Neurotransmitters 8: Cortisol
Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, gets a bad rap as the stress hormone. But is it always a villain?
Think of cortisol as nature’s built-in alarm system. It works with certain parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear.
When balanced, cortisol helps control your body’s use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates or your metabolism. It also helps suppress inflammation and regulate blood pressure.
When the body is under constant stress, and the alarm button remains on, cortisol can derail your body’s most important functions. Practicing self-regulation when stressed is a great way to control our emotions and impulses and effectively manage stress.
Mindfulness Activity of the Week
Choose Your Own Self-Regulation Adventure
What self-regulation techniques speak to you? Choose from the list below, or get creative and develop your own self-regulation practice. Try something new each week!
- End your day with some “me” time. Whether journaling, listening to your favorite music, or relaxing with your legs up the wall, find time to notice and feel your emotions without letting them take over.
- Take a walk and enjoy the nature around you. Look up and shift your perspective!
- Observe unhelpful thought patterns. Ask yourself, “Are my thoughts true, are they kind, are they necessary?”
- Begin each day with breathwork and a moment of gratitude.
Movement Activity of the Week
Warrior Two
Practice aligning your mind and body with Warrior Two. Use cortisol’s motivating energy to strengthen and stretch simultaneously.
