Published: 27 February 2025

As someone deeply invested in helping people understand and manage stress, I was recently featured in an ELLE article exploring the science of cortisol and how we can bring it back into balance. Cortisol, often labelled the “stress hormone,” is essential for helping us respond to life’s challenges — but when it stays elevated for too long, it can negatively affect everything from memory to digestion, sleep, and even immune function.

In the piece, I shared how cortisol is designed to spike temporarily in moments of stress — whether physical, emotional, or environmental — and then return to baseline. But for many of us, chronic pressures, constant stimulation (hello, social media), or even poor sleep habits mean that stress becomes a default state.

When cortisol stays high for too long, it begins to affect areas of the brain involved in memory and decision-making, making it harder to focus or feel grounded. It can also disrupt sleep, slow down healing, and lead to burnout. It’s not about eliminating stress completely — that’s not realistic — but about helping the body complete the stress cycle so we can reset and recover.

In the article, I also discussed:

• How physical movement (especially the right kind for your energy levels) helps regulate stress

• The power of social connection to buffer the effects of cortisol

• The importance of gut health, sleep, and even morning light exposure to reset your nervous system

• Simple shifts — like delaying your first coffee — to support more natural energy patterns

These are the kinds of small, science-backed changes I encourage with my patients. You don’t need a wellness overhaul to feel better — just consistent, mindful choices that support your body’s natural rhythm.

Read the full article on ELLE UK:
“A Complete Guide to Stress – And How to Lower Cortisol Levels”
by Amelia Bell, published on 27 February 2025

Read here: https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a63168965/how-to-lower-cortisol-levels/