5 Simple Ways To Overcome A Really Bad Mood

No matter. I
withdrew into “pouty silence,” becoming more deeply entrenched in my mood
disturbance. Of course she could feel my distance. I’m sure my distancing was
disconcerting to her as she did not intentionally try to hurt my feelings. My
silence, however, created more confusion to our situation.

I must be very
careful in these situations not to let a bit of conflict — a “molehill” in the
great scope of things — turn into an emotional “mountain.” If you’re like me,
however, it’s easy to let feeling wronged turn into the proverbial mountain. A
slight here, and twisted bit of truth there, rehearsing the distorted facts, and
the small problem worsens.

Moods, when clearly considered, are
distortions of truth. They are facts taken and twisted to suit our ultimate goal
— which too often is not to see things clearly. Too often we want to ‘play the
victim,’ twist the truth, deny our role in a difficulty or outright malign
another. While these tactics may give us moments of satisfaction, they do not
help us grow or effectively deal with a challenging situation.

The
Apostle Paul may have had situations like mine (and yours) in mind when he
admonished us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. In fact, he says
this:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s
will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12: 2).

I am quite
sure that God’s will is not for me to pout, sulk and withdraw when my feelings
are hurt. In fact, I must daily ask God to give me a loving, kind heart and
mind, able to effectively discern truth. Likewise, God’s will for me and you is
to grow into healthy people like Christ.

Let’s consider some other
strategies for keeping a healthy mood: 
One, breathe. Sure, this
sounds overly simplistic. However, when agitated we tend to breathe shallow,
allowing adrenaline to surge through our bodies which only serves to create
tension in us and between us. Breathe. Attempt to calm yourself.

Two,
step back from your situation. We would do well, in times of stress with
another, to step back from the situation. Allow for a little time to pass before
responding. Scripture tells us to “be slow to speak and quick to listen” (James
1:19).

Three, look at your situation from different angles.
Someone has said that if we truly understood the other person there would be no
conflict. I have certainly found this to be the case. Seek to listen, reflect
and understand where the other person is coming from. What is their perspective
and why might they have said what they did?

Four, consider your part
in the problem. Note that you have many options other than to slip into a
bad mood. Notice how a bad mood takes a lot of work—you must ‘play the victim,’
rehearse being wronged and likely amplify and distort the other person’s words
or actions. Don’t succumb to a bad mood!

Finally, consider the
solution. No matter what happened, or who was wrong, consider the solution.
What is the problem to be solved? How can you relate to the other person in a
way so as to bring harmony? No matter how the other person acts, you are called
to live in peace with them and in most cases, you can!

Are you prone to
‘mood disturbances?’ Do you tend to jump to conclusions, placing yourself in a
‘self-righteous’ position and finding fault with others? Doing this will not
serve you well in the long run. Consider the steps above and work on
transforming your mind through the power of Scripture and emotional/ spiritual
growth.

[written by Dr. David B. Hawkins]