Cortisol is an important hormone when it comes to survival. But a permanent and unnecessary distribution triggers stress. How to take immediate countermeasures with a simple exercise.
Doctors report that their patients’ cortisol levels have increased since the beginning of the corona pandemic. Cortisol is a hormone from the adrenal cortex that is released after adrenaline is stressed. It ensures that we remain awake and resilient when faced with longer-lasting challenges.
It enables soldiers to march for several days without rest and little food, and young parents to endure many weeks at a time with constantly interrupted nights. People work under cortisol easily 14 hours straight and do not realize that they are hungry or tired. Cortisol is therefore an important and helpful substance when a meaningful task has to be completed or it is about survival.
As a psychologist, Anke Precht is particularly concerned with the topics of resilience and mental strength. She has been working therapeutically with hypnosis for over 20 years. Precht is the mother of three children and lives in a blended family in Offenburg. You can find more lightning-fast exercises to relax and restore inner serenity in her book.
“When life kicks your ass, use the momentum” by Anke Precht
However, it is also released in the event of mental stress, worries, and when people are under constant tension, even if nothing concrete can be done about it. Even when consuming news, the body can release cortisol. And when there is strong fear, the body is also under adrenaline, which prepares for fight or flight. It’s just stupid when you don’t have to fight or flee at all, but just sit in front of the TV, take an exam or your child isn’t home as agreed.
The following exercise helps to lower the stress level in the body again by reflexively switching the nervous system back to sleep mode.
Read more from Anke Precht: Definitely try it out! This is the easiest pair exercise in the world
