The best thing you can do during the pandemic, as well as other stressful times, is to lower your cortisol levels because when you are stressed and anxious, your cortisol levels stay elevated. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone for a reason and the adrenal glands make it. When the cortisol levels are up because of stress, it will interfere with the functioning of digestion and your immune system. And if you do not regulate the cortisol levels properly, it can cause weight gain, brain fog, pre-diabetes, depression, memory problems, and a weak immune system among other issues. How can you naturally bring down and regulate cortisol levels? Let’s go over some ways you can do that.
Stick To Limited Caffeine
The best time to have a cup of coffee is an hour after you wake up as your cortisol levels naturally are the highest when you wake up because of getting ready for the day. And caffeine can elevate your cortisol levels. However, that does not mean not drinking coffee or taking in other forms of caffeine. Be sure to limit it and don’t take too much of it in throughout the day as it will not only keep your cortisol levels up but will interfere with your sleep.
Stick To Natural Foods That Are Not Processed
The foods you eat may have sugars, trans fats, and other additives which make them processed and that can keep cortisol levels up. The best thing to do is to limit processed foods and stick to natural plant-based foods as much as you can. You will also want to take B12, folic acid, and Vitamin C supplements which can help bring down cortisol levels. Stick to fruits, vegetables, organic meat, proteins such as eggs, nuts, and seeds, and if you stick to a healthy diet, your cortisol levels will be more regulated.
Do Deep Breathing Exercises
If you can square out five minutes a day to do some deep breathing exercises, then you will naturally relax and feel better, which can help bring down your cortisol levels. It is important to do this when you are dealing with a lot of stress on any particular day. It can help you reduce chances of anxiety, depression, and adding deep breathing exercises to your routine can even help improve memory.
Get Some Exercise
If you can take a half-hour brisk walk or do some aerobic exercises throughout the day, then you will help reduce cortisol levels in your body as well. If it means getting up earlier to do a workout or to find some time during your lunch break to get a good walk in, then do that. You can always make time to be active.
Get Good Quality Sleep
One of the things that can keep your cortisol levels up is if you do not get a good night’s sleep. The best recommendation for good sleep is seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, but you can get by with six or nine. Too much sleep can also increase your cortisol levels.
Do Some Journaling
Journaling helps because if you can purge your stressful thoughts, it can help. The great thing about journaling is that you can say anything you like without worrying about consequences. It is better to find an outlet for them instead of keeping toxic thoughts in or else it will wreak havoc to your body.
Pick Up A Hobby
It is important to pick up a hobby whether it is playing an instrument, gardening, or anything else that you find relaxing. You want to relax which is how you will relieve some high cortisol levels. That will help to bring it down.
Get In Touch With Nature
Getting in touch with nature can help you bring cortisol levels down as being outdoors can be helpful in many ways. On a mild winter day and definitely, when the weather is warm, go and take a walk outdoors. It will help you in many ways.
You don’t have to live in a constant state of stress as if you do, your cortisol levels will be high and that can do some damage to your body.
