Many people would be shocked to know that I’m ever in a bad mood. Having a big smile fools others and myself as well. It took me a while to realize a bad mood or feeling bad (emotionally) is not a bad thing.
There are many reasons why bad moods (not dark or depressed) don’t bother me the way they used to. Below are my five favorites!
- I don’t get down on myself for being in a bad mood. I’ve stopped saying to myself “I shouldn’t feel this way”
- I accept that all bad moods run their course and this too shall pass!
- I uncover what is bothering me, that I have control over and then do something (see #5) to feel better. If I don’t (have control) then I let it go. It’s extremely freeing 🙂
- I’ve learned to broaden my perspective and re-focus on an optimistic outcome.
- I use a Self-Care Tool, such as journaling (in my “Feelings Journal”), walking, talking to a friend, doing yoga or listening to music.
A bad mood creates an opportunity to get beyond an uncomfortable feeling. It’s different from feeling depressed. A bad mood is temporary and less intense. You feel frustrated, annoyed or irritated. Depression is a mental health issue and involves feeling hopeless or deeply down.
A bad mood doesn’t drop out of a clear blue sky. There is always a trigger. As a Professional Counselor, Business and Life Coach, I help people quickly identify the trigger. I ask, “When was the last time you were in a good mood?” Something specific happened and they immediately felt bad. Then I encourage them to use their self-care tools.
A Personal Example:
Recently, I was playing Pickleball (the fastest growing sport in America!). I was in a really good mood. During the first game an old injury flared up. I knew I needed to stop playing, so I didn’t make things worse. My mood shifted within minutes. What helped was doing relaxation exercises, journaling and talking to a friend.
Next time you are in a bad mood, I hope you will re-read this post and do at least a couple of my suggestions. Let me know what happens!
MarGO!
Margo Geller, MS, MSW, CRC
Professional Counselor and Business and Life Coach
404-218-4559
MargoGeller @Gmail.com
www.MargoGeller.com
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