How to Manage Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone that our bodies produce in order to level out side affects of stress, such as high blood pressure and immune system deficiencies. When you are stressed out, the body can overextend itself and produce an abundance of cortisol, which leads to a blood sugar abnormalities, weight gain (particularly in the midsection), and a weakened immune system.

Instructions

• 1

  Get at least eight hours of sleep every night. If you do not get enough sleep, take a nap during the day so that your body has time to rejuvenate and rid itself of stress.

• 2

  Make time to laugh at funny things by watching a funny television show or hang out with someone that you know will make you laugh. The act of laughing can reduce stress, and therefore your cortisol levels, by half.

• 3

  Drink plain, black tea instead of coffee. Let a black tea bag seep in hot water for at least three minutes before drinking it. Black tea has the ability to lower cortisol levels and stress levels.

• 4

  Listen to calming background music while you are doing something stressful. Whether you are at work, braving the afternoon commute, or hosting a stressful party, music calms your brain and directly effects the release of unnecessary cortisol.