Cortisol is affecting more and more people today. The good news is that cortisol induced health issues can be treated and controlled using absolutely natural methods. The formation of Cortisol can be kept in check, with the help of the following tips.
™
a) Keeping its production in the body to a bare minimum, by avoiding the stimuli that cause its formation.
b) Adopting methods that repair the ill- effects of Cortisol in the body. Some of the methods are as follows
o Optimum sleep: sleeping soundly is important to your body as well as your mind. When you will begin to sleep seven to nine hours every night your stress levels will come down considerably and this should keep your Cortisol levels in check.
o Exercise: simple exercises like walking running or cycling can help you to fight Cortisol as exercise releases endorphins into your body. Endorphins induce a feeling of well being in the body with regular exercise. This counters the perception of stress and therefore the production of Cortisol is also reduced.
o Diet control: a diet high in carbohydrates cortisol and ketones and low in proteins and fats causes the body to absorb the carbohydrate, and a sudden insulin response. After a few hours of the meal, when there is a drop in the blood sugar levels, the secretion of Cortisol starts, resulting in the problems associated with stress.
o Stress management: if you reduce stress levels then you can automatically reduce the production of Cortisol. This can be done by using techniques like yoga, medication and deep breathing exercises.
Stress hormones such as Cortisol and Adrenaline are essential for body functioning but when stresses increase and Cortisol levels spike, there is little left to maintain body functions and self-healing.
Cortisol is the hormone that maintains:
- Balanced Blood Sugar Levels
- A Healthy Immune System
- Stable Blood Pressure
- Sleep Cycles
When stressed, Cortisol is over-secreted, as exhibited by:
- Extra weight around the waist area as caloric cravings increase
- Interruption of the sleep cycle
- Blood sugar irregularities
- Immune system inefficiencies.
- Memory Difficulties
- Learning Problems
- Higher Blood Pressure
- Higher Cholesterol Levels
For those who experience heightened sensations of anxiety and depersonalization there is a surefire way to lower stress hormones such as Cortisol which will return the body to a calmer state of relaxation, peace and calm, enabling it to maintain body functions and heal or repair when necessary.
Naturally Reduce Your Spiking Cortisol Levels:
1. Sleep: The Great Healer serves to lower Cortisol levels, especially after a solid 8 hours of restful sleep. Make it your goal to go to sleep earlier in the evening, especially if you cannot sleep late in the mornings or aim for a 9:00 AM wake up if you are able to have the luxury of sleeping in.
2. Meditate: Meditation (even a 5 minute meditation) clears the mind, alleviates stress and calms an overwrought mind and body. Adrenaline stays put and Cortisol levels plummet when you do this on a daily basis.
3. Turn on Your CD Player or Radio: Not necessarily classical music either. As long as the music you are listening to brings forth enjoyment it will detach the mind from stresses, as Cortisol levels simmer down.
4. Occupation and Exercise: Basically do something you love that requires physical exertion. When you love your work and it is not stressful, it can actually be very therapeutic. Dance your Cortisol levels down. Take a brisk walk and don't let the weather stop you. Even less than perfect weather can be refreshing and invigorating to one's health.
5. Make Love not War: Share warm feelings with those you care for and lighten up on the one's who add to your stress. Life is a choice. Choose to surround yourself with loving, caring individuals and Cortisol levels will quickly drop along with those you find intrusive to your well-being.
6. Be Generous with Animals: The healing power of dogs and cats is the greatest therapy one can receive. Open your heart and home to an animal and your reward will be ten-fold. The more you share with them, the more you will receive in love and lower Cortisol levels.
7. Combat Loneliness: Join a group with shared interests. Volunteer to help others and your own problems diminish greatly. Anxiety levels drop along with Cortisol levels when you move out of your own worries by reaching out to help someone outside yourself.
8. Fuel the Body Correctly: The fresher the food, the greater the reward of good health. Only shop at marketplaces where the turnover is flowing and the foods are always fresh. Shop the peripheral of the market for the freshest foods and avoid the middle aisles that are crammed with processed and refined products.
9. Laugh it Off: Choose a comedy to watch or read to relieve stressful moments. Surround yourself with lighthearted friends and family and Cortisol levels shrink while you laugh away stressful times. There is always a humorous side to a stressful event if you seek it out.
10: Make the Change: You know if your energy is being depleted from a job, relationship, or a stressful series of events. This is the time to trust your intuition and cut out the stressful individual and move forward. Never doubt your choices or second guess your decisions. The definitive result, a life that is far less stressful, will not only lower Cortisol levels but grant you a better life.
It's always a personal choice. Do you choose to live a life that is highly reactive with spiking stress hormones or do you choose to design your life to be as happy, fun and enjoyable as humanly possible? Make the decision to follow these suggestions, lower your Cortisol levels as well as other stress hormones, and create a life worth living every moment of every day.