A Guide to Managing Stress and Finding Balance
It’s that time of year with shorter days, increasing work commitments, and the “big C” creeping into our minds (you know, the man in red!). With all the social, financial, and professional pressures of the season, it's no surprise if you're feeling a bit more stressed than usual. And with that stress can come elevated cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
In this blog, we’ll explore what cortisol is, why it’s essential yet tricky, and ways to check if high cortisol might be affecting you. Plus, we’ve put together a quick quiz to help you figure out if you might need a little extra support. If so, our new Cortisol Balance bundle could be just what you’re looking for to help lower cortisol naturally.
What is cortisol?
Cortisol is one of your primary stress hormones, produced by the adrenal glands to help you react quickly when you’re under pressure, whether physical, emotional, or mental. It’s the hormone that gives you an energy boost when faced with stress or danger and plays a key role in many bodily functions, from energy regulation to sleep, mood, and immune response.
Cortisol is essential for helping us manage stress and is crucial for survival. However, when it’s elevated for too long, it can lead to increased inflammation, fatigue, disrupted sleep, weight gain, and that “wired but tired” feeling - exhausted yet tense. This disrupts your circadian rhythm, your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leaving you drained in the morning and anxious by evening.
Do You Have High Cortisol? Take the Quiz!
So, do you have high cortisol? This quiz is designed to help you gauge if high cortisol could be affecting you. Simply answer each question and tally your points to find out whether your cortisol levels may be in a healthy range, potentially high, or in need of a little extra support.
PS: This quiz is not a diagnostic tool. To accurately test, you can check cortisol levels at home with a saliva test. If you’re interested in learning more about testing options, feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
1. Morning Fatigue: Do you feel exhausted when you wake up, with no burst of energy to start the day?
- Never (0 points)
- Sometimes (1 point)
- Often (2 points)
- Never (0 points)
- Sometimes (1 point)
- Often (2 points)
- Never (0 points)
- Sometimes (1 point)
- Often (2 points)
- Never (0 points)
- Sometimes (1 point)
- Often (2 points)
- Never (0 points)
- Sometimes (1 point)
- Often (2 points)
Results:
- 0-3 points: Low Cortisol Levels – You likely have balanced cortisol levels.
- 4-6 points: Potentially High Cortisol – You may experience occasional high cortisol.
- 7-10 points: High Cortisol – You may have high cortisol levels, which could benefit from targeted support.
Our Brand New Cortisol Balance Bundle:
If you gained any points on our quiz, this bundle could be perfect for you. Whilst it’s designed for anyone struggling with high cortisol levels, chronic stress, or anxiety, it’s also ideal for those dealing with low energy, brain fog, sleep disturbances, or hormonal imbalances.
We’ve combined three of the most well researched supplements that work together to support mood, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep, so you can feel more balanced and in control:
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Omega 3 (vegan option available): Essential for the health of every cell, Omega 3 helps cells absorb nutrients properly. It also provides fantastic support for the brain, a ‘fatty’ organ that thrives on Omega 3s to maintain mood, focus, and concentration This is especially beneficial when stress and overwhelm start affecting mental clarity.
- Magnesium: Magnesium promotes calm and relaxation, making it essential for restful sleep. By helping to regulate cortisol, it reduces both the physical and emotional effects of stress. Additionally, magnesium plays a role in melatonin production, which works with cortisol to keep your natural sleep-wake cycle in balance.
- Ashwagandha: A beautiful, ancient herb used for centuries to support balance and resilience. Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic properties, which help the body regulate cortisol levels, promoting a calmer response to stress. It’s especially helpful for women, as it supports hormonal changes while helping you feel more grounded during challenging times.
As an add-on, we also recommend Saffron. Known for its ability to lift mood, increase libido and naturally enhance serotonin levels, saffron is one of nature’s finest herbs for lifting the spirits. It’s particularly beneficial for easing PMS or menopausal symptoms and can provide an immediate boost when life feels overwhelming.
Taking a Balanced Approach to Stress Management:
As we wrap up our discussion on cortisol and our brand new Cortisol Balance bundle, we want to acknowledge that life can feel more stressful than ever for many people. If you find yourself in that situation, remember, you’re not alone, and there is so much you can do to support your wellbeing.We always recommend a holistic approach to managing stress, focusing on nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplements. If you’d like to read more on how to lower cortisol naturally, check out our Understanding Cortisol blog.
At Kate Living, we’re passionate about educating our customers and continuously finding new ways to provide unique support for individual needs. Our new Cortisol Balance bundle is designed for those feeling overwhelmed by what to take and when. We’ve made it easy and convenient, so you can focus on feeling your best.
Don’t let the stress of trying to be healthy hold you back, embrace this bundle and start your journey toward better wellbeing. Our team are always on hand to support with more personalised requests, and we offer transformative 1:1 packages with Kate for those looking for additional guidance.
Wishing you a calm and wonderful end to the year! We hope you feel empowered to face the coming months with renewed energy and vitality.