A ‘mood’ can be described as a temporary state of mind or feeling. It could be good or bad or any point in-between.

Moods come and go (which is always helpful to remember) and sometimes we will have a pretty good idea what caused them and on other occasions we don’t have a clue. But when we are in the grip of a ‘low’ mood it can lead to all sorts of problems and difficulties that have a negative impact on our lives.

Whilst that elusive root cause of a mood may be uncovered by counselling, there are still practical things we can do to manage the quality and intensity of mood so we can get on with our lives.

Having listened to many clients who have done just this – and what they found helped – I noticed some common themes in managing mood.

This isn’t rocket (or neuro) science and doesn’t claim to ‘cure’ you of anxiety, panic, depression, low self-esteem, hopelessness, despair, or any of the other troublesome feelings we experience.

It simply helps to make what may seem unmanageable - manageable.

Because your mood is slightly lighter, slightly more optimistic and more within your control.

Routine

Get into a daily and/or weekly routine of activities and stick to it. Keep it going - even when you think everything’s fine.

Exercise

Find some form of physical activity that you can enjoy on a regular basis and that leaves you feeling a little tired but relaxed and calm.

Sleep

Pay close attention to your sleep - quantity and quality. Stick to sleep hygiene routines.

Nutrition

Eat healthily and regularly (non-processed food, fresh vegetables, fruit, pulses)

Stimulants

Moderate – maybe even eliminate – your consumption of alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and recreational drugs

Social contact

Make time to keep in touch and be with people who really matter to you - and you to them

Meditation

10 minutes a day practicing to ‘calm your mind ‘and clear your head of thoughts. Incense sticks are purely optional.

Social Media

Comparing our lives with those of others can be a truly dispiriting and counter-productive pursuit.
It can turn into an assault on our self-esteem. Use with caution and accept that everything is not as it seems.