Everyone has had to deal with stress at some point, that is simply part of life. However, if stress is chronic, i.e. long-term and is not processed well, this can result in an increased level of the stress hormone cortisol and associated health effects.
The process is quite simple: we get a stimulus that signals a kind of dangerous situation, for example when we have to speak to a lot of people. We cannot run away from each of these situations. And staying relaxed is much easier said than done. If we cannot resolve the stressful situation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis ( HPA axis ) is started as a stress reaction. Glutamate spreads in the brain, activates the cortex (cerebral cortex) and the so-called limbic system. At the end of a process chain, cortisol is then released.
If we have too much cortisol and a chronically high level of it, this has a negative impact on metabolism in many ways.
In short: bad stress (so-called distress) is a real destroyer of the metabolism. Especially because the hormone cortisol is released, which affects the body and mind very negatively from a certain level.
So stress and cortisol can be extremely harmful to us. But it doesn't have to be. Cortisol is not bad per se! On the contrary - it is essential for our survival! However, it depends on the dose. We should avoid too much stress and high cortisol levels.
In some of our blood tests, like male wellness and female wellness, cortisol is measured in addition to other hormones. So you can see whether your cortisol level is elevated and take your health into your own hands.
Reducing stress and thus reducing cortisol is a very individual topic and depends on the causes of stress. Possible starting points are meditation, yoga, movement, good time management, learning to say "no" or simply looking for a good coach with whom you can untie the knot in your thinking. Because negative spirals always create stress.
So overcome your inner bastard and reduce your stress! Thank you with more happiness, serenity, and health.