How to reduce cortisol levels?
Cortisol is a stress hormone which is released in the suprarenal gland. It is essential because it helps focusing in moments of high levels of stress and in moments of life and death.
However, we cannot always be on RED ALERT.
Our body is not biologically prepared to continuously maintain high levels of cortisol and adrenaline.
Eventually, this may lead to an imbalance, with cortisol causing great damage to the organism’s physical and mental health.
Overweight, mental exhaustion, physical fatigue, recurring infections, irritability, binge eating, muscular tension and bad temper are some of the symptoms that show that your cortisol levels might be altered.
What could you do to lower your cortisol levels?
- Sleep 9 hours and give your mind and body a well-deserved rest;
- Exercise moderately. Walking could be a good start, but don’t demand too much of yourself, as too much physical exercise increases cortisol levels;
- Make some breaks, hourly, while you are working, even if just for stretching your back, legs and arms, for 2/3 minutes;
- Stretch your neck at least six times a day;
- Breath consciously every half hour;
- Put your feet in hot water by the end of each day, so that this could be a ritual to lower your adrenaline levels;
Foods that increase cortisol levels
Sugar, white flour, bread, alcoholic beverages.
Foods that decrease cortisol levels
Water, cocoa, probiotics, prebiotics, almonds, pumpkin, oats.