Struggling with Mood Swings? Start Here
Ever wake up ready to conquer the world, only to find that everything—and everyone—gets on your nerves? Sometimes there’s no clear reason. Often, it’s our brain chemistry. And many times, it’s driven by hormonal shifts.
Just look at teenagers: their moodiness is often a result of intense hormonal changes that send their brain into overdrive. The same kind of hormonal fluctuations can affect adults—especially around the menstrual cycle—leading to unpredictable mood swings.
While it’s important to consult a mental health professional if mood swings are severe or persistent, there are a few simple lifestyle changes that can make a real difference in how we feel day-to-day.
Simple lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, can rebalance mood.
What Affects Our Mood?
Understanding what influences your mood is the first step to feeling better. Here are a few key areas to look at:
1. Diet
Food is chemistry—and that chemistry directly impacts the brain. Highly processed foods and sugary snacks cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, often leading to irritability, fatigue, and mood swings. Processed foods also promote inflammation, which can disrupt gut health—often referred to as our 'second brain.'
On the other hand, complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, and barley provide sustained energy and help stabilize your mood. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also essential for brain health. Simply put: a nutrient-rich diet fuels both your body and your mind.
2. Vitamins and Minerals
Deficiencies in key nutrients like magnesium, zinc, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins are often linked to low energy and mood imbalances. If you’re feeling down or unusually irritable, it may be worth looking at your nutrient intake.
3. Not Eating Enough
Skipping meals or undereating is another common cause of mood swings. Just like a car can’t run without fuel, your brain can’t function without proper nourishment. Make sure you're eating enough—and eating the right things.
4. Exercise
Regular movement is one of the best natural mood boosters. It doesn’t have to be intense—walking, yoga, Pilates, or light stretching all count. Physical activity increases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce anxiety. I personally can’t remember the last day I didn’t exercise—it’s that important to my mental health.
5. Meditation
Meditation has gone mainstream—and for good reason. Just 10 minutes a day of mindful breathing can help rewire the brain, reduce anxiety, and improve emotional balance. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and just breathe. Your mind will thank you.
6. Sleep
Both too little and too much sleep can affect your mood. But it’s not just about quantity—quality matters too. Avoid heavy meals late at night, try not to eat within two hours of bedtime, and unwind with a calming herbal tea like chamomile. Restful sleep is key to a stable mood.
Support Your Hormones, Support Your Mood
Hormonal imbalances can contribute significantly to mood fluctuations—and the same habits that support good mental health also support hormone health. A well-balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and proper hydration are all essential.
I personally make it a priority to eat fresh fruits and vegetables every day, stay hydrated, and support my gut health with prebiotics and probiotics—because your gut and your mood are more connected than you might think.
To take things a step further, I supplement with Semaine The Daily, PMS and Period Support and Menopause essentials, natural hormone support formulas packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and adaptogens like ashwagandha, which helps calm the brain and reduce stress. It’s become a game-changer in my routine.
Ready to Feel More Balanced?
Try adding one or two of these changes into your daily life and see how you feel. And if you try Semaine, let us know—we’d love to hear your experience!
