Get Thee Behind Me Cortisol

What is cortisol? It is a stress hormone that goes straight to the belly, causing belly fat, the most dangerous fat. Over-production of cortisol results in weight gain, fatigue, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure also.

You need to stop this hormone before it accumulates. Some call it “spiking” when faced with different triggers, such as stress, anxiety and fear.

In order to do this, you need to get out a mental toolbox packed with different coping skills.

Coping skills can range from:

Exercise

Watch exercise videos on YouTube such as Walk Away The Pounds.

Listening to music

Get lost in either the words, sound or rhythm.

Watching television

Do you like a good romance?

Coloring

Adult coloring books are the rage these days.

Meditation

Take deep breaths in bed or wherever you are.

Visualization

Think about a happy place.

Journaling

Whether a gratitude journal, a food journal or even a diary.

Hobbies

Do you like gardening, sewing, painting, etc.

Take a siesta

This is good for productivity.

Play some white noise

Use a fan or get on YouTube and search for white noise as there are a ton to choose from.

Pray

If you believe in a higher power, this is calming.

Drink tea

A cup of black or green tea is soothing.

Supplements such fish oil or magnesium

Lightly calming.

Pay It Forward or Random Act of Kindness

Pay for a coffee. Paint some happiness rocks for people to find in various places. Cook someone a meal.

Read a book or listen to an audio-book.

Whether a cookbook, religious, fitness, nutrition, dieting, learn a new language, etc.

Wine

Some may disagree with me, but even the Mediterranean Food Pyramid states that 2 glasses of wine a day is recommended to be healthy.

Think about the way a carpenter or a mechanic has a toolbox. They need their tools in order to work. What better way to be able to do their work than to have the tools in one place for when needed?

Often, women are asked if they are “pregnant” when the farthest thing from. Some women are ashamed of their figure, dressing in baggy clothes. Be nice and don’ t make fun. You do not know their past, their circumstances, or anything about their life.

A way to help that struggling friend? Ask a friend who may be suffering from over-production of cortisol, if they would like an accountability partner. As I belong to Sparkpeople.com, a fitness and nutrition website, people often ask fellow members to be an accountability partner. Whether by private message, posting on forums or in making comments, you can keep tabs on one another. Are you drinking enough water? Did you exercise today? How are you feeling? There is no pressure. Unless you share photos, you do not even know what each other looks like. It is just nice knowing someone is there.

Another tip is to treat yourself to something nice every once-in-a-while. Did you go window shopping and see something that you really like? Also, every time you are successful with using a coping skill, set aside a few pennies.. Then, when yard sale season comes around, buy yourself some really cool stuff for a bargain. Good self-esteem is healthy.

Can’t afford healthy groceries? Clip coupons, shop sales and shop on clearance. Buy at dollar stores with off-brand names.

Don’t have Wi-Fi? Exercise, such as walking in place in front of a mirror, to music, from the radio.

Don’t forget to utilize your local library for any needs that they may help you with.

I hope this sheds some light on any stress, fear or anxiety that you may be facing and tell that cortisol that you are not taking its abuse anymore.

Thank you. That’s my 2 cents!