How to Lower Your Cortisol Levels Naturally
Because calm is the new glow, babe.
Hi my sweet loves 💕
Let’s talk about something that might be secretly stealing your sparkle: cortisol — aka your body’s main stress hormone. If you’ve been feeling anxious, puffy, exhausted, or like your brain is full of bees 🐝 (been there), your cortisol might be waving a little red flag.
But don’t worry! We’re not about panic here. We’re about softness, healing, and finding joy in the little things again. So let’s sip something warm, snuggle into a cozy blanket, and chat about how to lower your cortisol naturally — with the help of some very glow-up worthy wellness tools I personally love (and you might, too!) ✨
💡 What Is Cortisol, Anyway?
Think of cortisol as your body's "Oh no, something's happening!" hormone. It’s released when you're stressed — whether you’re being chased by a bear (rare 😅) or just trying to finish a to-do list the size of a CVS receipt.
Too much cortisol for too long = burnout, bloating, and bye-bye glow.
Let’s lovingly bring it back into balance.
🌸 1. Start With a Soothing Morning Routine
The way you wake up can make or break your nervous system. Instead of jolting into the day, let’s try this:
My Chill Morning Picks:
Sunrise Alarm Clock – Mimics natural light so you wake up gently. I’ve been using the Hatch Alarm Clock for light, sound, and guided wind-downs in one.
Ceramic Mug with Herbal Tea – Start with something calming like Organic Tulsi Tea. It’s an adaptogen that gently lowers cortisol. Bonus: smells like peace.
Daily Gratitude Journal – I use the Five Minute Journal for quick, cute brain resets in the morning.
2. Adaptogens = Nature’s Little Cortisol Helpers
Adaptogens are plant-based stress soothers. They gently support your adrenal glands and help you feel balanced (not wired or sleepy — just… good).
Some of my personal faves:
Ashwagandha Gummies – Easy to take, taste like berries.
Moon Juice Magnesi-Om – Clinically studied and chic. Reduces cortisol & helps with mood swings.
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Cacao – Hot chocolate that chills you out? Yes please. Perfect for evening wind-downs.
You can mix these into your matcha, smoothies, or take as-is. They’re cute pantry staples with serious benefits.
3. Move, But Make It Gentle and Joyful
Too much high-intensity training can spike cortisol. So instead, try intentional, soft movement that calms your nervous system and supports your glow-up.
My calm faves:
Melissa Wood Health App – Low-impact pilates + breathwork. Her vibe is ✨divine✨ and her flows are cortisol-safe.
Bala Bangles – Light, cute ankle weights you can wear during walks or stretches. They come in dreamy pastel colors!
Liforme Yoga Mat – Non-slip and alignment-friendly for grounding flows and slow mornings.
Put on a lo-fi playlist, light a candle, and treat movement like a mini spa moment.
🛌 4. Sleep = Cortisol’s Kryptonite
Lack of sleep can skyrocket your cortisol. Prioritize rest like the baddie healer you are. Let’s glam up bedtime a little.
My dreamy sleep setup:
Magnesium Glycinate Supplement – Helps your muscles relax and lowers cortisol naturally. I like Nested Naturals Magnesium.
Weighted Blanket – Calms the nervous system and helps you fall asleep faster. Try Luna’s Cooling Weighted Blanket.
Blue Light Glasses – Block cortisol-disrupting screen light. Felix Gray’s are cute enough to wear all day.
Lavender Essential Oil Mist – I spritz This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray before bed and pretend I’m in a luxury spa. Because… I deserve that.
🧠 5. Support Your Nervous System with Mini Mindset Shifts
Even 3 minutes of deep breathing or journaling can tell your brain, “we’re safe now.”
Add these to your self-soothing toolkit:
Breathwork App (Othership or Breathwrk) – Short guided sessions that make breathing feel like magic.
Aromatherapy Diffuser – I use this cute ceramic diffuser with lavender or eucalyptus to set the mood.
Self-Love Decks or Cards – Affirmation card decks make journaling easier and so much cuter.
Also: romanticize your calm. You don’t have to earn rest. You just have to allow it. 💕
🍫 6. Sprinkle Your Day with Tiny Joys
Tiny joys = natural cortisol antidotes. That means silly giggles, soft blankets, baby animal videos, and warm beverages totally count as wellness.
Here are a few “joy triggers” you can turn into daily rituals:
Mini matcha ritual – I adore the Marce Matcha Kit with the cute whisk and calming vibes.
Silk Scrunchies – For low cortisol hair care. Plus they look adorable in your bun.
Cute water bottles – Hydration helps your body clear out stress hormones. Try a Stanley Cup in a pastel shade that matches your aesthetic. Hydrate like a soft girl.
And don’t forget: Laughing at memes, dancing to Lizzo, and daydreaming about your future cottagecore life are all cortisol-lowering activities. Science says so. 😉
💖 Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Feel Safe and Soft
Lowering cortisol isn’t about being perfect. It’s about gently coming back to your body and saying:
“Hey. I’m here. I’ve got you. Let’s breathe and soften.”
Whether you start with a new tea, a deep breath, or a sleepytime spray, every little habit matters. You’re not just healing your hormones — you’re reclaiming your joy, peace, and glow.
Be gentle with yourself. You’re already doing amazing.
With love, sleep mist, and magnesium dreams,
xoxo
