How do you feel today? Are you feeling energetic and high-spirited? Or maybe you’re feeling low-energy and a little down.
Here’s a follow-up question: Are you feeling like your usual self, or is this just another day at the whim of your moods?
It’s normal to feel like you’re somewhere in the middle, as moods are a funny thing. Generally more stable than emotions but more temporary than personalities, our moods don’t quite define us – they can change by the day. And other times, we might feel stuck in an unfavorable state of mind or feeling for much longer.
Whichever the case, it’s not always easy to explain why our moods change – let alone notice when. Often, it seems easier to carry on as we normally would, but what exactly is “normal” if we can’t exactly use our moods to self-identify?
Well, the truth is that we can. But rather than ignoring a mood or believing that we’re stuck, it’s best to take it moment by moment, embracing one mood to the next. In other words, we don’t have to be at the whim of our moods to ride their waves.
Remember that your mood can always change; you’re never as stuck as it can tend to feel. At the same time, you can find ways to make the most of each mood, discovering the lessons and utilizing the unique energy each one has to offer. No matter the case, it’s important to be mindful of our moods and understand what they’re telling us.
If you’re experiencing any of the following moods, challenge yourself to sit with it and either learn from it, change it, or use it to your advantage. Here are some helpful mood-based ideas to get started:
High Energy: When you’re angry, frustrated, or anxious.
Release that fiery energy through physical exercise, or calm it down with slow breathing techniques. If you’re angry, try hitting a punching bag; if you’re feeling anxious, go for a run. And if you’re feeling frustrated, do some stretches to release the tension in your body.
Of course, you are free to mix and match any of these or devise your own way to release or manage the high energy you’re feeling. The point is to be mindful of your feelings and use that information to understand yourself and the world around you better.
Grounded: When you’re feeling calm, focused, and productive.
If you’re feeling calm, build on your inner peace with creative visualization or compassionate meditation. Try focusing on your breath and visualizing a peaceful place.
If you’re feeling focused, try setting an intention for your day. And if you’re feeling productive, use that energy to get things done!
Again, there is no wrong way to work with this mood. The key is to be present with how you’re feeling and use that energy to improve your well-being.
Low Energy: When you’re tired, slow, or brain foggy.
Indulge in a short yoga flow session to get your blood pumping and energy flowing again. If you’re tired, try doing some gentle stretches; if you’re feeling slow, try moving your body in any way that feels good. And if you’re feeling brain foggy, try focusing on your breath and letting go of any thoughts that arise.
The goal here is to get your energy moving again, so do whatever feels good for you – even if it’s just taking a few deep breaths. Because life is like a continuous series of inhales and exhales, and the more we pay attention to our breath, the sooner we can return to a more desired state of being.
We can learn to flow through different moods just the same, reminding ourselves that no matter what mood we’re in, it’s only temporary. Why not take what we need from each one to feel how we want to?
Find A Breakthrough With KAP
If you or someone you love is still having difficulty improving your mood, explore the benefits that KAP has to offer. Reach out to our care coordinators today to set up your Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy consultation today.