What is Cortisol and am I suffering with high levels?

Cortisol is a hormone made by your adrenal glands — located on top of your kidneys.

It plays a major role in your body’s stress response, which is why it’s often called the “stress hormone.”

Here's a quick breakdown of what cortisol does:

• Manages stress: When you're under stress (physical or emotional), your body releases cortisol to help you respond — like increasing your blood sugar for quick energy.

• Regulates metabolism: It helps control how your body uses fats, proteins, and carbs.

• Reduces inflammation: In the short term, cortisol helps reduce inflammation, but if levels are too high for too long, it can actually cause problems.

• Controls blood pressure

• Supports your sleep-wake cycle: Cortisol levels naturally rise in the morning to help wake you up and fall at night to help you sleep.

  
  

Too much cortisol can cause these issues:

• Trouble falling asleep or waking up feeling wired

  • Midsection weight gain, especially belly fat

  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or moody

  • Cravings for sugar, salt, or carbs

  • High blood pressure or heart racing

  • Fatigue, but also feeling "tired and wired"

  • Weakened immune system (getting sick more often)

Lifestyle Clues That Could Affect Your Cortisol

Quick questions:

• How’s your sleep lately? Quality and hours?

• What’s your stress level like on a daily basis?

• Do you drink caffeine? If yes, how much and when?

• Do you exercise regularly — and how intense is it?

• Any cravings (sweet/salty)? Energy crashes?

• Ever get dizzy when standing up quickly?

  
  

  
  

  How you can help to reduce cortisol naturally

  1. Sleep is King

  • Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night.

  • Try to keep a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.

  • Wind down at night with less screen time, dim lights, and chill activities.

  2. Reduce Chronic Stress

  • Mindfulness & meditation – even 10 minutes can help lower cortisol.

  • Deep breathing and Ibiza Flex are great for calming your nervous system.

  • Laughing, being with people you love, or attending one of my Fun exercise classes!

  3. Move Your Body

  • Regular exercise helps regulate cortisol.

  • BUT: Overtraining or intense workouts without recovery can raise cortisol — so balance is key. Think less cardio and more Lift lean classes!

  4. Eat Well

  • Avoid blood sugar spikes: eat balanced meals with protein, fibre and healthy fats.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol (both can spike cortisol if overdone).

  
  

• Look out for our Brand New May Cortisol Challenge coming soon!!