You've probably heard cortisol being thrown around as the “stress hormone” and gotten the impression that it's something to avoid at all costs.

But here's the thing: cortisol isn't all bad.

In fact, when regulated properly, it can be incredibly beneficial for your physical and mental performance.

The key is understanding how to work with your body's natural rhythms and using strategies to keep cortisol in that sweet spot.

When you do that, you're not just managing stress better – you're unlocking a powerful tool for peak performance and well-being.

Harness cortisol to your advantage:

1. Optimise cortisol for energy

We have a natural 24-hour cortisol rhythm. In the morning, cortisol levels naturally peak, giving us that burst of energy we need to wake up and feel alert – it's like our body's own natural caffeine boost!

When functioning optimally, cortisol keeps our energy levels elevated and stable throughout the day. No more mid-afternoon slumps or feeling like you're running on empty. Supporting your natural cortisol rhythm is a game-changer for sustained vitality and performance.

2. Cortisol regulation for mood stability

When cortisol is out of balance, it disrupts our brain chemistry leading to anxiety, mood swings, and disrupted our sleep.

During sleep, our brains process and make sense of all the emotions and experiences we've had throughout the day. So, if cortisol is disrupting your sleep, it's no wonder you feel more emotionally reactive or overwhelmed.

I've seen countless high-achievers struggle with the impact of unregulated cortisol on their mood and sleep.

3. Levarge cortisol for enhanced metabolic health

Cortisol influences your weight and energy efficiency. Cortisol is the fat-for-fuel switch in the body and by leveraging cortisol's natural rhythm you can burn body fat all day long.

When cortisol is high we burn more glucose, when it's lower, we burn body fat for fuel. It also reduces cravings for sugars and carbohydrates.