6 NATURAL WAYS TO LOWER CORTISOL LEVELS

Have you ever felt tired for no reason, anxious, or stressed even when nothing is wrong? Or had trouble sleeping at night? These might be signs of high cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol is a hormone that helps us deal with stress and is important for our health. But when it stays high for too long, it can cause problems. In this article, you’ll learn easy ways to manage your cortisol levels and feel better. It’s about finding balance and lowering stress naturally.

What cortisol does to our body

Cortisol is a hormone that helps us deal with stress, control blood sugar, and keep our metabolism working. When we’re stressed, cortisol is released to help us react fast. This is okay for a short time, but if it stays high because of long-term stress or anxiety, it can cause problems. High cortisol can lead to weight gain, higher blood pressure, and more cholesterol. It can also weaken the immune system and make it hard to think clearly. That’s why it’s important to keep cortisol balanced. Managing stress and taking care of yourself can help keep your cortisol levels healthy.

Signs that your cortisol level is high

When your cortisol level is high, you might feel anxious or overwhelmed. You could also have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. High cortisol can make you crave sugary or fatty foods and cause headaches. Your mood might change, and you may feel irritable or depressed. High cortisol can also cause muscle tension, pain, and digestive issues. You might get sick more often with colds or infections. These are signs your body is under stress. It’s important to manage cortisol levels to avoid these problems. Taking care of yourself and reducing stress can help you feel better.

1. Cortisol friendly diet

What you eat can affect your cortisol levels. The foods you eat play a big part in how your body handles stress. Some foods raise cortisol, while others can lower it. By changing your diet to include more foods that lower cortisol, you can help keep it balanced. Eating more fruits and vegetables is a good start. Whole grains are helpful too. Foods with antioxidants and magnesium can also lower cortisol. Healthy fats, like those in nuts and avocados, are good for you as well. Drinking enough water and cutting back on caffeine and sugar is important. Small changes in your diet can make a big difference in lowering cortisol and reducing stress. A healthy diet helps your body handle stress better. Keeping cortisol levels balanced can make you feel better overall.

There are fifteen fantastic cin CORTISOL-REDUCING foods that you can incorporate in your diet:

• Dark chocolate
• Avocado
• Pumpkin seeds
• Bananas
• Spinach 
• Broccoli
• Probiotic yogurt
• Pears
• Red peppers
• Tuna
• Walnuts 
• Eggs 
• Shrimp
• Anchovies
• Sauerkraut

Here are some examples of foods that can RAISE cortisol levels:

• Hydrogenated cooking oil
• Fruit juice
• Chocolate cake
• Bread
• Cookies
• Processed meats
• Sugary snacks

2. Mindfulness activities

Stress management techniques like breathing, meditation, and yoga can help you feel calm and lower stress. Breathing exercises are quick and simple ways to relax. Just focus on your breath for a few moments to feel better. You can try different breathing exercises to find what works best for you. The Pausing technique is also helpful when you’re stressed or before something big. Simply take a few minutes to relax and reset. Doing these activities every day will make you feel better. After a few weeks, you’ll notice you feel calmer and more in control. These techniques will help you manage stress and feel relaxed.

3. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is thought to have started in ancient China and has since been used by many cultures worldwide. Essential oils are strong plant extracts that hold the natural scent and healing properties of the plant. When used the right way, they can help reduce stress, anxiety, and improve your mood.Common essential oils for relaxation include lavender, chamomile, peppermint, and rosemary. Aromatherapy is a natural and gentle way to balance your hormones and lower cortisol. The best way to use it is by inhaling the scent, either with a diffuser or by adding a few drops to hot water and breathing in the steam. You can also mix essential oils with carrier oils like coconut oil and apply them to your skin for targeted relief.

4. Regular exercising

You might have thought I wouldn’t mention this, but it’s really the best advice for anyone with high cortisol. Regular exercise is a great way to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels. It helps with anxiety, depression, boosts your immune system, and makes you feel better overall. Any kind of exercise releases endorphins, which are chemicals that make you feel good. They help with pain, improve sleep, increase confidence, and lower stress. Exercise also takes your mind off worries. Whether it’s running, a fitness class, or a simple walk outside, finding an activity you enjoy can really improve your physical and mental health.

5. Somatic therapy

Somatic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on how your mind and body are connected. It uses movements, sensations, and breathing exercises to help release tension and stress in your body. Somatic exercises can help lower stress and reduce cortisol levels. Since cortisol is released when we’re stressed, these exercises can bring quick relief. Somatic therapy is a powerful way to feel better both physically and mentally. It helps you connect with your body and emotions in a healthy way. If you want to learn more about somatic therapy, I recommend checking out a helpful article.

6. Natural Supplements

Using natural supplements can help with high cortisol levels. Supplements like ashwagandha, holy basil, and magnesium have calming effects on both the body and mind. These can help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola and ginseng can also be useful in managing cortisol. These herbs help balance your body’s response to stress, making it easier to relax. Taking these supplements regularly can reduce stress and improve sleep quality. By adding them to your daily routine, you may notice a decrease in tension and a better ability to manage stress. Natural supplements can be a helpful part of a plan to keep cortisol levels balanced. With regular use, they support your overall well-being and promote a more relaxed state.