Moods and Temperaments

There are basically two types of moods, one is good and the other is bad. Both are temporary frames or states of mind.

Normally people go through several states in a day. They'll feel cheerful and lively and they'll experience positive related emotions. The feeling can last throughout the day but something or someone can trigger their emotions and they'll feel grouchy, sulky or crabby.

This is normal, meaning it happens to everybody and is not a disorder or an illness. It becomes a problem only if you have frequent mood swings, one moment feeling ecstatic and soon after that feels gloomy or showing your tantrums. If you are temperamental and unpredictable, you become a difficult person to work with or to relate to. People will avoid having to deal with you or have to wait until you are in a better disposition to talk.

Your moods are influenced by your mental attitude and conditioning. You interpret and react to a situation or people based on your mental representations. What it means is, when you hear or see something, your subconscious mind tells you how to react or feel based on what has been stored inside your head and how you've always reacted in the same situation.

So you get in and out of one state after another based on your mental images. You have little control unless you become aware before you respond to a situation and choose to change your mental conditioning. It's advisable that you learn to master your temperaments so that you don't have to rely on them and wait until you're "in the mood" to make decisions or to take actions.

Overcoming Moodiness

Become aware.

Since you go in and out of different states throughout your waking hours, become aware of them and "catch" them in action. Pause and listen to your inner talks and watch the images that come out of your head when something triggers you to react and put you in a state.

It takes discipline to take notice but this is one of the ways to get direct feedback. By catching yourself, you will have control and choose other ways of perceiving and reacting. Altering your thoughts will create different sensations in your body and shift your feelings. Think positive thoughts and expect favorable outcome. Feed your mind with pictures, colors and music that put you in a state of joy, calm and poise a majority of the time.

Watch your lifestyle.

Your lifestyle affects your disposition. Eating right, regular aerobic movements and sufficient rest and recreation provide you the energy to perform efficiently. Too much sugar, caffeine, alcohol and fat in your diet change your biochemical state and make you feel cranky. When you don't eat right and consume without regards to your digestion and health, you suffer discomforts. This will result in feeling tired, lethargic, sluggish and listless. You aren't productive or friendly in this condition.

Do regular physical exercise and activities to de-stress, release tension and keep fit. When your body is in good shape, your mind and your emotions correspond to it. Allow time for rest and relaxation. Get sufficient sleep. Take time off to get in touch with nature. You function better when your mind is calm.

Create a different outlook on situations, events and people.

In order to get a grip, learn to re-frame and create different meanings. Remind yourself that everything going on inside is a mind's game. It is how your mind sorts and perceives external events. If you base your memories and information on fears and insecurities, you will display outwardly whatever is represented inside.

People have their own positive intentions for their behaviors and attitudes. Your reactions are based on yours. Their behaviors do not have to affect you emotionally and mentally. You can perceive it anyway you want to. Give yourself a chance to understand others and your own self before you switch into your habitual states of mind and emotions. Learn to listen attentively and observe without making judgments and getting into a state.