Reducing Stress
Exercise reduces cortisol
Cortisol release was reduced with 6 weeks of training on 6 days a week in recreational athletes. Free testosterone showed a decreasing trend of 19-25%, and LH release was reduced. These changes were still observed after 3 weeks of recovery.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1332185/
Obesity increases cortisol
Cortisol production rate is similarly elevated in obese women with or without the polycystic ovary syndrome.
http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/95/7/3318
Vitamin C reduces the body's stress response
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) modulates catecholaminergic activity, decreases stress reactivity, approach anxiety and prolactin release, improves vascular function, and increases oxytocin release.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12208645
Coping skills reduce cortisol
Individuals who coped by problem engagement and seeking support had lower cortisol levels.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18329182
Loud noise, intense light and low blood sugar raise stress hormones
High catecholamine levels (which raise blood sugar) in blood are associated with stress, which can be induced from psychological reactions or environmental stressors such as elevated sound levels, intense light, or low blood sugar levels.