What is Cortisol and How Does it Affect You?
Commonly known as the “stress hormone”, Cortisol is produced by the adrenal glands as is part of our “fight or flight” mechanism. In addition to its role in stress response, cortisol also plays a role in other bodily functions such as metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and immune system function. Normal levels are critical for maintaining steady energy throughout the day. However, when we are chronically stressed, the body releases excessive cortisol at all hours and contributes to health problems such as
Insomnia and poor sleep
Weight gain, excess belly fat
Chronic low energy & mental fogginess
Mental Health issues such as anxiety or depression
Food addiction
Understand your own Cortisol Curve
1. High Cortisol in the Early Morning
This could be happening if:
You rarely sleep through the night
Your mind is racing the moment you wake up
You’re edgy and confrontational in the mornings
Your energy crashes and burns sometime around midmorning
2. High Cortisol throughout the Day
If cortisol levels stay elevated, you’re wired but your adrenals are getting tired. It feels like:
You’re constantly behind schedule and racing to catch up
You’re exhausted and hyper at the same time
People comment on how fast you talk
You’re easily irritated and feel little enthusiasm for anything
3. High Cortisol Levels in the Evening
Some common indications of high evening cortisol levels are:
Falling asleep is nearly impossible and can take hours
You worry in the evenings or feel especially argumentative
You distract yourself by spending a lot of time online, watching TV, or working out at night, which can lead to a self-defeating cycle of even higher evening cortisol
4. Low Cortisol throughout the Day
Some indications of low cortisol are:
You’re dragging through each day, even after plenty of sleep.
It takes high-octane coffee or intense exercise to pull you up — but it doesn’t last.
You fall asleep everywhere, including work meetings.
Restore your Cortisol Balance
Managing stressors, getting proper nutrition and having better sleep all plays a part. It might feel a little overwhelming, but we are here to guide you through this process.* Here are some recommendations to support your healing journey:
1. Consistent Sleep Routine
Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps your circadian rhythm stay in balance, which supports healthy cortisol patterns.
2. Relaxation Practices
Find classes and practices that support down-regulation of your nervous system. Take a look at our classes and workshops; all of our offerings help to calm the nervous system and regulate stress hormones.
3. Balanced Blood Sugar
Eating regular, nutrient-rich meals, especially including protein and healthy fats, helps prevent spikes and crashes that can contribute to cortisol dysregulation.
4. Nutrition and Functional Medicine
On top of managing your blood sugar, consult a nutritionist/naturopath to address a variety of acute and chronic conditions. Functional medicine is a systems biology-based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of the illness.
5. Counselling and Psychotherapy
Consult a therapist to develop a better understanding of yourself and stress patterns. Empower yourself with the appropriate tools to respond to current challenges in life and address your stress.
6. Restorative Bodywork
A soothing, therapeutic massage or soft, touch therapy such as Craniosacral Therapy can help to release muscular tension, improve circulation, and activate your body’s relaxation response which in turn supports healthy cortisol rhythms and deep rest.
