Our emotions are at least one part of our lives which we can always count on to be there, whether we like it or not. Sometimes they are wonderful; they allow us to feel excited when we get a good grade or a job promotion and happy when we have the perfect day. But sometimes emotions can also be really annoying. The frustrating feeling that often arises when you’re stuck in traffic and already running 10 minutes late (or if you’re like me, 20 minutes late), the anger that can be so difficult to suppress in an argument, or the sadness or shame felt when you do something you later regret. I think what’s even more annoying, however, is when these emotions result in moods – when anger over a small detail somehow acts as a trigger to a bad mood. As I was reflecting on the role my emotions and moods play in my life, I realized that sometimes it seems that my bad moods control me. There are so many times when I act a certain way simply because of how I’m feeling, almost to the point where I feel like I have to listen to my emotions. I subconsciously tell myself that if I’m feeling sad then I don’t have time to be nice to people, or if I’m angry it’s OK to get more easily annoyed at the little things. When someone snaps out in anger or is making rude remarks, a common reaction is: “Well someone’s in a bad mood.” It’s almost like we allow our mood to determine the way we act as if there is no other option, when in reality we are more than our emotions and a bad mood shouldn’t be a hopeless battle.
Before I go any further, I think it’s important to distinguish the difference between emotions and moods. Emotions are much more fleeting and generally tend to be more intense feelings that cause us to react in certain ways. Emotions are natural and motivate us to strive for that wonderful feeling of happiness. Moods on the other hand last much longer -- often a couple days or maybe a week -- and consist of a much more subtle feeling of which we often have difficulty pinpointing the cause. So the real question is, is it possible to overcome a bad mood? Well, good news: The answer is yes! There’s lots of research on how to bust yourself out of a bad mood. Things like listening to music, talking to people, getting some sun or smelling something fragrant all can do the trick.
Upon reading this in a U.S. News and World Report article, I was really surprised. I think the reason for my surprise was that often my bad moods seem so unbreakable. In a bad mood, I’m often feeling depressed or frustrated and don’t know why. I tell myself that since I can’t figure out why, there’s nothing I can do to change it – that a bad mood is just something I have to deal with, or even that anything I try to help me snap out of it wouldn’t work anyways, so what’s the point in even trying? I might as well just give up now. Realistically, however, this is not the case. A lot of times bad moods can be broken somewhat easily, just by doing something I love. There is never any harm in texting a friend or going for a walk, for a lot of times actions as simple as these can work wonders.
I think it’s time that I stop letting my mood tell me what to do or how to act and start fighting back. Of course, this is easier said than done, because when I’m in a bad mood I genuinely believe that nothing could ever get better. However, this is just my mood trying to trick me into even deeper sadness or frustration and I don’t have to listen to those lies. It’s time to reclaim my happiness and control over my actions. I’m not going to be bossed around by my inner feelings anymore. I’m going to reach out, take action and end the days where my mood swings determine the quality of my day. I welcome you to join me.
