Why is that person chewing so loud? What is this music they’re playing? Why can’t my partner close the cabinets when taking things out from the kitchen? The list could go on. We all get irritable sometimes, but if you’re annoyed all the time, it could be an underlying symptom of a more serious condition.
Annoyance can also be irritability, and there are many reasons you may be affected, seemingly all the time. From underlying mental health conditions to vitamin deficiencies, if you find yourself annoyed by everything, take a look and see if any of these scenarios may apply to you.
Are You Stressed?
Stress can cause irritability, causing you to be annoyed by even the smallest things. You come home from a hard day at work, and the house is a mess. You’re annoyed. Or the TV is way too loud. Again, you’re annoyed.
It may be a secondary symptom of stress that makes its way into other areas of your life. Next time you notice you’re annoyed by something small, take a minute to breathe and ask yourself, “Is this really about the TV being too loud, or am I upset about something else?”
Are You Anxious or Depressed?
Irritability is also a symptom of anxiety and depression. See if you may be struggling with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and if you think it may be the cause of your constant annoyance, learn how to calm your anxious mind.
You may also be struggling with depression. To address the mental health condition, you have to determine the root cause and know what other symptoms you should look out for.
Are You Eating a Balanced Diet?
Diet may be the last thing that comes to mind when you’re wondering why everything annoys you, but it does play a role. Vitamin deficiencies can lead to irritability and low mood, making you constantly annoyed by little things.
Low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid, for example, can cause decreased mood. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet full of fresh foods packed with nutrients. It takes time for vitamin levels to return to normal, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t notice a change right away.
How to Turn Things Around
If you find yourself annoyed at everything, chances are that you’re annoyed at your annoyance. You may ask yourself, “How can I stop this?” Once you take a look at possible underlying issues, there are actions you can take right now to start turning things around.
Meditation
Set aside time to center yourself and calm your thoughts. If you’re dealing with stress or anxiety, meditation can be a tremendous help. You don’t need tons of extra time to gain mental clarity with the practice, either. Try these mini-meditation sessions to get started.
Breathing Exercises
Try these three breathing techniques proven to help ease stress. When you notice yourself getting annoyed, take a step back, and remember to breathe. It can help you let go of the day’s tension and enable you to be present in the here and now with a positive mindset.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins in the body, which are feel-good chemicals. A quick jog or a weight lifting session can improve your mood. The best thing about using exercise to feel better is that you’ll see the results right away. Immediately upon finishing your workout, you’re bound to be in better spirits.