5 Signs You’re Running on Stress Hormones Instead of True Energy
How to Spot Cortisol Overload & Get Your Calm Back
You’re checking all the boxes—decent sleep, balanced meals, a few workouts when you can—yet something still feels off. You’re dragging through the day with a low hum of urgency. Wired, but not in a way that feels strong or clear.
That “buzz” might not be real energy. It’s often your body leaning on cortisol—our primary stress hormone—to power through. Cortisol is great for quick bursts of focus, but when it becomes the main fuel source, it slowly wears you down.
Here are five subtle signals that your system might be running on stress chemistry instead of true fuel—and a few gentle shifts that help your body find its calm again.
1. You’re Tired When You Wake Up and by Midday
You clock enough hours of sleep, but mornings feel heavy. It takes multiple alarms to get moving, and you’re eyeing caffeine before lunch.
Try this:
Eat a protein-rich breakfast before that first cup of coffee to steady blood sugar and help your body feel safe.
Young Living’s CortiStop supplement can support healthy balanced levels.
2. You Sleep, but It Doesn’t Feel Like Rest
You fall asleep fine, but wake around 2–3 a.m. with a busy brain.
Try this:
Dim the lights and cut screen time an hour before bed.
Roll on Stress Away or Tranquil essential oil just before bed.
Practice a breath prayer—slow breathing while inviting God’s presence—can tell your nervous system it’s okay to let go.
3. You React Quickly, Even to Small Things
That sudden flash of irritation? It’s often chemistry, not character. Elevated cortisol messes with dopamine and serotonin, making patience harder to find.
Try this:
Pause for a 2-minute EFT tapping round. Tapping through the frustration signals your brain to downshift. (I like this book for learning how to do it)
Keep a “Soul Dump” journal handy to release thoughts instead of carrying them.
4. Your Body Feels Inflamed—Especially Around the Midsection
Despite healthy habits, your waist feels thicker or digestion is sluggish. Cortisol tells the body to hold fuel and can throw off blood sugar.
Try this:
Take a short walk or do gentle stretching every couple of hours to lower cortisol naturally.
Consider an Emotion Code session to release hidden stress your body may be storing.
5. You Catch Every Bug Going Around
Frequent colds or slow healing can mean your immune system is stuck in stress mode.
Try this:
Nourish with colorful veggies and plenty of minerals.
Daily Embodied Prayer or a 5-minute gratitude practice calms the fight-or-flight response so your immune system can get back on track.
Simple Daily Supports
Protein before caffeine for steady energy
Movement snacks—a few squats or a quick stretch every hour
Evening softness—low lights, no endless scrolling
“Soul Dump” journaling to unload the day
Recovery isn’t about overhauling everything. It starts with permission to rest and gentle choices that tell your body it’s safe.
Want Extra Support?
If you’re curious about natural tools like Young Living’s CortiStop, Stress Away, EFT tapping, Embodied prayer, or an Emotion Code session, I’d love to guide you.
