Mood changes are a natural part of trying to be a healthy and productive adult. We have mood swings when we are confronted by hurdles, we swing again when someone gives a complement and we swing again when we find out one of our friends passed away. Triggering a mood swing doesn't require a momentous event but can be something as small as getting another assignment added to your pile.

Each mood swing usually has some precursors that we can used to identify when our moods are going to change. We can monitor our moods by recognizing our energy levels, situations that affect our feelings, and the direction that our thoughts are going in. If we see these patters we can recognize and control our moods. When we control these moods we will get along with other better and maintain our productivity.

Most of us have heard of the “power of positive thoughts”. The way we look at life, the type of thoughts (good or bad) we have and the way we handled problems all affect our overall moods. Consider the following:

1. Thoughts: When we think positively we can have a more positive outlook. It doesn't mean that we won't have to live in the “real” world. However, it does mean when we recognize small issues and tell ourselves we can handle the problem we won't be in as bad a mood if we talked negatively.
2. Feelings: How we feel about ourselves has a huge impact on our moods. If we feel that we are not a good person, we carry a lot of guilt, and are deserving of the world's disdain we will think negatively about ourselves. The way we think about ourselves reflects onto other people and can cause all types of interpersonal problems.
3. Competence: When you do things well and you have learned through experience that you can handle most situations you will feel confident about yourself. This confidence keeps your mood strong because you feel as though you can handle anything thrown at you.

The next time you are faced with a problem don't bring on a barrage of negative moods. Think positively, understand your feelings and believe in your ability to handle the problem. The more you believe in yourself and your ability to control your environment the happier your mood will be. The happier your mood the more likely you will be productive and successful.