What Happens When You Lower Your Cortisol - The Everygirl

And no matter how many journal entries we write, cold plunges we dive into, or meditations we log, that all-too-familiar “flight or fight” mode inevitably kicks in, thanks to trying to balance it all: deadlines, relationships, family obligations, life in general–you know the story.

“Low cortisol results in clearer skin, brighter eyes, shinier hair, and a more visible flush on the cheeks,” echoed Lauren Cook-McKay, a licensed therapist.

“When we we lower cortisol to better care for ourselves through incremental positive health behaviors (i.e. stress management, sleep, food choice, exercise), our blood sugars stabilize and there is less excess glucose circulating through the body with nowhere to go, improving digestion and metabolism,” described Sarah-Nicole Bostan, a clinical health psychologist and Director of Behavior Change Strategy at Signos.

What’s more, “Appropriate cortisol levels modulate the inflammatory response and regulate metabolism, leading to improved gut and immune health,” Houston explained.

“Neurochemical changes to the brain as a result of lowering cortisol not only improve hormone levels involved in the stress pathway, but they stimulate the production of mood-elevating endorphins,” Houston stated.

“Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to a decrease in serotonin, disrupting the brain’s normal functioning,” Smith conveyed.