Calming the Stress Response in the Body

The body has an incredible ability to produce hundreds of different chemicals, hormones, and neurotransmitters that help maintain optimal health and promote healing. Among these hormones, cortisol is one of the most critical for regulating stress. Produced by the adrenal glands following signals from the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, cortisol influences many functions such as regulating mood and motivation, controlling inflammation levels, balancing blood pressure, and managing sleep/wake cycles.

While a small amount of cortisol is beneficial, excessive levels can be detrimental to your health. Cortisol release is triggered by your response to stress, whether the stress is real or perceived. Constantly focusing on fears, worries, or anxiety can lead to excessive cortisol production. This can turn off health-building DNA and activate disease-triggering DNA. Here are some symptoms related to excess cortisol production:

Impaired memory and concentration
Suppressed thyroid function
Feeling ungrounded, disconnected, and uncentered
Bone loss
Muscle weakness and loss
High blood pressure
Unstable blood sugar and insulin resistance
Abdominal weight gain and slow metabolism
Decreased immune system response
Acid reflux or weakened digestion
Persistent negative thinking and inability to see new possibilities
Insomnia
Irritability, mood swings, and depression
Tension held in the body

Understanding the impact of cortisol on your body can help you take steps to manage stress and support your overall well-being.

Although we know that stress is detrimental to our health, this list highlights just how significant its impact can be. As a holistic practitioner, I see stress as a root cause of many diseases. While a small amount of cortisol can help with concentration and memory, excessive cortisol does the opposite. It hampers the formation of new cells in the hippocampus, which is crucial for processing long-term memory and emotional responses. This area holds our memories, dreams, aspirations, and past experiences, and it regulates emotions and social interactions. Chronic stress can make us tolerant of stressful situations and sap our motivation to improve them. The good news is that knowledge is power. By understanding the effects of stress and cortisol on the body, you can take steps to reverse this process and regain control over your health and well-being.

11 Tips to Lower Stress and Reduce Cortisol Production

Balance Work, Rest, and Play: Strive to maintain a healthy balance between your professional, personal, and leisure activities. If needed, take steps toward changing your career to achieve this balance.
Embrace Positive Emotions: Focus on fostering positive emotions. Enjoy simple pleasures, like watching a playful kitten, anything that brings a smile to your face and lifts your spirits.
Treat Yourself with Love: Give yourself permission to indulge in self-care without guilt. Sleep in on your days off or take a relaxing bath before bedtime.
Allow Time to Relax: Take moments to unwind. Sink into a comfortable chair and lose yourself in a good book.
Meditate or Pray Daily: Set aside time each day for meditation or prayer. Appreciate the beauty around you—watch a sunset, gaze at the stars, admire a flower, or listen to the rain.
Choose Uplifting Media: Avoid negative news and stressful TV shows or videos. Instead, opt for comedies, inspiring documentaries, or content that makes you feel good.
Change Your Screensavers: Select screensavers that bring you joy and make you smile.
Practice Gratitude: Begin each morning with a moment of gratitude. Say a prayer or reflect on the blessings in your life, no matter how small they may seem.
Monitor Your Thoughts: Be mindful of negative thoughts or statements. When you catch yourself in negativity, stop and shift your focus. Look for the good in the current situation. If you can't find a positive angle, pray or meditate for a solution. Whether you pray to God, the Universe, your angels, or consciousness itself, the goal is to foster hope and divert attention from negativity.
Engage with Others Positively: Smile and greet the people you encounter throughout your day. If someone is angry or irritated, send them love and blessings instead of negative energy. Remember, your energy flows where your attention goes.
Treat Your Body with Love and Respect: Choose nutritious foods and make time for stretching and exercise. Your body deserves care and attention to maintain its health and vitality.