Cortisol is a hormone, which is released during stress. It is necessary to know the ways to control cortisol naturally as it balances levels which is essential for human health and you can have health problems if your adrenal gland releases too much or too little cortisol.
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands.
Secretion of the hormone is controlled by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal gland. When released into the bloodstream, cortisol can act on many different parts of the body and can help
- Your body respond to stress or danger
- Increase your body’s metabolism of glucose
- Controls your blood pressure
- Reduce inflammation
- Control effect on salt and water balance
- Regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycles
- Manage how the body utilizes carbohydrates, fats and proteins
High levels of cortisol in the blood will cause rapid weight gain in the face, abdomen and chest and also on Individual’s slender arms and legs compared to the heavy weight in the core of the body.
Ways to control cortisol naturally
Balance Diet
There are foods that help keep cortisol levels stable, such as black or green tea, bananas, pears, probiotics and dark chocolate.
Exercising
Physical activity can improve mood . However, intensive exercise can trigger an increase in cortisol levels, it is a way the body cope with stress. The required amount of exercise is based on a person’s physical fitness.
Sleep Well
It is essential for people to pay attention to the amount and quality of sleep with the chances of less disruption. Keep phones, and any other potential distractions turned off or away.
Relaxation Techniques
Meditation, mindfulness and even simple breathing exercises can probably help a person deal with stress more effectively.
Grounding
We spend much of our time indoors and as a result we no longer receive regular sunlight or contact with the bare ground. Our bodies are optimized to work with the light and magnetic forces that are put out by the earth and sun for which the best times of day is during are sunrise, midday, and sunset this way your brain will reset with the circadian cues of the environment.
Music
Music definitely lowers stress and lifts mood. Listening to music has ability to certainly decrease the psycho-biological stress response. Any type of music you feel that you can relate to can reduce cortisol.
Socialization
Socializing and spending time with others as a result can help you manage your cortisol. Cortisol goes down as quality friendships and feelings of connection go up.
Maintain Healthy Relationship
Friends and family are a source of great happiness in life, as well as great stress relief. Support from loved ones can also help reduce cortisol in the face of stress. Having an affectionate relationship with a romantic partner benefits the heart.
Be Your Best Self
Resolving guilt improves life satisfaction and cortisol levels. As a result this may involve changing habits, forgiving others or learning to forgive ourselves.
Develop Spirituality
For those with spiritual inclinations, developing faith and participating in prayer can help control cortisol. Whether you’re spiritual or not, performing acts of kindness can also improve your cortisol levels.
Stress is inevitable, but engaging in Spirituality can help you control your cortisol levels and prevent any negative health effects down the line.