How Can I Stop Being Moody?
We all have those days when everything feels off.
One minute you’re fine, the next you’re snapping at someone for breathing too loudly.
If that sounds like you, you’re not broken, lazy, or “too emotional.”
You’re human. And feeling moody is your body’s way of saying Hey, something’s out of balance, please pay attention!
Let’s break down what might really be behind those mood swings, and what you can do to start feeling more like yourself again.
1. Check Your Blood Sugar
If you skip meals, live on coffee, or reach for quick sugary snacks then your blood sugar might be on a rollercoaster.
When your blood sugar drops too low, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline to give you energy fast.
And guess what? That can make you snappy, irritable, anxious, or teary.
What to do:
– Eat regular meals (don’t skip breakfast!)
– Include protein, fibre, and healthy fats in every meal
– Snack on nuts, fruit, or hummus instead of sugary treats
Stable blood sugar = stable mood.
2. Check Your Sleep
Ever noticed how everything feels 10x worse after a bad night’s sleep?
When you’re tired, your brain’s emotion control centre (the amygdala) goes into overdrive.
It’s like your patience meter breaks.
What to do:
– Try the 3-2-1 sleep rule: no food 3 hours before bed, no screens 2 hours before, no work 1 hour before.
– Keep your bedtime consistent.
– Make your room dark, cool, and calm.
Sleep isn’t lazy, it’s your body’s reset button.
3. Support Your Hormones
For women, mood swings often tie in with hormone changes (especially around your period, after childbirth, or during perimenopause).
Oestrogen and progesterone both affect serotonin (your feel-good chemical). When they fluctuate, your mood can too.
What to do:
– Eat foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s (think leafy greens, nuts, salmon, seeds).
– Try herbal support like chaste tree, ashwagandha, or lemon balm (check with a naturopath or herbalist first).
– Move your body regularly, gentle walking or yoga helps balance hormones naturally.
4. Reduce Stress (Even the Tiny Ones)
Constant stress keeps your nervous system in fight or flight mode and that can make you reactive, edgy, or drained.
It’s not just the big stuff, either. Little everyday stresses (traffic, rushing, doing too much) all add up.
What to do:
– Take 3 deep belly breaths before reacting.
– Spend 10 minutes outside each day — sunshine resets your nervous system.
– Try journaling, meditation, or simply saying no more often.
Your nervous system loves calm and consistency.
5. Feed Your Gut
Your gut and brain are best friends, they talk constantly through the vagus nerve.
If your gut is inflamed, bloated, or unbalanced, it can directly affect your mood and mental health.
What to do:
– Eat fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or unsweetened yoghurt.
– Get plenty of fibre from fruits, veggies, and whole grains.
– Drink enough water, dehydration can make you cranky too.
A happy gut makes for a happier mind.
6. Move Your Body (Gently)
Exercise isn’t punishment, it’s medicine.
Movement boosts your feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin, helping you release built-up stress and tension.
What to do:
– Go for a short walk after meals.
– Dance in your kitchen.
– Stretch before bed.
It doesn’t need to be intense, just consistent.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
Here’s something most people don’t realise:
Being moody doesn’t make you a bad person, it means your body and emotions need attention, not criticism.
Try to notice why you’re feeling off instead of judging yourself for it.
Your emotions are messengers, not mistakes.
What to do:
– Speak to yourself like you would a close friend.
– Take breaks before you hit your limit.
– Reach out for help if you need it, from a friend, therapist, or nutritionist.
You Don’t Have to Live on an Emotional Rollercoaster
Balancing your body (through real food, rest, calm, and compassion) helps your mood find its rhythm again.
Start small: eat a proper breakfast, go for a walk, get to bed earlier.
These simple shifts add up, and your body will respond.
You’re not moody, you’re just out of balance.
And balance is something you can rebuild, one gentle step at a time.