Cortisol: What is it? An easy way to think of it is to think about it as nature’s built-in-alarm system. Cortisol is the body's main stress hormone working with different parts of your brain to control your mood, motivation, and fear. Adrenal glands - triangle-shaped organs at the top of your kidneys - make cortisol. It fuels the body’s “fight-or-flight” instinct in a crisis. If you are under constant stress, cortisol may derail your body’s important functions leading to a number of health problems like, anxiety and depression, headaches, heart disease, memory and concentration problems, problems with digestion, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. It can increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, respiration, and muscle tension when released in times of stress.

Exercising is overall good for your health. Cortisol levels can be lowered due to exercising. In addition, endorphins can be released which are your brain’s feel good neurotransmitters which any aerobic activity, like a game of tennis or nature hike, can produce. Exercising can imitate effects of stress like the fight or flight response, and help your body and its systems to work together through those effects. It can also help to protect your body from harmful effects of stress in your cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems. Regular exercise can increase self-confidence help you relax, increase your mood, as well as lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety. Your sleep can also be improved, which is often disrupted by stress.