HOW TO BALANCE CORTISOL
You may have heard cortisol referred to as the “stress hormone”. That doesn't sound favourable, right? Yet cortisol has roles that transcend the stress response and is essential to many bodily functions. Here at Solkemist we are all about balance, so just like with everything else, keeping cortisol balanced and in-check is important. Understanding the significance of cortisol in the body can be helpful in knowing how to keep it in an optimal range.
What is cortisol? Cortisol is classified as a glucocorticoid hormone. This is a fancy way of saying that it’s the kind of hormone that helps deliver glucose to the brain. Cortisol is released by the adrenal glands, which are little glands that sit directly on top of both kidneys. Receptors for glucocorticoid hormones are found in nearly every one of your body’s systems- nervous, immune, reproductive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, skin and nails, and cardiovascular.
What does cortisol do? It’s a known fact that cortisol is an integral component of the body’s stress response. We’ll get to that in a moment. We need a balance amount of cortisol in our system because it also:
· Acts against any inflammation that occurs in the body.
· Supports the functions of the immune system.
· Helps regulate metabolism. Cortisol is catabolic, meaning it breaks down molecules in the body into smaller units and therefore helps provide the body with energy.
What does cortisol have to do with stress? As part of the nervous system, cortisol is released from the adrenal glands when the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated. This portion of the nervous system is responsible for keeping the body on alert when danger is perceived. This can certainly be helpful to us in terms of keeping us on our toes when we are faced with a threatening situation that we need to appropriately react to. Almost stepping out in front of a car when crossing the street or running to catch your train right as the tube doors are closing are some classic examples of this.
This is good right?
Yes! However, having too much cortisol can create an imbalance, and keep us on high alert for longer than required, or when it is not life threatening. For example, if we are under prolonged stress, have an argument with someone or receive an unexpected bill. This can keep us in a state of high alert unnecessarily.
How can I manage my cortisol levels?
There are many ways we can manage cortisol levels that are accessible and good to practice daily. Here are a few:
· Eating a wholesome diet
· Regulating sleep patterns
· Journaling (Solkemist highly recommends gratitude journaling)
· Exercise
· Being in nature
· Breathwork
Anything that you enjoy, connects and relaxes your body and nervous system are fantastic ways to restore cortisol balance. Therapies are a highly effective way, and are worth exploring, especially if you recognise your stress levels are high. You are worth the investment, and undermanaged stress can lead to an array of problems that maintenance can prevent.
Have fun exploring different ways to rest and rejuvenate, it’s a journey of exploration and unique to you!
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