wellbeing with sally; low moods, what, why, and how to manage them

Hi all, I wanted this month’s blog to focus on low moods. I know that it’s lovely and sunny and that we see everyone around us having fun and looking like they are living their best lives! However, things may be very different for them inside. Even if they are living their best lives, it is perfectly okay if we are not. Things can come along and really change our moods. 

how low moods affect us generally

Low moods can affect our everyday life, such as eating, sleeping, socialising, even how we are thinking. Significant life events can have a big impact on moods, and in turn, sometimes without realising it, life can become very miserable. Also, habits and situations can also impact our moods.

things that affect mood

Things that can affect our moods and make us feel sad, angry, frustrated and depressed can be things like:

• a traumatic event – maybe something frightening has happened and it is very hard to get over this event

• a change in circumstances – maybe an environment has changed and it is difficult to adjust

• grieving the loss of someone or something

• relationship issues/problems

• work stresses or even just day-to day stuff that are proving tough. It is okay not to feel top of the world sometimes… we have all been there.

habits that can cause low moods

It's helpful to be aware of a healthy lifestyle balance. Therefore, looking at things that can lead to low moods, can help us to assess what we need in order to maintain good wellbeing.

Things like:

• always being over-busy

• never having free time

• not socialising and becoming withdrawn

• not going out and getting any daylight or fresh air

• quitting hobbies and interests

• excessive alcohol/drug use

• too much screen time

• being a people pleaser all the time

• not exercising and avoiding help and support

  
  

  All these things can have a profound effect our wellbeing.

ways of coping with low mood & things that may help:

1. Connecting with people – this can help us feel a sense of belonging and help us recognise our own identity.

2. Be active – whatever activities you enjoy, get up and out and do them! Endorphin levels being activated can really help low moods, so exercise can be key.

   

3. Be in the present – stop wishing your life away and/or dwelling on the past and be in the here and now… and enjoy it!

4. Learning new things is also great for the mood… it helps to stimulate us and be interested in new things.

   

5. Eating a good healthy diet is also great for moods… things like nuts, oats and eggs are good mood food, so go for it!

6. Talk it out with whoever you are close to and people that you trust!

Be super kind to yourselves!

All the best,

Sally