Natural ways to lower your cortisol levels

When you face pressure at work, worry about someone you love, or spend weeks dealing with uncertainty, your body responds by releasing cortisol.

You become more alert, energy becomes available, and your system prepares to meet the demands ahead. That response serves a purpose. Cortisol helps regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, inflammation and your sleep-wake cycle. Problems can arise when stress persists, sleep suffers and your body has too few opportunities to recover.

If you’ve been feeling tense, restless, exhausted or overwhelmed, there are practical ways to support your stress response. Sleep, exercise, relaxation, nutrition and your relationship with difficult emotions can all play a part.