Book Now!Cortisol is the body’s built-in alarm system, released when stress hits to fuel the “fight-or-flight” response. But when cortisol levels stay elevated for too long, it can wreak havoc on your health—disrupting sleep, mood, weight, and even your immune system.
Movement and mindfulness, which I actively teach and recommend to clients, are well-known ways to help release cortisol. However, there are also some lesser-known (and downright strange) methods to let go of stored cortisol that might surprise you!
Tears aren’t just salty drops of emotion—they’re a stress release valve. Emotional crying has been shown to flush out cortisol, leaving you calmer and more balanced. So, if you feel the tears coming, let them flow.
Whether you’re hitting the gym, sitting in a sauna, or just nervously sweating before a big meeting, cortisol actually exits your body through your sweat. Just another one of the reasons exercise is a top stress-reliever!
Laughter is more than good medicine—it’s a cortisol killer. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which naturally counteract cortisol. So, queue up your favorite comedy special and let the giggles fly.
Belting out your favorite tune isn’t just fun; it’s stress therapy. Singing or even humming stimulates the vagus nerve, which calms your nervous system and lowers cortisol levels. Shower acoustics? Bonus points.
Sometimes you just need to let it all out. Yelling into a pillow (or in a private, soundproof spot) is a primal release that can help dissipate stress and reduce cortisol. Just don’t scare the neighbors.
Big, exaggerated sighs aren’t just melodramatic—they’re functional. Slow, deep breathing or even a dramatic sigh signals your brain to relax, shifting you out of fight-or-flight mode and lowering cortisol.
Hugs, massages, or snuggles with your pet release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” which works to neutralize cortisol. Even a 20-second hug can make a difference—science says so.
Engaging in creative activities like painting, dancing, or journaling can act as a mental detox. By giving your stress an outlet, your cortisol levels naturally decrease. Bonus: You might create something amazing in the process.
Cold showers, ice baths, or even a splash of cold water on your face can help reset your stress response. Cold exposure activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce cortisol.
It may sound odd, but studies suggest that chewing gum lowers cortisol levels. The rhythmic act of chewing provides a soothing distraction and a sensory boost, keeping stress at bay.
Walking barefoot on grass or lying on the ground—known as grounding—connects you with nature and has been linked to lower cortisol levels. It’s a simple, earthy way to unwind.
Deep breathing doesn’t just calm your mind; it literally helps release cortisol metabolites through your breath. So, that long exhale you take during yoga or meditation? It’s stress leaving your body, one breath at a time.
Although stress is unavoidable, cortisol doesn’t have to linger. Whether you’re crying, laughing, singing, or grounding yourself, these quirky techniques prove there’s more than one way to fight stress. Don’t take my word for it. Pick one to try for the next seven days and let the results speak for themself!
