Women who become irritable and temperamental as they get older usually adopt these 7 habits (without realizing it)

It’s no secret that as we age, our personalities can shift. For some women, this might mean becoming a bit more irritable or temperamental.

This isn’t about blaming anyone, it’s about understanding what’s happening, and why. Often these changes sneak up on us through habits we unwittingly develop.

In this piece, I’m going to highlight seven common habits that women might unknowingly adopt as they get older that could be contributing to these shifts in mood and temperament.

Stick with me – identifying these could be the first step to making positive changes.

1) Neglecting self-care

A common trait I’ve noticed in women who grow more irritable and temperamental as they age is a tendency to put self-care on the back burner.

You see, as we get older, life often gets busier. Responsibilities pile up – from work to family, and everything in between. It’s easy for self-care to slip off our priority list.

But here’s the thing. Neglecting self-care can have a significant impact on our mood and temperament.

When we’re not taking care of ourselves physically, mentally, and emotionally, it’s not surprising that we might become more irritable.

So, if you’re finding yourself snapping more frequently or getting easily annoyed, it could be time to reassess your self-care habits. Are you making time for yourself amidst the chaos of daily life? If not, it might be time to start.

Remember, self-care isn’t selfish – it’s necessary for our overall wellbeing.

2) Ignoring the need for downtime

This one hits close to home. I used to think that being busy equated to being productive and successful. I’d fill my days with back-to-back tasks, meetings, and chores, barely pausing for breath.

But over time, this go-go-go mentality started taking a toll on my temperament. I found myself feeling irritable and agitated at the smallest of things. It was like I was always on edge.

It took me a while to realize that my relentless routine was a big factor. I wasn’t allowing myself any downtime – no moments of rest or relaxation. And boy, did my mood reflect that!

Incorporating downtime into my daily routine made a significant difference.

Whether it was reading a book, taking a short walk, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea, these moments of calm really helped to balance out my temperament.

If you’re noticing an increase in irritability or mood swings, check-in with yourself. Are you giving yourself enough downtime? If not, it might be time to schedule some in. Trust me, your mood will thank you.

3) Resistance to change

Did you know the brain has a built-in bias for sticking with the status quo? It’s true. Our brains tend to prefer the familiar and can react negatively to change.

For many women, growing older involves a lot of change. It could be children leaving home, transitions at work, or even shifts in their own bodies.

This constant state of flux can make us feel like we’re losing control, leading to feelings of irritability and a more temperamental disposition.

Embracing change, rather than resisting it, can help ease these feelings. It’s about understanding that change is a natural part of life and can often lead to positive outcomes, even if it doesn’t seem so at first.

Next time you find yourself getting frustrated with a new situation, take a deep breath and try to see it as an opportunity for growth rather than a threat. It might just help to soothe your temperament.

4) Lack of regular exercise

We all know that exercise is good for our physical health. But it’s equally important for our mental wellbeing.

Regular physical activity releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters. It also promotes better sleep and provides a healthy outlet for stress.

In contrast, lack of exercise can lead to feelings of lethargy, low mood, and yes, increased irritability.

But don’t worry, you don’t have to become a gym junkie or a marathon runner. Even simple activities like walking, gardening or dancing around the living room can make a big difference.

So if you’re noticing a rise in your irritability levels, take a look at your exercise routine. A little more movement could be just what you need to smooth out those temperamental edges.

5) Holding onto negativity

There was a phase in my life where it felt like I was surrounded by negativity.

Be it work stress, personal issues, or just the general state of the world, it felt heavy. And that heaviness seeped into my mood, making me more irritable and temperamental.

What I didn’t realize then was that I was holding onto all this negativity, carrying it around like a weight. But here’s what I learned – we can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we respond to it.

By consciously choosing to let go of negativity and focus on the positives instead, I noticed a marked improvement in my temperament. It was like a cloud had lifted.

If you’re feeling more irritable or temperamental than usual, take a moment to reflect.

Are you holding onto negative thoughts or experiences? If so, it could be worth trying to let them go and focusing on the positives instead. It’s not always easy, but the impact on your mood can be profound.

6) Skipping meals

We’ve all heard of the term ‘hangry’, right? It’s that irritable feeling we get when we’re hungry.

But did you know that skipping meals regularly can significantly contribute to mood swings and an overall more temperamental disposition?

Our bodies need a steady supply of nutrients to function properly. When we skip meals, our blood sugar levels drop, leading to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and even anxiety.

So if you’re missing meals due to a busy schedule or even dieting, it’s time to rethink your eating habits.

Try to incorporate balanced, regular meals into your day. Not only will it help keep your physical health in check, but it can also do wonders for your mood and temperament.

7) Lack of communication

If there’s one thing I want you to remember, it’s this: communication is key. Bottling up emotions and not expressing how we feel can lead to increased irritability and a volatile temperament.

It’s essential to talk about what’s bothering you, share your feelings, and seek support when needed. By doing so, you can release pent-up emotions, gain new perspectives, and feel more understood and less irritable.

Next time you’re feeling out of sorts, instead of keeping it in, try sharing your feelings with someone you trust. It can make a world of difference in managing your mood and keeping your temperament in check.

Final thoughts: It’s all about awareness

The human mind and behavior are complex and deeply interconnected. Our habits, whether conscious or unconscious, can significantly impact our mood and temperament.

For women who find themselves becoming more irritable and temperamental as they age, it’s crucial to remember that these feelings are not necessarily a fixed state.

Instead, they could be a reflection of the habits we’ve adopted over time.

Recognizing these habits is the first step towards making positive changes.

Whether it’s incorporating more self-care into your routine, embracing change, or simply ensuring you’re eating regular meals, small alterations can make a big difference.

It’s never too late to reassess your habits and make changes. You have the power to influence your own mood and temperament. And sometimes, awareness is the first step towards a calmer, more balanced you.