Do you experience stress in your daily life? Juggling work deadlines, maintaining relationships, managing finances, balancing social commitments, finding time for self-care, and striving for a work-life balance can all be incredibly challenging. Stress is a common part of life, but understanding what it is and how it works in your body can help you manage it better.
Most of us have heard the phrase “fight or flight,” which describes the body’s response to stress. During this response, the sympathetic nervous system releases cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone.” Cortisol releases glucose into our muscles, preparing us to run away or fight for survival — which is essential in critical situations!
Cortisol is also what helps us wake up in the morning and keeps us energised throughout the day. So, it’s not all bad; in fact, it’s crucial for many bodily processes.
The issue arises when stressors are continuous, and we don’t get the necessary relief or relaxation in between triggers. This leads to an imbalance of cortisol, overpowering melatonin, and putting our nervous system into dysregulation — commonly known as chronic stress or being stuck in survival mode. When this happens, what started as minor daily stressors can significantly impact your well-being and mood.
The Pervasive Impact of Stress
Did you know that 75-90% of all doctor's visits are stress-related? Chronic stress can lead to a range of physical and mental health issues. Here are some common signs of high cortisol levels:
Not hungry in the morning
Waking up with a racing heart
Weight gain
Tossing and turning at night
Mood swings
Hair loss
Chronic infections (like UTIs)
Sugar/carb cravings
Constipation/bloating
Anxiety or irritability
Feeling tired but wired at night
Acne/breakouts
Brain fog
Low libido
The Science Behind Stress
When faced with a stressful situation, your body goes through several stages. Initially, your hypothalamus signals your adrenal glands to release adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones prepare your body to deal with the immediate threat by increasing your heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies. This response is vital for short-term challenges.
However, when stress becomes chronic, this constant state of alertness can wear your body down. High cortisol levels over prolonged periods can suppress the immune system, increase blood pressure, and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Managing and Mitigating Stress
So, what can we do about it? It’s not about striving for a perfectly stress-free life because, let’s face it, life will happen and bring stress with it. Instead, it’s about having the right tools to manage stress and bring your body back to a state of balance and calm, making you more resilient to minor triggers. It’s also about preventing unnecessary stress by reorganising your life and developing healthy habits.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to know natural ways to lower cortisol levels and stress, please click here to download my free ebook.
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Hi there, I'm Kay, a certified health coach and integrated nutritionist, specialising in helping women break free from stress, heal chronic stress-related symptoms, and support their overall well-being through personalised nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and holistic practices.
If you’re interested in a free initial consultation, let’s chat!
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