Why!?!?? Why not is the question.

Without this vital hormone, there would quite possibly be a display of havoc that could lead to a reduction in functional response to the way our body regulates stress and related metabolic function that could lead to a dysfunction in our wellbeing.

So, what is Cortisol?

It is a stress hormone, that Is produced in the cortex of the adrenal gland that is found just above the kidney. In our daily lives we are bound by its influence as it responds to both emotional and physical stress.

What does it do to our wellbeing?

The function of Cortisol is to regulate vital physiological functions throughout the body;

• Maintenance and regulates blood pressure.
• Central nervous system activation.
• Metabolism of fat, protein and carbohydrate synthesis.
• Immune system suppression; glycogenesis – a process that breaks down stored glycogen glucose molecules.
• Activating anti stress and anti-inflammatory pathways.

So, what happens if there is a presence of higher levels of cortisol in our bodies?

So, imagine you are travelling to work by car, listening to your favourite song on DAB radio and you finally reach your destination realising you have forgotten your keys (jaws sound track in the background da, du, da, du, da, du da, da!!) to enter your work place knowing you have to attend an appointment in the next 20 minutes before your patients arrival!! That’s where Cortisol kicks in :’( 

After the occurrence of this stressful event, our body’s function is to normalise the relaxation response to be reactivated. However, even in our 21stC, we as individuals, in our homes, work places, communities and societies are facing many different stressors, thus accounting for activating cortisol cascading events allowing for the remainder of a higher stressed state. This may last minutes, hours, days, weeks, years or even up to decades leading to a continual bombardment of cortisol release.  So, if we go back to leaving the keys just once or twice, could be just enough of a response to carry the stress cascade that may lead to a chronic state of stress.

What can you do to help reduce your cortisol levels?

From our lifestyles, to lived experienced at home, being part of a wider community and society that we are living within, has affected us tangibly and intangibly. We are much more aware of current events via social media readily available at our finger tips through the use of our tech through tab/pads, I-droids/an-phones, lapmac’s dab radio, tv and much more.  Earthquake over the Turkish-Syrian border, to the effect of the cost-of-living crisis by higher gas/ electrical supply prices, to raise in interest rates and simple pot holes driving along our streets. 

Here are some ways to lower cortisol levels:

1. Sleeping well, by creating a regular sleep schedule and allowing ourselves to keep to this adaptation throughout the week. Most people require anywhere between 6-9 of quality sleep each night.
2. Exercising regularly, start slowly to build up a regime for the body to adapt, that can be up to 30 minutes a day and for others vigorous exercise once or twice a week would be required to help lower cortisol levels. Remember this can also include hobbies such as learning new creative activities, such as cooking or acquiring new recipes, playing a musical instrument, or spending time with friends and family.
3. Keeping hydrated, drinking water, teas, coffees (being mindful of lowering caffeine intake) when thirsty, will aid in digestive function, reduce possible bouts of cramping especially with physically demanding rolls at work or during exercise, reduce headaches and improve sleep quality. (Please note if under prescribed medication for cardiovascular and diabetic health conditions to follow medically advised protocol under the supervision of your GP.)
4. Maintaining a balance in dietary consumption, eating plenty of fibrous vegetables, good sources of protein can help the body to sustain recovery from the physical demands. Where possible to reduce sugar intake in the form of drinks and sweets can help reduce the spikes in blood sugar.
5. Limiting or avoiding alcohol, to reduce the affect of habit forming, as one or two glasses of wine may feel fine at the start, but it could lead to relying upon a way to relieve stress. Try to avoid this practise as the opposite of relieving effect may occur. 
6. Mindful meditation, can help reduce cortisol levels in the blood. There are many ways to learn how to aid our mind and body to a state of relaxation, but by simply sitting down at any particular time of the day, a good form of practise would be just after waking up from sleep and sitting with eyes closed and focusing on your breathing for at least 5minutes. 
7. Reaching out, can be a challenge, but rest assured as getting in touch with your GP can be the one smart step to breaking the barrier. They may advise you to a range of ways to help deal with stress such as taking therapies or alternative health care professionals such as seeking osteopaths or chiropractors who may also be able to help reduce chronic state of stress that may be impacting your body.