What makes you annoyed

Your blood pressure might rise. Taking a few slow, deep breaths can calm your physiological response. When your body grows a little calmer, your brain might grow calmer too. Hold your breath for just a second and then exhale slowly through pursed lips for a count of three.

Do that three times and see if you feel a little better. Walk away for a minute and take an adult-sized time-out.

Taking a quick break might be all you need to charge your batteries again so you can re-enter the situation feeling refreshed. Whether a break for you means a quick walk around the building or it means a few minutes of listening to music in your bedroom with the door shut, find something that can help you calm down fast.

Research shows that getting exercise can be good for your mental health. Physical activity has been used as an effective treatment for anxiety, mood disorder, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. So if irritability stems from a mental health issue, working out can help. On the flipside, however, too much exercise may increase irritability.

If your exercise regimen seems to be worsening your mood, talk to your physician. Chewing gum might be a quick way to relieve stress, which may be helpful in reducing your irritability. A study found that people felt less anxious and less stressed when they were chewing gum. It also improved their focus and attention. So the next time you feel a little irritable, reach for a piece of gum. You might find it helps you feel a little calmer and a little happier.

When you catch yourself dwelling on the unfairness of a situation or thinking about how much you dislike something, reframe it. This story appears in the January issue of National Geographic magazine.

Our annoying survey answers. In an online survey, National Geographic asked readers to name their most vexing annoyances by category. Here are some of their responses. The writer exceeded the limit; the magazine feels obliged to enforce it. We regret any annoyance this might cause, dear readers. Joe Palca is a science correspondent with NPR. His ability to annoy others is legendary. Share Tweet Email. More from this series In the 21st century, we are all migrants.

Magazine The Big Idea In the 21st century, we are all migrants Humans are in motion across time as well as geography. Why must we be divided, the migrant versus the native? To save birds, should we kill off cats? Animals Vanishing To save birds, should we kill off cats?

Our feline friends are killing billions of birds every year. A fan of both animals believes there are humane solutions. Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. Animals Wild Cities Wild parakeets have taken a liking to London. Animals Wild Cities Morocco has 3 million stray dogs. People may also experience panic attacks.

A panic attack refers to a period of intense fear that develops with little to no warning and peaks within minutes. The exact triggers vary from person to person, and they may not always be apparent. People who experience panic attacks may find themselves worrying about when the next attack will occur. They might go out of their way to avoid situations, places, or behaviors that could trigger an attack. Thinking about triggers and panic attacks can make a person feel overwhelmed and irritable.

The term phobia describes an intense fear or aversion to a certain object, person, or situation. Thinking about or having exposure to the phobic situation or item can make a person feel overwhelmed, panicky, and more irritable than usual. Not getting enough sleep, or sleep deprivation , can make a person feel irritable the next day. Children are especially likely to be unusually irritable or emotional if they have not had enough good quality sleep.

If a person feels tired all of the time or finds that sleeping does not make them feel refreshed, they may have a sleep disorder that causes them to wake up regularly at night , such as insomnia or sleep apnea.

They recommend that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. Teenagers should get 8—10 hours per night, while babies may need up to 16 hours.

Getting enough good quality sleep is important for health. It plays a role in boosting mental performance, concentration, and immune system function, and it also reduces the risk of heart disease and depression. People can boost their quality of sleep by adopting the following practices to improve their sleep hygiene:. Read more tips for better sleep here.

Low blood sugar commonly affects people with diabetes as a result of them using insulin and other diabetes medications. However, people with or without diabetes can experience temporary hypoglycemia if they have not eaten for several hours. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include:. People can experience nightmares and excessive sweating throughout the night. Hormonal imbalances can cause various physical and psychological symptoms, including irritability. Low levels of testosterone or high levels of estrogen can cause irritability in males.

Premenstrual syndrome PMS is an example of a common hormonal imbalance that can result in mood swings and irritability. If a person experiences severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the lead up to their period, they may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD. A doctor can provide information on treatment options for PMDD.

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