Emotional changes during puberty are completely normal. Your body isn’t the only thing that puberty affects. Read on for six emotional changes that may surprise you.
Emotional changes during puberty happen to every girl. Some of the biggest changes you’ll go through during puberty don’t really have to do with your looks or body at all. Let’s just say things can get pretty emotional – in both great ways and challenging ways. Here are a few things to expect as you get older.
1. The Way You Think ChangesWhen you get older, you start to understand things in more than one way. Basically, you’re starting to think like an adult. Your brain is physically growing — so go try out your bigger, better brain! The hobbies that you liked in the past will be even more fun now, and you can try exploring new interests as well.
2. You Can Express Yourself BetterYou’ll notice that you’re able to express whether you’re happy or sad a lot more effectively to others. In fact, sometimes just saying things out loud can help give you a clearer sense of who you are. The tricky part is that you’re probably feeling more self-conscious, which might make you think twice about opening up. Just remember that it’s all a natural part of growing up, and that you’ll come out of it knowing more about your body, and your mind, too.
3. You Feel Really EmotionalYes, everyone and everything might seem more annoying, but it isn’t them: it’s your hormones! In fact, this is the same reason why many women get moody just before their periods. Mood swings in general happen throughout puberty, so when you feel ready to go one minute then feel like you just want to go to sleep the next, don’t worry. Puberty Tip: If you're feeling angry, try counting to 10 before you say or do anything. Breathe deeply and relax. After the 10 seconds are up, ask yourself if it’s such a big deal after all. If that doesn’t work, go for a jog. Bash a punch-bag or start up an energetic game of football or rounders – just do something. Exercise can lighten your mood and keep you fit, too.
4. You Cry … A LotIt really makes the day harder when almost every single thing makes you cry. Not that you’re feeling particularly sad that day or anything. Hormones can just make you feel like crying! Just know that you’re not the only one. It’s a normal part of puberty. Never be afraid to have a woman-to-woman talk to calm yourself down. Your mum, aunt or older friend will put things back into perspective and remind you that everything is OK: these emotional changes during puberty are completely normal.
5. You Feel More FeminineSome girls experience a feeling of femininity, which might show itself in a number of ways. You might have more interest in doing your hair and makeup, for instance.
6. You Feel Unsure Of YourselfAs puberty is a time when a lot of physical and mental changes happen, you may feel tempted to compare yourself to your friends, and that may make you feel unsure of yourself. But you know what? Everyone else is thinking the same thing! Everyone your age is self-conscious. Just remember that your personality is growing, and your emotional character, too. Although it might be frustrating or scary or cause you to second-guess yourself, please keep aware that these emotional changes during puberty are a good thing — even though they may not feel like it right now.