Jane Witherspoon is a Canadian expat adventurer, yoga instructor, and passionate rambler who recently relocated from Panama to Denia, Spain.
Do you ever have those days where you wake up irritable and angry, unsure why? Emotional turmoil that roils to the boiling point no matter what you do. For the first time in too long to remember, one of those mornings presented itself today. These moments are so emotionally overwhelming that only a physical release, like a safety valve, breaks the storm.
From the moment I opened my eyes, I was angry, snappish with my husband, and progressively getting more irritated as the morning advanced. Nothing seemed to be going right, and that "safety valve" labeled CRY was ready to switch.
Experiencing this sensation brought back memories of when I was in my late 30s and 40s navigating perimenopause. The emotional rollercoaster left me feeling out of control as I verbally lashed out at those closest to me.
I vividly remember one situation in which I was so overwhelmed with emotions that I grabbed my purse and threw it across the room. Everyone, including myself, stood there, stunned by my outburst. By nature, I am even-keeled, so this was shocking to me and my family.
We know that instability in our estrogen and progesterone during this time of life is responsible for and can cause mood swings, irritability, feelings of depression, and anxiety. We can all intellectualize this statement, but it can be hard to remember at the moment.
Since going through menopause, I have returned to a more balanced emotional state. But this doesn't mean we won't experience emotional turmoil during times in our lives. Today, even though it made me tired, I pushed myself to go to the gym. The burst of endorphins created a calming effect, allowing me to find mental balance. So, how do we positively work through these moments?
These are a few widely accepted ways and tools to maintain and create a more calm and balanced mental state:
- Exercise and eat healthy.
- Nurture your friendships.
- Find a self-calming skill to practice, such as yoga, meditation, or rhythmic breathing.
- Engage in a creative outlet that fosters a sense of achievement.
- Avoid depressants, including tranquilizers and alcohol.
- Stay connected with your family and community.
As we mature, we gain tools that help us navigate life's ups and downs, allowing us to process and react more positively.
And so, my Sole Sisters, may you surround yourself with calm as you ramble through your week.
I realize anger is here to remind me,
to protect what is important to me.
I have a choice.
Instead of screaming what I don't want,
I can calmly say what I do want.
Even when I can't have what I want,
I can brainstorm ways to get what I need.
Instead of focusing on the problem,
I can focus on the solution.
― Lauren Martin, Anger is a Storm
Peace is a daily, weekly, and monthly process,
gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers,
and quietly building new structures. —John F. Kennedy
READ MORE > Jane's Mindful Musings, Rambler Cafe Blog
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