Irritability: Our 3-Point Guide To Fix It

January 16, 2015

When the pressures of modern living get to you, it isn’t unnatural to feel tired and irritable. With little time for sleep or leisure, and plenty of cause for aggravation, you’re bound to blow up. Read on to find out how to fix the problem and ease out.

1. Figure Out The Cause
Sometimes it’s just annoyance, while at other times, it’s frustration. But there are occasions when irritability can signal an underlying health issue. Children usually become irritable when they’re sleepy, hungry or either too hot or too cold. If their crying and fussing continues beyond these needs being met, it could be a sign of something more serious such as physical pain, breathing trouble, or a racing heart. With adults, when irritability persists beyond the point of temporary stress, it can signal depression or the onset of a mental illness. Get it checked by a physician sooner than later. Drug, alcohol or tobacco withdrawal can also lead to irritability. Chronic pain or fatigue are other causes that should be investigated.

2. Fix The Problem
Often, curing irritability can be as simple as breathing more efficiently. Practicing yoga allows you to focus on your breathing, and moderate exercise allows your brain to receive more oxygen. Both yoga and exercise also promote the release of feel-good endorphins. Acknowledging that you are feeling a certain way can be empowering, and can give you a better handle on the problem. Writing down what’s bugging you in a journal will let you see patterns emerging over time, meaning you can target the source of the problem and fix it before it recurs. Highly underrated solutions, gratitude and connecting with others, can make you feel better. Focusing on the good things in your life makes the current situation relatively insignificant. If that doesn’t do it for you, try asking for help from a loved one or a mentor, whom you respect.

3. Avoid Triggers
If you know a certain situation is going to rile you up, being mentally prepared is half the battle won. That said, certain techniques can come to the rescue. Refrain from communicating with others when you are angry, whether by email, phone or in person. Wait until the worst of your moods has passed before doing so. It will help prevent misunderstandings and venting your feelings in the wrong way. Do not look to alcohol, cigarettes or narcotic substances to calm you down, as they will only exacerbate the problem. Negative people who push your emotional buttons are best avoided as well. Instead, try and surround yourself with positive people, who radiate calmness and are upbeat—it’s contagious.

Being irritable doesn’t make you a bad person, but it can take its toll on your health and relationships. Figure out what’s annoying you, and take the necessary steps to living a more fulfilling life.