How Stressful Times Affect Our Body: The Role of Cortisol and What You Can Do to Keep It Under Control

When I switched from being a disease management nurse coach to a corporate trainer, I was lucky to have some amazing mentors. They were fantastic nurses and educators who always shared wisdom I still pass on to others. That’s one of the reasons I included the word "wisdom" in my company’s title.

One particular piece of advice I received before I had to speak in public has stuck with me: “Cheri, you control your cortisol levels. You can choose to be calm and collected or to feel stressed and frantic; either way, you still have to speak.” After reflecting on this oddly timed reminder of how our bodies work, I opted for deep breaths and tried to keep my heart from racing loudly enough for everyone to hear.

Today, with all that’s happening in the world—floods, fires, and heartbreaking plane crashes—it feels like we’re all on edge, and our bodies are constantly anxious and stressed. During stressful times, our bodies churn out cortisol, the primary stress hormone, affecting our internal health and outward appearance.?

So, how does cortisol impact us, and what can we do to lower its levels naturally?

The Science Behind Cortisol and Its Effects on the Body

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and is essential for regulating metabolism, blood sugar levels, and immune function. We usually produce the right amount of cortisol to keep our bodies in balance. However, when cortisol levels remain elevated due to prolonged stress, it can negatively affect your health.

Consistently high cortisol levels change our body's balance and can cause changes like:

• Disrupted Metabolism: Chronic high cortisol can elevate blood sugar levels and may lead to insulin resistance, making it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight.
• Weakened Immune System: High cortisol diminishes our immune functions, leaving the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
• Cardiovascular Stress: Ongoing stress can raise blood pressure and heighten the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Muscle Breakdown: Cortisol promotes protein breakdown in muscles, resulting in muscle loss and decreased strength over time.
• Digestive Issues: Stress can disrupt gut health, leading to symptoms like bloating, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Mood Disorders: Excess cortisol is associated with anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating, further affecting daily life and well-being.

How Cortisol Alters Our Body’s Appearance

High cortisol levels can change our appearance and may be a signal that your cortisol levels have been elevated for a long time.

• Skin Aging: When cortisol levels increase, collagen breaks down faster. This can lead to early wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of elasticity.
• Puffiness and Inflammation: Stress triggers inflammation and leads to water retention, which might make your face and body look puffy and swollen.
• Acne and Breakouts: Cortisol can lead to clogged pores and an increase in acne flare-ups since it increases oil production.
• Dull or Uneven Skin Tone: Reduced blood flow to the skin under stress can cause the skin to appear dull or uneven.
• Dark Circles and Eye Bags: Poor sleep, often associated with stress, can increase under-eye darkness and puffiness.?
• Weight Gain, Especially Around the Midsection: Elevated cortisol can increase cravings for high-calorie foods and promote fat storage in the abdominal area.

Natural Ways to Lower Cortisol Levels

Life will always be stressful, but here are seven things we can do to lower our stress, naturally reduce cortisol, and promote overall well-being:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation can help lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.
2. Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps regulate cortisol production and improves circulation, which can enhance skin health and overall vitality.
3. Balanced Diet: Consuming antioxidant-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, and nuts can counteract oxidative stress and promote skin regeneration.
4. Quality Sleep: Seven to nine hours of sleep per night aids in cellular repair and keeps cortisol levels in check.
5. Hydration and Skincare: Drinking plenty of water and using hydrating skincare products can help maintain skin elasticity and combat the drying effects of stress.
6. Limiting Caffeine and Sugar: Excess caffeine and sugar can contribute to cortisol spikes, so moderating intake can help stabilize stress levels.
7. Connecting with Loved Ones: Social support plays a crucial role in stress reduction, helping to keep cortisol levels in a healthy range.

Conclusion

Dealing with stress during difficult times, like what many are experiencing, can take a toll on both our mental and physical well-being. Adopting natural strategies to lower cortisol can help lower these effects and support our overall health. Chronic Health Wisdom LLC is dedicated to providing insights and solutions that empower individuals to take control of their health holistically. Remember, self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for a healthier, happier you. If you want more support or information please contact us today.?

References

• Mayo Clinic. "Stress management: Examine your stress reaction." www.mayoclinic.org
• American Psychological Association. "Stress effects on the body." www.apa.org
• National Institutes of Health. "Cortisol: What It Does & How To Control It." www.nih.gov
• Harvard Health Publishing. "Understanding the stress response."www.health.harvard.edu