Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and it plays a central role in how your body responds to stress. In the short term, it's actually helpful — it boosts your energy, raises blood sugar, and gets you ready to handle challenges. But when stress sticks around for a long time, chronically high cortisol can take a toll, contributing to memory difficulties, disrupted sleep, a weakened immune system, weight gain around the belly, and deep exhaustion. The good news is that regular sleep, gentle movement like yoga, and strong social connections can all help bring cortisol back into a healthy balance.