Cortisol is an important hormone in the body. It helps us wake up and get going in the morning. Cortisol helps us to get away from danger to help save our life. It regulates our blood pressure and increases our blood sugar as well as manages how our body uses carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Cortisol can become to high in our body which then has a detrimental effect on our body as we are not meant to be constantly living in a stress state where we are constantly producing cortisol. If we become stuck in this state we will eventually end up having low cortisol levels because the body simply can't keep living in that state.
Once cortisol levels become low, our body becomes completely exhausted especially in the morning where we feel like we can't possibly get out of bed and function, to becoming wired at night and are up all hours of the night feeling like we can't relax and sleep.
Here are some steps to help reduce your cortisol levels in your body so you can begin to start to balance out and start to feel more like yourself.
Breathwork
The quickest way to calm your body down is through breath. Becoming aware of your breathing and mindfully slowing it down so that you have a longer exhale then your inhale. You will immediately start to feel more calm and relaxed.
2. Avoid caffeine
When we are feeling low energy we will go for a cup of coffee to help boost us up. Coffee increase cortisol in our body and disturbs the natural cycle of cortisol.
3. Gut Microbiome
Eating a healthy balanced diet working on our gut Microbiome can help reduce cortisol levels in the body.
4. Ground yourself out in nature
Getting outside and connecting to the earth with your feet can help reduce stress in your life. We are so busy all the time working that we forget to just be in nature.
5. Regular sleep pattern
Going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday can have a positive impact on stress and cortisol levels. Getting between 6 and 9 hours of sleep is optimal for the body.
6. Take quality supplements
When we are stressed the body uses up magnesium, zinc and vitamin c to combat high levels of cortisol. If we are lacking in these 3, we then end up with oxidative stress on our cells. Getting enough magnesium, zinc and vitamin c will definitely help to lower cortisol levels.
You don't need to do all these tips at once as this can be overwhelming for you. You can start implementing one or two into your life, to start to slowly reduce your cortisol levels and create new lasting healthy habits. Slow and steady wins the race!
Sending positive vibes x
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