{"id":5266,"date":"2025-12-26T13:13:44","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T10:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/?p=5266"},"modified":"2025-12-26T13:18:08","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T10:18:08","slug":"are-my-cortisol-levels-the-stress-hormone-high-common-signs-and-practical-steps-to-lower-it-naturally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/en\/blog\/are-my-cortisol-levels-the-stress-hormone-high-common-signs-and-practical-steps-to-lower-it-naturally\/","title":{"rendered":"Are My Cortisol Levels (the Stress Hormone) High?  Common Signs and Practical Steps to Lower It Naturally"},"content":{"rendered":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you feel constantly stressed or unusually tired, or even notice weight gain despite not changing your diet or workout routine? The reason may be elevated <\/span><b>cortisol<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, often referred to as the body\u2019s primary stress hormone, because it is released when the body is under pressure and the \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response is activated. Although many people associate cortisol only with negative effects such as acne, weight gain, and high blood pressure, cortisol is actually an essential hormone for life. It supports energy, helps the body adapt to the environment, and plays an important role in controlling inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the problem begins when cortisol remains high for long periods. At that point, it can become a major risk factor that contributes to chronic issues such as weight gain, anxiety, poor sleep, hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, and many other health concerns. Chronic psychological stress and long-term use of corticosteroid medications are among the most common causes of high cortisol. The good news is that many natural approaches can help reduce cortisol and restore balance in the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Are the Most Important Functions of Cortisol in the Body?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5270 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"inflammation\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/inflammation-and-cortisol-role.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol is an essential hormone produced by the adrenal glands under signals from the brain. It follows a daily rhythm: it is highest in the morning and lower at night. Although it is linked to stress, cortisol is necessary for normal body function, and its levels increase during physical or emotional stress, lack of sleep, or inflammation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of its most important functions includes<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting focus and reducing mental fog<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting fat burning<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulating blood sugar<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing inflammation and supporting healing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regulating fluid and salt balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contributing to blood pressure control<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol levels also rise more strongly and remain higher in cases of chronic, unresolved stress.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Symptoms of High Cortisol<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When cortisol stays high for a long time, the body remains in a constant \u201calarm\u201d state. This weakens important systems such as digestion, immunity, and hormonal balance and increases the risk of fatigue, infections, and mood disturbances.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most common signs that may indicate high cortisol include:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5271 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"puffy face cortisol high acne\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/puffey-face-cortisol-high-face-acne-inflamed.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weight gain, especially around the abdomen, even without changes in diet or exercise<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Puffy or flushed face<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and agitation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Persistent fatigue or feeling \u201ctired but wired\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trouble sleeping or waking up frequently<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Irregular periods or fertility issues<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inflamed acne outbreaks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Weakened immunity and frequent infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thin skin and easy bruising<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficulty concentrating and headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If several symptoms appear together, it may be important to evaluate cortisol levels and possibly do other supportive lab testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Root Causes of High Cortisol<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol levels can rise due to psychological, physical, or hormonal factors. Some of the most common root causes include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression and chronic emotional stress<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over-exercising or intense training<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addiction, such as alcohol or drug use<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher-than-normal estrogen levels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Malnutrition and eating disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe liver or kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperthyroidism<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>How Do We Lower Cortisol Naturally?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lowering cortisol does not depend on \u201crelaxation\u201d alone. It requires resetting four main pillars: <\/span><b>nutrition, blood sugar, the nervous system, and sleep<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If there is no clear medical cause, such as Cushing\u2019s syndrome, the following steps can create noticeable improvements within weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>1) Follow an Anti-Inflammatory Diet<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic inflammation is one of the strongest triggers of high cortisol. Therefore, the most important dietary step is shifting to a natural, anti-inflammatory, minimally processed diet. <a href=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/en\/blog\/chronic-inflammation-the-hidden-driver-behind-modern-diseases\/\">You can read the following article to learn more about the most powerful anti-inflammatory diet.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The more inflammation decreases, the calmer the nervous system becomes, and cortisol gradually begins to return to its normal range.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5268 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"sugar balance insulin resistance\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/breakfast-balanced-blood-sugar-insuline-resistance-antiinflammatory-diet.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>2) Stabilize Blood Sugar\u2026 Because It Directly Affects Cortisol<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol rises significantly when blood sugar drops suddenly, which is why meal structure and blood sugar stability are essential.