Moods are the result of reactions in our internal chemistry. The brain is responsible for releasing many hormones and chemicals that cause the body to react in response to an external stimuli. We can't avoid changes in situations so we can't avoid mood swings. However, by being knowledgeable about what causes emotions or mood swings, we can overcome bad moods.

We can overcome bad moods by watching our diet. Moods are caused by the brain's chemistry, which responds to foods. Caffeine is a quick pick-me-up but has the adverse side effect of causing you irritability. Skimpy meals or skipping meals also gives you black, bad moods. Eating balanced meals nourishes your brain and lessens the possibility of bad moods.

We can avoid bad moods with sufficient sleep. Resting at night renews our overworked body. Insufficient sleep causes crankiness as the fatigue disables your ability to cope with the daily demands of life. So sleep that bad mood away. Take a snooze whenever you feel down. Sleep gives you energy to deal with changes and stress, and it even gives you energy to deal with your own emotions. Your moods will not swing wildly because you feel you are in control.

Moods are affected by energy cycles. Our health, metabolism, food, and time of the day affect our energy cycle, which in turn gives us good or bad moods. People are more energetic earlier in the day. This is the time when you are in a good mood. You don't wake up to a bad mood unless you have a splitting hangover. Sunlight also affects us by influencing our body temperatures. Higher temperatures denote higher energy levels, which give us good moods. Thus, we are generally happier in the morning. So you know why you tend to be cranky at night! It helps to eat a light carbohydrate snack to put your mood back into equilibrium.

We can overcome bad moods by coming into contact with nature. A concrete jungle is cold and depressing. Working long hours in a dreary office environment bores you and drags your mood down. Overcome this by glazing out the window into the scenery outside. Make maximum use of your lunch break to enjoy a change of atmosphere to refresh your mind and elevate your mood. This is the perk of eating out.

Dissolve your bad mood away by some psychoanalysis. Ask yourself what is causing you so much pain that it affects your moods. Work out solutions for your problems and you'll definitely feel better. Bad moods can be just the negative way of seeing things. If we are pessimistic, then we bring our bad moods upon ourselves. If we choose to be optimistic and think positively for everything, then we are masters of our moods. It is as simple as thinking your bad mood away!

Cause: Bad moods may occur for no obvious reason, or be due to hormonal changes, pre-menstrual tension, blood sugar imbalances or stress. 

Effect: You may feel angry, frustrated, tearful and sad, or swing from one emotion to the next. You may over-react to situations you normally cope well with. 

Solutions: Communicate your feelings to family or friends.

Meditation will help to calm and energize you.

Eat regular meals with a low-glycaemic index (eg. wholegrains and protein) to keep blood sugar levels stable.

Remember a funny memory, or watch a video that makes you laugh.

Write a list of all your accomplishments and things you are proud of, as far back as you can remember.

Focus on an activity that you enjoy, such as cooking, drawing or playing a sport.

Make progress on your important goals; these might be your work, a college essay, applying for a new job, learning a new skill or a creative project.

Think of three good things that have happened to you in the last 24 hours, such as chatting to a friend on the phone, enjoying a meal or walking in the sunshine.

Do a kind act for someone else, or tend a pet or houseplant to help you feel good.