Mood Roller Coaster - Big Y® World Class Market®

Top of the world one minute, frustrated or downright mad the next. Ever have one of those moments? Well, you’re not alone. You’re having mood swings — irritability that seems to come and go, sometimes minute-to-minute or hour-to-hour. And they are very common among preteens!

The first thing to remember is everyone experiences emotional ups and downs. This is a complex time in your life, probably filled with stress from school, anxiety over fitting in with friends and pretty intense changes in your body. Understanding your emotions may make your ride on the mood roller-coaster a little easier.

Who am I?

One of the major reasons you are experiencing a wide range of emotions is because your body is going through a lot of changes. It’s a time when your body starts producing hormones, which are like chemicals being released in your body without your control — and that can make you more sensitive, even cranky. Try to focus on what you like about yourself and what makes you unique.

A Juggling Act

The pressure to get good grades, keep up with extracurricular activities, take care of chores at home and still find time to hang out with friends can make you stressed out. You’re starting to get a glimpse of what life as an adult will be like, but your emotional ability to cope with all that’s on your plate hasn’t quite caught up yet. You’re probably also at an age when your parents are giving you more responsibility. This independence can feel great but it can also be a little scary or overwhelming sometimes.

Brain Strain

Next time you act moody or do something your parents don’t understand, blame it on your brain! Recently, scientists made a big discovery. They used to think a person’s brain was mostly grown (90%) and completely developed by the age of six. But they just found out the brain continues to mature well into a person’s 20’s with some of the most extreme changes happening during adolescence. That means the actual area of the brain that helps you deal with feelings and enables you to make good decisions, is still growing and changing as you grow. So it’s common to have a hard time dealing with stress and controlling certain behaviors.

Beating the Blues

There are many positive things you can do to keep your spirits happy and your body healthy:

– Get enough sleep. If you’re struggling to get out of bed every morning or you’re having a hard time staying awake in the afternoon, you’re probably not getting enough sleep. Try going to bed an hour earlier and see if that helps.

– Eat right. Certain foods, like sugar, caffeine and chocolate can contribute to mood swings. On the other hand, foods like water, fruit and vegetables, and fish, can actually help improve your mood. Skipping meals can also make you cranky, so try to eat regularly.

– Get active and involved. Regular exercise helps your body release hormones called “beta endorphins” that have been shown to improve moods. So grab a friend and go rollerblading, play basketball or join a sports team. It’s also important to keep your mind active. Find something you love to do and get lost in it! For some,that may mean doing something creative; for others, it might mean working on a project or developing a hobby.

– Talk about it. Sharing your feelings with a friend and knowing that someone understands will probably make you feel better and help you realize you’re not alone. Also try confiding in a parent or another trusted adult — they were young once and have been through this, and can probably offer some advice.

Not only can these tips improve moodiness, they’re good healthy principles to live by. However, if you find you’re constantly irritable or angry, or if you’re sad most of the time and you just can’t shake it, you might be depressed. Only a physician can diagnose this condition. So if you’re having a hard time coping or getting through your day, its best to confide in a parent or another trusted adult so they can get you some help.

Cutout Cookies - Make It From Scratch	View Recipe
Cutout Cookies - Make It Simple	View Recipe
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake - Make It From Scratch	View Recipe
Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake - Make It Simple	View Recipe
Spice Cake - Make It From Scratch	View Recipe
Spice Cake - Make It Simple	View Recipe