Stop stressing about stress
Cortisol is the hormone that messes with you in more ways than one. Here’s how to get the so-called stress hormone under control…
With every surge of stress that powers its way through your body, so comes an injection of cortisol. Produced by the adrenal glands and known as the ‘stress hormone’, it’s released when your body reacts to a stressful situation. Way back when, a stressful situation would read very differently and far less frequently than in today’s non-stop lifestyle. Now, with always-on careers and trying to live your best life ( yawn), stress is an hourly – if not more regular – occurrence. And with that comes increased and potentially damaging levels of cortisol.
‘High levels of cortisol can have negative effects on the mind as well as the body,’ says leading reflexologist Andrea Hurst, who is known for treating the damage of chronic stress. ‘From causing confusion to triggering anxiety to inducing a stage of panic, it really can impact brain function if left untreated.’ Scary stuff. What if we also told you it could be causing your long, painful periods, stubborn acne, digestive issues and headaches, too? One thing is for sure; short of cutting yourself off from everyday life, there’s no avoiding stress. So how can you get a handle on the cortisol situation and give yourself a healthier relationship with the effects of stress?
Get Herb Happy
Those in the know are taking to adaptogens to support the nervous system. ‘ There are various definitions, but the easiest way to think of adaptogens is as a way to help your body adapt to stress through the use of herbal medicines,’ says medical herbalist Katie Pande. The most common and powerful adaptogenic herbs
include ashwagandha, turmeric and shatavari, which are all believed to bring balance to the body in the presence of stress. ‘ The real hero herb is ashwaganda,’ says Pande. ‘It’s known as a “tonic herb” and helps to protect and support the nervous system by nourishing the adrenal glands, thyroid and pituitary gland.’ And before you cast these aside as unnecessary aides of the current wellness era, know that these kinds of supplements have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for their truly transformative benefits. ‘Ashwagandha stands out for its antianxiety calming effects,’ assures Pande. ‘It supports energy levels without making us feel more wired.’ In short, it’s an easy and effective way of supporting an already exhausted nervous system that is feeling battered by daily stresses.
Try Pukka Herbs Organic Wholistic Ashwagandha [1], £16.96 for 30 capsules.
GO FEET FIRST
Feeling overwhelmed on a daily basis? Try reflexology to reset your relaxation responses. ‘High blood pressure, low immunity and inflammation can all be the result of high levels of cortisol,’ says Hurst. ‘After the fight or flight response to stress, the body’s relaxation response should be activated to keep cortisol levels healthy and under control.’ The problem most highly stressed individuals have is that these natural relaxation responses are so skewed they almost need resetting. ‘Stress management techniques and treatments such as reflexology can trigger deep relaxation reactions in the body and keep your body from responding to stress in the first place.’ Most effective when carried out as a weekly treatment, reflexology works on nerve endings all around the body (through the feet) and releases internal chemical reactions that trigger these significant deep relaxation responses, which can last up to seven days.
Treatments with reflexology guru Andrea Hurst ( reflexologyguru.com) start from £200.
REJOICE IN RITUALS
Constant surges of cortisol impact the synthesis of collagen, which can in turn cause a whole host of skin issues including constant dryness, dehydration and even eczema, psoriasis and inflammatory rosacea. ‘Cortisol affects our body through different metabolic pathways, which can lead to a breakdown in the skin’s natural healing processes and even a change in the ph of the skin,’ explains acupuncturist and skin expert Annee De Mamiel. ‘ The damaging effect it has on the immune system can also allow bacteria to thrive on the skin, causing acne, notably around the mouth and chin.’
If stress is sending your skin into panic mode, De Mamiel recommends embarking on a regular skin ritual to help you and your complexion wind down in one. ‘Slowing down the breath and using aromatherapy oils to treat the skin has an effect on the body at a cellular level, helping to calm and soothe it before you sleep.’ Try a nightly cleansing and massage routine that encourages de-stressing through touch therapy.
Dermatologist Dr Sarah Shah agrees but prefers a techier approach to anti-stress skin rituals. ‘ Topical vitamin C ( ideally medical grade) is ideal for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which also stabilise the skin. Additionally, I would build up to regular use of retinol in your skin regime to help boost collagen production levels, which can be affected by cortisol.’
Try cleansing the skin with De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm [4], £62. Massage on to damp skin, while breathing in and out deeply six times. Or try Zo Skin Health C-bright Serum 10% Vit C [2], £99, or Neostrata Skin Active Retinol + NAG Complex [3], £48.39.