Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately? You might want to send a little “thank you” note to that annoying stress hormone called cortisol. Because guess what? Once the levels are up, getting them to come down is hard. That’s why we wanted to compile a list of things to help you relieve stress. Let’s explore!
Herbs or Supplements
The supplement aisle at any pharmacy or grocery store may not be the Hail Mary you’re looking for, but certain ones can help you keep stress in check. Some common options include ashwagandha, rhodiola, lemon balm, and chamomile. Talk to your doctor about your best options before adding them to your routine.
Keep Your Caffeine Intake Consistent
Consistent caffeine intake can keep cortisol levels balanced. Most healthcare professionals recommend no more than one cup of coffee a day. If you’re consuming more than this, try weaning yourself off slowly.
Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation techniques help your body stop cortisol production and start the calming process. But not every option will benefit you, so you have to find what works. Examples include breathing exercises, walking meditations, yoga or tai chi, or visualization techniques.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
It’s pretty easy to link cortisol production to diet, as high sugar and fat intake are attributed to high cortisol. To reverse the effects, break the cycle. Cut back on fast food. Decrease soda and fruit juice intake. Stay away from chips, cookies, and candy. We know that’s all the good stuff. But if you want to be less stressed, this is an excellent place to start.
Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep deprivation, especially when prolonged, can be detrimental to your cortisol levels and stress management techniques. So get on top of your sleep success. Make your bedroom sleep-friendly with blackout curtains and no screens, and try relaxing for an hour before hitting the hay.