Chronic stress can affect every system in the body. Let’s talk about how to lower cortisol and relieve stress.
We’ve been told that our environment is dangerous, which causes a lot of stress and anxiety. But, while our environment may be dangerous, it’s not as dangerous as many are led to believe—and it’s not healthy to keep your attention on this negativity.
It’s vital to change your viewpoint on your environment and see it in a positive light, as well as filter out some of the negativity you’re exposed to.
Chronic stress can potentially lead to various health issues, including:
• A weak microbiome and more pathogenic bacteria
• A poor immune system
• Inflammation
• Fertility problems
• High insulin levels
• High triglycerides and LDL and low HDL
• Poor detoxification
• Slow digestion
• Poor absorption of vitamins and minerals (including vitamin D)
• Tightened fascia
• Cognitive problems
• The activation of bad genes and suppression of good genes
Two of the best ways to deal with stress and cortisol:
1. Change the viewpoint of your environment and filter out various threats of danger
• Get space in nature
• Connect with your environment
2. Physically flush out accumulated adrenaline and cortisol
• Exercise
• Do physical work
You can’t avoid stress. So, you need to understand how to deal with stress naturally. Today, we’re going to cover a new way to relieve stress that has nothing to do with sleep, diet, or exercise.
Oxytocin is a hormone typically associated with reproduction. But, recently, I learned it’s also involved in countering stress.
Oxytocin is actually the most important hormone in counteracting cortisol and the fight or flight mechanism, and it’s a major hormone involved in regulating anxiety and stress. Oxytocin is also involved in social biology and helps prevents atrophy of the hippocampus.
The best ways to trigger oxytocin and reduce stress:
• Bonding with people and pets
• Volunteering
• Donating
• Sharing
• Storytelling
• Hugging
This goes beyond diet and exercise. It’s clear that helping others is something you can do to increase oxytocin and manage stress.
But a few other factors are also at play. Vitamin C, magnesium, and cholesterol support healthy oxytocin levels, and estrogen increases the receptor for oxytocin. Check out my other videos to learn more about the best diet for stress and how to reduce stress naturally.
