How to get over those mood swings

Source: The Hindu, 17-05-2006

How to get over those mood swings

Special Correspondent

Spending just half an hour during a sunny spell in a park can elevate one's mood

Bangalore: From yoga to different schools of meditation and deep breathing, a number of methods to reduce work-related stress are talked about today. Some perhaps work better than others.

One that has been found to work for many is aromatherapy. You need not go to a spa or health club for the experience.

A few drops of essential oil of lavender in your hanky may do the trick.

Also bathing with a few drop of the oil after returning from work or even a shower jell containing it. Other aroma such as citrus and rose work better for some persons.

"While those with clinical depression do need medication, many others can beat the blues otherwise with a bit of timely counselling,'' says psycho therapist Sunanda Murthy.

The lack of the mineral zinc in the daily diet can lead to depressive thoughts and multi-vitamin supplements with zinc do help over a course of weeks, she has found.

Thyroid malfunctioning can lead to irritability, weight loss, poor eating and sleeping habits and depression. When the thyroid, located just under the skin of your neck, is working well, it releases certain hormones that among other functions, speed up your metabolism and keep your weight just right.

A thyroid malfunction can lead to symptoms similar to depression. There can also be unexplained fatigue.

"Rainy and cold weather as in Bangalore when one hardly sees the sun for hours together on many days can affect moods. It is more common in the northern hemisphere with its long winters but can happen during the monsoon and winter months here too,'' says Dr Murthy.

Spending just half an hour during a sunny spell in a park can elevate one's mood. Often overlooked is the fact that good posture can make you feel better, she says.

A person with low self esteem and a poor outlook on life tends to slouch or lean down with head down. Just correcting the posture can help in improving the mood.

Screensavers help

While sitting at that work station in the office, straighten your back and make a conscious effort to look away now and then from that computer monitor, you will start feeling more cheerful. Having "screensavers" with photographs of people and places you like can be one way of getting over stress at the workplace.