You’re Stressing Me Out – Cortisol and Your Health
Cortisol is a hormone released by your adrenal glands in response to stress. It’s meant to give you a little burst of energy when you need it – like when you have to deadline coming up at work or your toddler has exploded their diaper for the third time that day. The problem is that for a lot of us, we’re constantly stressed out and our cortisol levels stay elevated all the time.
When your cortisol hangs out at a high level too often, it can start to cause some serious damage. Extra weight around your belly is one sign, since high cortisol screws with your metabolism and makes it easier to pack on pounds in that area. It can also weaken your immune system over time, making you more likely to catch colds and other illnesses. Too much cortisol stresses out your cardiovascular system as well, raising your blood pressure and potentially putting you at a higher risk for problems down the line.
On a more mental level, ongoing high cortisol lowers your mood and makes depression and anxiety more likely. It also affects your memory formation and cognitive function. So all that daily stress might be slowing making you dumber! No one wants that.
The good news is there are some easy ways to help lower your cortisol when you’re feeling burnt out. I’m not gonna recommend any of that yoga or meditation nonsense. When your stress levels spike, you need something Quick and simple that actually works. One tactic is to put your feet up and close your eyes for 10 minutes. Seriously, just sit back and do nothing but breathe slowly. It can help unwind your nervous system better than anything else.
Another idea is to take a walk outside while focusing on deep breathing. Even 10 minutes of movin’ and groovin’ and getting some fresh air does wonders. You could also try soaking in a warm bath – the heat helps relax muscles and calms both mind and body.
If you’re constantly in fight or flight mode, it’s gonna catch up to you sooner or later. But with a few basic relaxation techniques, you can help tame your stress response and lower that cortisol. Feel better and stay healthy – you gotta take care of yourself like a champ!