All about Cortisol: Why too much of a good thing can be harmful
October 29, 2024
Writer: Ella Javorsky
Editor: Olivia Schubert
I have always been an all-star planner and task juggler. I thrive on the schedule scripted in my mind that dictates what I should be doing at every hour of the day. This schedule does not incorporate free time, of course; instead, every minute has an activity or task scheduled until my day is full. Planning happens subconsciously, without any thought or hesitation, and I have found this to be a dangerous habit.
Like any other freshman unfamiliar with the culture and lifestyle of college, I felt unsettled and trapped by the world around me. I didn’t know where to go, who to talk to, or how to be myself in this new environment. Seeking control in a world where everything felt out of my control, I resorted to my habits of planning and hyper-fixating on my schedule, keeping myself occupied at all hours of the day. I committed myself to every plan, club, and activity that would distract me from the stress building inside me. While I thought this would ameliorate my college transition, it did the exact opposite. By struggling to “pause” and forcing my mind and body to be on the go constantly, both my physical and mental health suffered, and my cortisol levels skyrocketed.
Popularly known as the "stress hormone," cortisol is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands in response to stress. Its primary purpose is to help the body manage stress, whether physical, emotional, or mental. When faced with a stressful situation, cortisol steps in, boosting your energy, sharpening your focus, and even temporarily suppressing non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction. It also plays vital roles in regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling blood pressure.
However, if stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, cortisol production can go into overdrive, leading to imbalances. While this hormone is crucial to our “fight or flight” response, elevated cortisol levels can harm mental and physical health. Inflammation, weight gain, skin changes, and high blood pressure are just a few consequences of elevated cortisol. It’s important to recognize that cortisol isn’t inherently bad—it’s essential for our stress response. The key lies in managing it effectively to prevent it from becoming a constant presence in our lives.
Last year, as I pushed myself to say yes to everything around me, I experienced high cortisol levels and their accompanying side effects. While I was constantly on the go, I felt rundown, experienced brain fog, and dealt with inflammation throughout my body. These side effects impacted both my social and academic life, hiding the true version of myself. Now, as a more settled and adjusted sophomore, I realize the importance of saying no and giving back to my mind and body in an effort to lower my cortisol levels. For me, this means unwinding at the end of the day or incorporating daily movement into my schedule as a break from the academic chaos. Life is about balance between calm and chaos, and I believe that finding this balance is essential. I write this to inspire you to take pauses and dedicate time to your health. Taking time for yourself is not selfish; it’s an investment in your overall well-being.
Works Cited
Cay, M., Ucar, C., Senol, D., Cevirgen, F., Ozbag, D., Altay, Z., & Yildiz, S. (2018). Effect of increase in cortisol level due to stress in healthy young individuals on dynamic and static balance scores. Northern clinics of Istanbul, 5(4), 295–301. https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2017.42103
