Cortisol face seems to be the trendy discussion on social media, as many link the stress hormone to unwelcome facial swelling and puffiness. But what exactly is cortisol, and how does it influence our appearance? Read along to find out!
But first, let’s familiarize ourselves with the term cortisol. Cortisol is the body’s primary stress hormone and is produced and released by the adrenal glands. According to experts, cortisol plays a crucial role in nearly every organ and tissue.
In fact, its function extends to suppressing inflammation, regulating blood pressure, and even controlling the sleep-wake cycle. Now, you may wonder why and how such a powerful hormone can cause you to look funny. Let’s get into it!
What Causes Cortisol Face?
Notably, cortisol levels are not static; they naturally flow throughout the day, increasing in response to stress or other triggers. While this might seem like a normal defense mechanism, increased and diminished cortisol levels pose huge risks to your overall health.
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An increase in cortisol levels leads to several physical symptoms, including weight gain in the face and abdomen, muscle weakness in the arms and thighs, weakened bones, and many more. Just so you know, the facial swelling associated with this hormone imbalance is what is trending currently.
Many are now dubbing this trendy issue “cortisol face.” However, experts caution that the stress of daily life is not enough to raise cortisol levels for long enough to cause facial swelling or puffiness.
“It would have to be very, very high levels of stress for it to have a more visible, non-transient effect,” explains Dr. Rajita Sinha, a licensed clinical psychologist.
How Do I Stop Weight Gain From Cortisol?
While life’s stressors might seem overwhelming, there are several effective ways to manage stress hormone levels and prevent weight gain caused by stress. First and most importantly, you must stay active.
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Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most effective methods for combating weight gain. Additionally, constant exercise is known to reduce stress levels, helping you build resilience. You should also consider mindful or intuitive eating.
According to Buddhist philosophy, mindfulness involves being fully aware of your actions in the moment. When eating, mindfulness encourages you to pay close attention to cues like fullness, hunger, taste, and texture. Notably, mindful eating can also help you develop a healthier relationship with food, making it easy to manage weight even when stressed out.
What Kind of Exercise Lowers Cortisols?
Strength training can lower cortisol levels, whether through physical activity or reconnecting with nature. Many praise strength training for its physical benefits. It also boosts the production of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals that enhance mood.
Plus, the sense of accomplishment from lifting heavier weights can be incredibly empowering. Research shows that young adults who engage in strength training twice weekly experience a huge reduction in worry and anxiety symptoms.
Swimming is also a fantastic full-body workout that can help relieve stress. Those rhythmic movements release neurochemicals in the brain that make you feel good. In fact, one study found that swimming was more effective at reducing cortisol levels compared to running.
Moreover, the act of submerging your entire body in water can be therapeutic. The repetitive nature of swimming strokes gives your mind something to focus on, allowing you to escape from stress and anxiety.
Lastly, you may need to incorporate walking into your routine. Spending time outdoors greatly impacts one’s mental health. Recent research revealed that an hour’s walk in a natural setting significantly decreases activity in the brain’s stress-processing areas.
Taking a walk in nature offers a much-needed break from daily pressures. It allows you to breathe in fresh air, move your body, and clear your mind. This simple yet powerful activity can leave you feeling refreshed and more resilient to stress!
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