Stress. We all feel it, but have you ever wondered how it messes with your body? Stress doesn’t just make you feel frazzled—it also affects your hormones, which can throw your entire body out of whack.
The Stress-Hormone Connection
When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, also known as the "stress hormone." While cortisol helps you respond to emergencies, too much of it can:
Disrupt Sleep: Cortisol can keep you wired at night, leading to poor-quality sleep.
Weaken Your Immune System: Chronic stress makes it harder for your body to fight off infections.
Mess with Your Mood: High cortisol can cause anxiety, irritability, and even depression.
Quick Tips to Balance Stress and Hormones
Move Your Body: Exercise reduces cortisol levels and releases feel-good hormones like endorphins.
Eat Whole Foods: Avoid sugary snacks, which can cause blood sugar spikes and worsen stress.
Take Breaks: Short mindfulness practices can lower your stress in just a few minutes.
Visit a specialist: sometimes it is not just stress but a hormonal imbalance. Visit a specialist to rule out or rule in.
Check out these stress-reducing activities that are backed by science.