Taking control of cortisol: the stress hormone

Cortisol plays a key role in regulating your metabolism, immune system and stress response. It’s the hormone produced by your adrenal gland that wakes you up in the morning and gets you going for the day. But too much cortisol can play havoc with your mood and mental health, especially if you’re feeling stressed.

Cortisol affects the release of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that regulate mood, such as serotonin and dopamine. Too much cortisol interferes with the normal balance of these neurotransmitters, which can lead to feeling irritable, nervous and generally overwhelmed.

Being a key player in regulating the sleep/wake cycle, excessive cortisol can also interfere with sleep. Cortisol levels are naturally highest in the morning and lowest at night. When cortisol levels are constantly high, it can interfere with normal sleep patterns such as falling asleep, staying asleep, and feeling rested in the morning.

The good news is that there are some simple lifestyle hacks to help lower cortisol levels:

• Get regular exercise because it reduces levels of stress hormones and stimulates production of endorphins (the feel good hormone!)

Prioritise your sleep because sleep deprivation can cause the body to release more cortisol during the day

• Try activities that promote calm like yoga, meditation or deep breathing

• Take saffron and ashwagandha, both scientifically researched to support a calm mood and healthy cortisol levels.

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