Navigating Stress: The Complete Protocol
So you’re stressed – but your frazzled state of mind and potential anxiety – are not helping with what to do about it?
That’s because when your body encounters stress, it doesn’t distinguish between a true life-or-death scenario and the more psychological threats of our modern lives. However, the impacts of stress can lead to serious health issues if left unchecked. The good news is, you can take control. Here’s our complete guide to stress management—packed with lifestyle tips, dietary recommendations, and supplements that can help you regain balance.
UNDERSTANDING CORTISOL: THE STRESS HORMONE
Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,” is produced in your adrenal glands. It typically peaks 30 to 60 minutes after you wake up, giving you the energy to tackle the day. It gradually declines throughout the day, helping you wind down in the evening. At balanced levels, cortisol helps you handle the effects of stress and keeps you alert. However, when cortisol levels become dysregulated - either too high or too low - it can lead to constant fatigue, trouble sleeping, weight gain, frequent colds, digestive problems, and feeling anxious or overwhelmed all the time.
THE 2 TYPES OF STRESS
There are two primary types of stress: acute and chronic, both of which are closely linked to cortisol levels in your body.
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Acute stress is the short-term response your body has to immediate threats or challenges—often referred to as the "fight or flight" reaction. It triggers a surge of cortisol, providing a quick burst of energy and focus. But this surge can also cause dizziness, spikes in blood sugar, increased cravings, and a weakened immune system (ever heard of a stress cold?)
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While short-term stress can be beneficial in small doses – like if you’re escaping from a tiger, chronic stress is when stressors linger, causing cortisol levels to remain elevated over time. This constant elevation forces your body to prioritize immediate survival, diverting resources away from essential functions like digestion, immune response, and energy production. Over time, this strain can lead to what functional medicine calls “adrenal fatigue,” where the adrenal glands become depleted. As a result, you experience prolonged fatigue, burnout, and a host of other health issues, from weakened immunity to increased risk of chronic diseases.
WHAT ARE THE TELLTALE SIGNS OF STRESS?
Rapid weight gain
Swollen face, chest, and/or abdomen
High blood pressure
Flushed cheeks
Unexplainable bruises
Irritability and mood swings
Muscle weakness
Feeling dehydrated
Frequent urination
Brain fog
RESTORE YOUR CALM, NATURALLY
Cortisol Calming helps to build resistance and resilience to ‘fight or flight’ stress. It alleviates the effects of cortisol spikes – such as anxiety, brain fog, cravings, visceral fat, and slowed metabolism. Formulated with a natural blend of adaptogens, amino acids, and a powerful nootropic, Cortisol Calming is clinically proven to help you feel more relaxed within 30 minutes.
“I’ve been taking Cortisol Calming for two weeks now and my anxiety has lowered a lot and I'm feeling great!” - Geraldina T.
VERACITY'S TIPS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT
Stimulate Your Vagus Nerve. This is the connection between your brain, heart, and digestive system. Stimulating it by doing some breathwork, meditating, gargling, singing, fostering a social connection, or giving someone a hug can all counteract stress and relax the body. Read more about the Vagus Nerve
Listen to Binaural Beats Music. A binaural beat is an illusion created by the brain when you listen to 2 different tones with slightly different frequencies at the same time. Listening with headphones can reduce your cortisol levels and alleviate stress quickly.
Consume Magnesium-Rich Foods. Pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, spinach, avocados, bananas, and black beans are all high in magnesium and regulate cortisol levels.
Limit Screen Time. Reduce exposure to screens (phones, computers, TVs, etc) at least 30 minutes before bed to improve sleep quality and lower cortisol levels.
Conquer Stress With Protein. Consuming 20-30 grams of protein 3x a day will support healthy cortisol levels.
Stay Hydrated. Drink water throughout the day to support adrenal function and overall hydration.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine Intake. Reduce consumption of caffeine and alcohol as they can increase cortisol levels and disrupt sleep patterns.
Get out in nature. As little as 15 minutes a day in nature can be rejuvenating and help re-energize you. It’s really an overlooked medicine, and there’s no wrong way to do it!
IS CORTISOL SABOTAGING YOUR METABOLISM?
Cortisol impacts metabolism through its effect on blood sugar. High levels result in fat storage and an increase in appetite, while low levels contribute to lowered energy and fatigue.
Cortisol Calming helps prevent the negative impact of stress on metabolism.
Pair with Metabolism Ignite to boost metabolism and regulate hormones to optimize your natural ability to lose and maintain weight.
With the Metabolism + Stress Set save an extra 20% - Metabolism Ignite and Cortisol Calming work synergistically to improve stress resilience and long term metabolic health.
