important nutrients with it.
* Social Support -- Even talking with co-workers or family members can help stabilize your mood. If you have a great group of friends and/or a loving partner, that's wonderful; but if you don't, simply sharing a tidbit here and there about your life or something of interest to you can bring your mood into an even keel. After all, we are not islands and all of us need to feel human connection to remember our place, and to regain that sense of stability and belonging.
* Art and Music -- Not enough of us take advantage of the incredible community radio stations, art galleries, museums and live music available to us in our communities. Even if you have to drive a bit or take some form of public transportation, looking at art and enjoying the real depth of expression of quality art or music can help us re-balance our emotions and tap into our deeper sense of purpose and serenity. Making art and music (and dance and drama if you are so inclined) a regular part of your life can refresh you, enliven you, lift you up and give you something almost magical to look forward to on a regular basis.
* Aromatherapy - the simple act of lighting a wonderful aromatic candle can change your entire outlook on life and bring your mood back into harmony with your life. Using lotion that you love, spending just a few minutes after bathing to apply it, or even having scents you love in your workplace and bathroom at home will transform your energy and re center you.
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression
Aimee Boyle is a writer and special educator in CT. She is a regular contributor to EmpowHER.