If you enjoy drinking caffeinated drinks and don’t want to cut them out, you can instead drink them at the best possible times. Most people experience their peak cortisol levels from 8:00 a. m. to 9:00 a. m. , 12:00 p. m. to 1:00 p. m. , and 5:30 p. m. to 6:30 p. m. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source You can schedule your coffee breaks around these times, such as at 7:00 a. m. , 10:00 a. m. , and anytime between 1:30 p. m. to 5:00 p. m. This way you can maintain your energy levels without spiking your cortisol levels too much.

White bread “Regular” pasta (not whole wheat) White rice Candies, cakes, chocolates, etc.

If your urine is darker colored when you go pee, it’s probably a sign that you’re not drinking enough water. Adequately-hydrated individuals have urine that is light, almost water-like, in appearance.

However, you should check with your doctor before taking any medications, especially if you are taking other medications. You can find ashwaganda either online or in the supplement section of your grocery store. There are no adverse side effects reported for this supplement.

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Use mindfulness to help you lower your stress. Simply being in the moment can help you avoid feeling stressed. Try relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, visualization, or journaling. Create an emergency coping box and fill it with a soft blanket, an inspiring book, a relaxing activity, a piece of dark chocolate, and a scented aromatherapy oil in a relaxing scent, such as lavender. You can include other items that help you relax, as well. For example, some people might include a back scratcher or massaging ball.

Maintain a pre-bedtime sleep routine to help you go to sleep more easily. Relax by turning down the thermostat, getting cozy, and doing an activity that relaxes you, such as reading or listening to calming music. You may also spray a relaxing aromatherapy scent, such as lavender. [9] X Research source

Sit in a quiet, dark, room. Allow your mind to meditate. If you need help relaxing, visualize a quiet, peaceful place. Imagine how your body feels when it is relaxed. Try to recreate this feeling within your body. This helps to relieve muscle tension within the body. Allow the eyes to close. Take deep breaths in and out until you notice your heart rate slowing down. Notice the beating of your heart and its sounds when you are relaxed. Imagine that all of the tension is radiating out of your body through your fingertips and toes. Feel the release of tension throughout your entire body.

Try yoga or Pilates for an adaptive exercise that burns calories, works your muscles, and lowers cortisol too. Try other adaptive exercises using the Wii console, for example, to get your heart rate up without that unhealthy spike in cortisol. Don’t over exercise, as this can increase your levels of cortisol.

For example, you could go out for ice cream, enjoy dinner out, play a board game with your friend or loved one, watch a movie, walk your dog in the park, do a puzzle, play with your pet, or any other activity you enjoy. On the weekend, go to the beach, go bowling, play a recreational sport, host a game night, go to an art opening, or take a class to learn about a new hobby.