HEALTHY

What is Cortisol?

Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It helps regulate blood sugar,

control inflammation, support immune function, and maintain your daily energy pattern. Ideally,

cortisol follows a natural rhythm: high in the morning, low at night.

When cortisol becomes too high or too low, the body enters a state called cortisol imbalance.

Common Signs of Cortisol Imbalance
When cortisol is too high, you may experience:

Anxiety, nervousness, emotional sensitivity

Difficulty sleeping or frequent night waking

Tight shoulders and neck

Headaches

Increased appetite or cravings

Belly fat gain

Blood sugar fluctuations

Irregular menstrual cycles (for women)

When cortisol is too low, you may experience:

Trouble waking up despite adequate sleep

Persistent fatigue and low energy

Afternoon crashes

Poor focus or brain fog

Coffee becoming less effective

Low mood or tearfulness

Reduced appetite

 

What Causes Cortisol Imbalance?
1. Chronic Stress

Long-term emotional or lifestyle stress forces cortisol to stay elevated, eventually tiring the adrenal response.

2. Poor Sleep

Late nights, irregular sleep, and blue-light exposure disrupt the body’s natural cortisol rhythm.

3. Blood Sugar Instability

High-sugar diets, skipping meals, and drinking coffee on an empty stomach cause cortisol to spike repeatedly.

4. Excess Caffeine

Multiple cups of coffee or energy drinks daily over-stimulate the adrenal system.

5. Chronic Inflammation

Digestive issues, allergies, and underlying inflammation contribute to cortisol dysregulation.

6. Emotional Sensitivity (HSP Traits)

Highly-sensitive individuals naturally exhibit stronger cortisol responses.

 

How to Balance Cortisol Naturally

1. Prioritize Sleep

Go to bed at a consistent time, reduce screen exposure before sleep, and consider calming essential oils.

2. Choose Blood-Sugar-Friendly Meals

Include protein, healthy fats, and vegetables in every meal. Avoid high-sugar foods and empty-stomach caffeine.

3. Practice Slow Breathing

A simple 4-2-6 breathing pattern for 3–5 minutes can significantly lower cortisol.

4. Gentle Movement

Walking, stretching, yoga, and light strength training support cortisol regulation.

5. Essential Oil Support (Claryn Wellness Specialty)

Frankincense, lavender, bergamot, neroli, and geranium are excellent for helping the body reset stress responses.

For Sensitive Souls

If you easily absorb others’ emotions or get upset when someone appears unfriendly, it may be a sign of heightened cortisol reactivity.

Practice telling yourself:

“That emotion belongs to them, not me.”
“I only keep the emotions that belong to me.”

Over time, your inner system will restore balance.