7 steps to avoid being at the mercy of your moods

Low moods can quietly influence the choices we make, limiting our confidence, opportunities, and enjoyment of life. When left unchecked, negative thinking patterns can gradually affect relationships, career progression, and overall well-being. The good news is that by developing positive habits, increasing self-awareness, and taking control of our thoughts, it is possible to build stronger self-esteem and create a more positive and fulfilling life.

How low mood can affect your life

If you are at the mercy of your low moods, you will miss out on many of life’s opportunities. Low mood can put you off visiting a friend or attending a party. It could result in poor performance at work or during an interview.

Occasionally we can make the mistake of doing what our mood dictates without too much damage. Permitting daily activities to be dictated by poor mood will eventually restrict work, life and love opportunities. The buildup can be slow, therefore unnoticed, until becoming a real problem.

Taking control of your thoughts and emotions

Being in control of your subconscious mind is a daily and ongoing process of defense against low self esteem. You can nurture some good habits in this battle as follows:

• Count your blessings – It is surprising how uplifting this process can be. Consider starting your day by acknowledging some of the great things in your life. Offer a little thanks for those wonderful people or things and for the prospective joy.
• Positive thoughts – Being aware of your thoughts is the first step. The aim is to halt all negative thoughts aimed at yourself and replace them with a positive slant. You are dealing directly with your subconscious mind which can not distinguish between fact and fiction.
• Reject rumination – The process of going over old ground in your head can help to sustain the dark cloud. Give the issue due consideration, make a decision and move on.
• Manage worry – Possibly only 2% of the things we worry about actually happen, which would indicate a lot of wasted time and unhappiness. Consider possible pitfalls and devise an action plan to reduce the impact.
• Use positive language – Replace ‘I can’t, might, try’ with ‘I can, will and do’.
• Affirmations – Positive affirmations in any area you feel exposed can be powerful aids in your battle for control.

The importance of focused activity

There’s no denying that an active life can restrict some of the unhelpful mind chatter. It is important that you are ‘present’ in all that you do, mentally and physically.

Being focused will give you better results all round and offer feelings of accomplishment.

Building confidence and a positive mental attitude

These steps will take you closer to great self esteem and help you move on with confidence and determination. Believing in yourself is possible when all the clutter is cleared.

The more often you stop and change the unhelpful action the stronger your resolve will be in the future.

Optimise your potential for a great life. Out with the old inhibiting behaviour and replace with a positive mental attitude.