Morning Rush? Try These Cortisol-Calming Tips
Cortisol—also known as the “stress hormone”—is our body’s way of helping us get up and go each morning. It’s released by the adrenal glands and is essential for feeling awake and energized. However, when cortisol levels get too high, it can leave us feeling on edge and more reactive to stress. The good news? With a few easy tweaks, you can keep cortisol balanced and start your day feeling relaxed and in control.
So, what is cortisol, exactly? Think of it as your body’s built-in espresso shot, helping you rise, shine, and respond to whatever the day throws your way. Cortisol naturally peaks in the morning, giving us that “I’m awake” boost, then gradually drops throughout the day. But when we’re constantly stressed, our bodies can release too much, leaving us feeling overstimulated.
Tips and Tricks for a Cortisol-Calm Morning
Hold Off on the Coffee (Just for a Bit)
To keep cortisol low in the morning, try waiting a bit before that first coffee. As comforting as a morning coffee can be, drinking it right away can boost cortisol even more. Try having it around 10 a.m., after your body’s natural cortisol peak has started to ease. For the early hours, a calming drink like warm lemon water or herbal tea will help you wake up more gently.
Hydrate First Thing
Drinking a glass of water before anything else in the morning is not only refreshing but also helps flush out toxins and gently wake up your body. Staying hydrated supports overall well-being, which helps manage stress. For an eco-friendly approach, Amazon offers a variety of reusable water bottles with reminders or time markers to encourage steady hydration all day long.
Start Your Day with Some Soothing Sounds
Another great cortisol-calming trick is to ease into the day with relaxing sounds. Soft music, nature sounds, or a short meditation can signal your brain to keep cortisol under control. Add in a few deep breaths, and your nervous system will get the message: no need for a stress response—it’s a calm start to a new day.
Soak Up the Morning Light
Finally, let in some natural light! Sunlight signals your body that it’s time to wake up without triggering a cortisol spike. Just 10–15 minutes of daylight (even if it’s through a window) helps set your internal clock and encourages a balanced cortisol rhythm for the day.
Try this sunrise alarm clock, which gradually brightens to mimic natural light, easing your body into the day without a jarring alarm sound.
So, next time cortisol nudges you awake, you’ll be ready. Delay the coffee, cue the chill tunes, and soak up some morning light for a balanced and calm start. Simple steps can help keep cortisol in check—and set a soothing tone for the day ahead.
Cortisol Happy, Keep Mornings Calm 🧘♀️
