When you are stressed, your body reacts by producing a hormone called cortisol. This is a natural response to stress and is useful in small doses. But when stress becomes chronic or exceeds your ability to cope, the effects of cortisol can be detrimental. Here are some indicators that stress may be having a negative impact on your health and wellbeing. If you answer ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s time to take action and reduce stress as much as possible.
You’re constantly tired.
Is fatigue a constant companion? If you feel like you’re always tired, it can be an indication that cortisol levels are too high. This can be caused by any number of stressors, including work, relationships, money, or general life events. If you’ve tried to remedy the situation with exercise, but fatigue persists, it may be due to high cortisol levels.
You have trouble sleeping.
One of the first signs that your cortisol levels are too high is difficulty sleeping. If you’re experiencing insomnia, you’re likely being flooded with cortisol throughout the day. This can lead to a number of health issues, including weight gain, anxiety, and depression. If you’re chronically sleep-deprived, it’s time to talk to a doctor. There may be an underlying cause of your insomnia, like a thyroid disorder. If your doctor can’t find a cause, they may recommend therapy to help you better manage your stress.
You’re Constantly Coming Down With Something
If you’re constantly catching every cold that’s going around, it could be a sign that your immune system isn’t working properly. Many people notice their immune systems are weaker during stressful times. There are many potential causes of this, including unbalanced bacteria in your gut, and low vitamin D levels. This can be remedied with a few simple lifestyle changes, including eating more probiotic foods, and getting more vitamin D.
*Everything* Sets You Off or wants to cry
Are you suddenly feeling more emotional than normal? This could be a sign that you’re experiencing an increase in cortisol. When cortisol levels are elevated, they interfere with the production of serotonin, the chemical responsible for regulating mood and appetite. This can lead to cravings for unhealthy foods, as well as intense emotions that may be difficult to control.
You’re eating unhealthily.
If you overeat, or crave unhealthy foods when your cortisol levels are high, it could be because your body is trying to produce more energy. This often happens during times of stress, when your body thinks it needs more energy than it currently has. To keep your cortisol levels in check, eat frequent, small meals throughout the day, and stay away from high-glycemic foods.
You feel constantly irritable or anxious.
If you notice you’ve become more irritable and anxious lately, it could be due to high cortisol levels. These emotions are a sign that your body is in fight-or-flight mode, which is likely due to stress. Take some time to figure out what’s causing this stress, and try some relaxation techniques to ease the effects of high cortisol levels.
Your memory is slipping.
When your body is flooded with cortisol, it’s common for your memory to suffer. If you notice you’re having trouble remembering things you normally wouldn’t, this could be a sign that cortisol levels are too high. If this happens to you, the first step is to reduce your stress as much as possible. There are also some foods that are known for improving memory, including avocados, cherries, and dark chocolate.
Your joints or muscles ache constantly.
If you ever experience joint or muscle pain, you may be inclined to think you need more exercise. While this could be true in some cases, it’s possible that your body is defecting more energy than it has. This is a common sign of high cortisol levels. To reduce this stress, find ways to reduce your overall stress levels, and eat a diet high in fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins B and C.
You’re Isolating From Friends & Family
If you’ve been spending less time with friends and family, and find yourself feeling more isolated, it could be due to high cortisol levels. Being around other people helps reduce cortisol levels. If you find yourself withdrawing from loved ones, there are ways to get your cortisol levels back under control. The first step is to identify the cause of your stress. Once you’ve done that, create a plan for managing your stress. This can include meditation, exercising more, or spending more time with friends and family.
You’re Skipping Your Workouts
If you work out regularly and suddenly find yourself skipping workouts, it could be because your cortisol levels are too high. Exercising is one of the best ways to reduce cortisol levels; it is even more effective than meditation. If you’re finding yourself stressed and skipping workouts, it could be due to a few things. It could be that you’re not getting enough sleep, are taking on too many responsibilities, or have too much going on in your life. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, and try to reduce your stress as much as possible. If you’re still having trouble, talk to a health professional. They can help you figure out what’s going on, and help you reduce your stress.
Stress is a part of life. It’s natural to experience it from time to time. But when it becomes a constant force in your life, it can have very real health effects. If you notice any of these signs in yourself, it could be a sign that your cortisol levels are too high. The first step toward reducing your stress is identifying its cause. Once you do that, there are plenty of techniques to help you manage your cortisol levels and reduce your overall stress. There’s no substitute for good self-care, especially when it comes to managing stress. By keeping an eye on your stress levels, and taking steps to reduce them, you can protect your health, and enjoy a better quality of life.
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