How to reset your stress response: 'The more you practice, the stronger your relax muscle gets'
Dr. Erin Kinney discusses the role of cortisol in the body, explaining that while it is essential for energy and stress management, chronic elevation can lead to health issues. The article highlights the importance of rest and relaxation in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance.
Why it matters
Understanding the physiological impact of stress is crucial for public health, as chronic stress is linked to widespread conditions like heart disease and depression.
Stress can lead to overwhelm, with tasks taking longer to complete. If you are relaxed, you are more likely to get work done faster. Picture: iStock
I am almost always stressed these days. Work is hectic. My ageing parents’ health is cause for concern. And to top it all off, my nine-year-old is nagging me to help him create an elaborate Halloween costume.
I would expect my cortisol levels to be sky high. But I’ve just completed the cortisol debt score assessment in Dr Erin Kinney’s new book The Cortisol Cure and they are apparently deficient. Over a Zoom call, I ask her to explain what’s going on.
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