When you need it, it’s a good thing to have on board. It’s the fight or flight hormone cortisol (also known as the stress hormone). In short bursts in stressful situations it can improve alertness, increase focus, sharpen simple decision-making, and help with quick reaction time. We have that handy hormone built into our bodies for use in an emergency when we need all of the above.
But high levels of the stress hormone over a sustained period of time can impair working memory, reduce your cognitive flexibility, and make you more reactive and emotional, shifting your brain function from logical to survival/emotional while causing poorer judgement.
Sustained chronically elevated cortisol levels can be caused by actual or perceived threats brought on by work pressure, financial strain, relationship strain, poor sleep, or even long-term uncertainty.
Here are a few strategies for lowering your chronic cortisol levels.
- Deep sleep helps your body reset its cortisol levels.
- Get better sleep: Seven to nine hours if at all possible. (Melatonin helps me.)
- Consistent sleep and wake times
- No screen time an hour or so before bedtime
- A few minutes of early morning sunlight
- Slow, deep breathing
- Nature
- Prayer and meditation
- Laughter
- Quality interaction with supportive people in your life
- Moderate exercise daily
- Recognizing and working to resolve those unresolved or unaddressed issues that may be causing chronic cortisol overload
Remember, cortisol isn’t your enemy. Your body is equipped with it so you can use it when needed. But too much of a good thing over a long period of time can be harmful. Self-regulating it can keep you healthier, more productive, and happier.
Rod Robison is a mentalist, magician, author and speaker who helps companies and organizations throughout Arizona and beyond create unforgettable events for their employees and clients. Visit www.TucsonMentalist.com Books available at www.TucsonMagician.com/books
