We can all agree that stress is the world's worst enemy. The all-too-familiar "flight or fight" mode always activates because we strive to balance everything: deadlines, relationships, family duties, life in general—you know the tale. And no matter how many diary entries we write, icy plunges we take, or meditations we chronicle.
A certain amount of the stress hormone cortisol, which is produced naturally after waking up or working out, is both required and good for our bodies. However, chronic cortisol, also known as excessive levels over an extended period of time, can keep our bodies in a constant state of stress and wreak havoc on both our mental and physical health, increasing the risk of conditions like melancholy and anxiety, illness, and immune system failure.
However, there is good news: When we control our cortisol levels (i.e., get enough sleep, eat healthily, exercise, but not too much, and engage in a stress-relieving habit like meditation), we can reap a variety of health advantages that our bodies will appreciate. I asked professionals to explain the warning signals of chronically increased cortisol and the benefits of chilling out with TF. For what they had to say, continue reading.
Signs of high levels of cortisol
There is no denying that when we are hungry, weary, or stressed, our bodies let us know. Despite the negative connotations it sometimes has, stress can also send warning signs our way. The following are typical signs that your body is making too much cortisol:
- weight gain, especially in the middle and upper back, rounding of the face, thinner skin, and more easily bruising
- a hot face hindered the recovery of my feeble muscles.
- extreme weariness, irritation, and difficulty focusing
- blood pressure is high.
- headache
Advantages of reducing cortisol
1. Lessening of inflammation
Your body may become accustomed to having too much cortisol if your levels are continuously high. This can cause inflammation and a compromised immune system. Lower cortisol levels can aid in reducing inflammation in the body, resulting in fewer aches and pains, according to Becca Smith, a licenced professional counsellor and chief clinical officer at BasePoint Academy. "Cortisol can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels while also affecting insulin sensitivity," she said. Is that right? No pain, only gain?
2. Bring blood pressure down
It should come as no surprise that when you experience high levels of stress, your heart rate and blood pressure rise. As a result, when your stress levels decrease, so does your blood pressure. According to Jessica Houston, MEd, MSPH, Founder and CEO of Vitamin & Me, "robust evidence shows that sustained cortisol rest allows your muscles to relax, which lowers your heart and breathing rate, normalises blood oxygenation, lowers blood pressure, and lowers blood sugar and fat release and deposition."
3. Skin quality
Nobody is immune to waking up with an untimely zit when attempting to meet a work deadline or after a quarrel with your significant other. It's no secret that stress can cause bothersome breakouts. But one of the first things that benefit when you relax is your skin. The outcome? A huge brightening. Reducing cortisol can assist your skin's health because it encourages oil production, which can cause acne and other skin issues, according to Smith. Lauren Cook-McKay, a certified therapist, concurred: "Low cortisol results in better skin, brighter eyes, shinier hair, and a more obvious flush on the cheeks." This is due to the fact that stress no longer interferes with internal biological functions, enabling internal organs to operate more effectively.
4. Enhanced metabolism
and digestion
If you're anything like me, stomach problems quickly follow when stress manifests itself. The cause? Stress may reduce the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the stomach, slow down digestion, and give your body more time to prepare for a fight or flight (also known as the primordial stress reaction). An imbalance of intestinal bacteria, inflammation, or cramps could result from these changes. The bright side? According to Sarah-Nicole Bostan, a clinical health psychologist and Director of Behavior Change Strategy at Signos, "When we lower cortisol to better care for ourselves through incremental positive health behaviours (i.e. stress management, sleep, food choice, exercise), our blood sugars stabilise and there is less excess glucose circulating through the body with nowhere to go, improving digestion and metabolism. Furthermore, according to Houston, "Adequate cortisol levels moderate the inflammatory response and regulate metabolism, leading to enhanced gut and immunological health."
5. Mood improvement
Keeping your cortisol levels under control has advantages for both your physical and mental health in addition to the ones discussed above. Houston claimed that reducing cortisol causes "neurochemical changes to the brain that not only improve hormone levels involved in the stress pathway but also boost the creation of mood-enhancing endorphins." Exercise, eating foods we like, and engaging in sexual activity are all things we can do to increase the level of endorphins in our bodies. Chronic cortisol also affects depressive and anxious symptoms. By boosting serotonin production in the brain, lowering chronic cortisol can aid in relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression, according to Smith. By giving your body additional resources to handle stressful events without turning to negative coping processes, it "helps you to respond better to stress in the future." If you're having trouble with anxiety or depression, don't be afraid to speak with your physician or therapist.
6. Increased energy and focus
The natural functioning of the brain can be interfered with by chronic stress and high cortisol levels, Smith explained. "As a result, one may find it difficult to focus, feel exhausted, or lose interest in activities. Your body's hormone levels are brought back into balance by lowering chronic cortisol, which enhances your capacity for concentration and attention as well as your level of energy.
In conclusion, managing your cortisol levels will help you perform at your best (hello, productivity).
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