Heres your Rx for getting a handle on the frazzle.
(Or at least can’t seize the day with as much gusto as we once could.)
Plus, we have pro tips on how to chill out for better health and mental well-being.
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
What Is Cortisol, Exactly?
Protocol: An Integrative, 5-Step Program to Treat and Heal Your Autoimmunity.
Looking at daily levels on average, you don’t want too much or too little.
The optimal situation is the Goldilocks scenario: a “just right” middle ground of cortisol.
Certain external cues can cause cortisol levels to bump up instead of steadily drop.
Anything that the body perceives as a stressor can cause cortisol levels to rise.
Optimizing cortisol levels can be highly beneficial in addressing those symptoms."
The following strategies may help manage and potentially lower cortisol:
1.
Anything from walking and yoga to strength training and dancing can be beneficial.
Around 30 minutes per day is the sweet spot, according toHarvard Healthexperts.
(Too much physical activity can have the opposite effect.)
Ourwalking plan to reduce stressis a great place to start.
Prioritize Sleep
“Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to increased cortisol levels,” Palanisamy says.
If possible, adjust your bedroom to make it a more conducive sleep environment, as well.
(Don’t miss our top7 bedroom design tips for better sleep.)
One of the experts' biggest tips?
Make it a screen-free zone.
If your body believes it’s starving, it will surely send out a SOS via your stress hormones.
(Another one of the many reasons whyEatingWelldietitians highly recommend avoiding any and all detoxes orfad diets.)
Or simply prioritize time with family and friendseven on crazy busy days.
But there are some supplements that have a growing body of evidence behind them, Thomason says.
In particular,ashwagandha,L-theanine,holy basilandRhodiola roseamight have favorable effects on cortisol.
The Bottom Line
Cortisol is a primary stress hormone within our bodies.
We start each day with higher levels, and under normal circumstances, cortisol should fall throughout the day.