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Practical tips:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat a complete breakfast within 30\u201360 minutes of waking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure each meal includes:<\/span>&nbsp;\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20\u201335 g of protein<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fiber<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthy fats<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid coffee on an empty stomach<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not skip meals or leave long gaps between meals (especially in women)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on hydration and add minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>3) Manage Stress by Calming the Nervous System, Not by \u201cFighting It\u201d<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic stress keeps the body in a constant \u201calert\u201d state, even when there is no real danger, and this maintains high cortisol.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Effective and evidence-based tools:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meditation for 10\u201320 minutes daily<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prayer, presence, and calm mental focus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expressive writing (journaling)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Acupuncture (may help reduce stress and muscle pain, and improve sleep)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Correct deep breathing techniques<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5272 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"meditation\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/relaxation-methods-vagus-nerve-stimulation-meditation.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>4) Stimulate the Vagus Nerve\u2026 The Fastest Way to Send a \u201cSafety Signal\u201d to the Body<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The vagus nerve is the key to shifting out of fight-or-flight mode. Activating it daily helps lower cortisol because it moves the body into a state of relaxation and recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Effective daily methods include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slow breathing with long exhales<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gargling, humming, or singing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Splashing cold water on the face or short cold showers<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neck and foot massage<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laughter and social connection<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>5) Regular Exercise Is Important\u2026 But Overtraining Raises Cortisol<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate exercise supports cortisol balance, sleep, and blood sugar regulation, but frequent intense training can raise cortisol even more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>The best forms include<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Daily walking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moderate strength training 2\u20133 times per week<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yoga, Pilates, stretching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Walking in nature or mindful movement<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>6) Use Adaptogenic Herbs to Support Cortisol Balance<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adaptogens help the body cope with stress by:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supporting energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving blood sugar balance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing nervous system exhaustion symptoms<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Common adaptogens include:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ashwagandha<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicinal mushrooms: reishi and cordyceps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhodiola<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holy basil<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Licorice root (with caution and supervision because it may raise blood pressure in some people)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Astragalus<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important: These herbs are not a replacement for sleep or lifestyle changes, but they can be helpful support when used correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>7) Essential Oils as a Nervous System Support Tool<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5267 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"oils diffuser aromatherapy relax\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-900x900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/drfajeraljumairi.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/aromatherapy-relaxing-oils-lavender.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Essential oils influence the nervous system through the sense of smell and the amygdala and may help reduce cortisol and improve relaxation and sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Most commonly used:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lavender<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frankincense<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myrrh<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Peppermint<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lemon<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Ways to use them:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Direct inhalation for 1\u20133 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diffusing in the room before sleep<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adding to a warm bath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying to the skin after diluting with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>8) Morning Sunlight and Good Sleep at Night to Reset Hormonal Rhythm<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cortisol follows a daily rhythm: high in the morning and low at night. Any disruption in this rhythm makes the body feel \u201cstressed\u201d without a clear reason.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key practices:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get morning sunlight for 5\u201310 minutes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce blue light exposure at night<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stop screen use one hour before bed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep in a dark, cool room<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aim for 7\u20139 hours of sleep consistently<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chronic high cortisol is not caused by stress alone. It increases with blood sugar instability, poor sleep, and inflammation. The best natural way to lower cortisol includes an anti-inflammatory balanced diet, blood sugar regulation, consistent sleep, moderate movement, and stress reduction through breathing and morning sunlight exposure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you need more information about the best antidepressant foods, watch the video below on Dr. Fajer AlJumairi&#8217;s YouTube channel:<\/p>\n<p>https:\/\/youtu.be\/b_fRi08J8wU?si=lLHSJ5Icps38jzGE","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you feel constantly stressed or unusually tired, or even notice weight gain despite not changing your diet or workout routine? The reason may be elevated cortisol, often referred to as the body\u2019s primary stress hormone, because it is released when the body is under pressure and the \u201cfight-or-flight\u201d response is activated. Although many people&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":844,"featured_media":5269,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[179,145,180],"class_list":["post-5266","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-cortisol-balance","tag-mental-health","tag-stress-hormone"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Are My Cortisol Levels (the Stress Hormone) High? 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