Cortisol: The Good, The Bad, and How to Take Control

Cortisol helps you wake up, stay alert, and even burn fat more efficiently. BUT when its out of whack it can cause chaos!
February 5, 2026
Cortisol: The Good, The Bad, and How to Take Control

cortisol.

You’ve probably heard it called the “stress hormone,” but here’s what a lot of people get mistaken.


Cortisol isn’t bad… in fact, you NEED it, and it naturally rises and falls throughout the day.

Cortisol helps you wake up, stay alert, and even burn fat more efficiently.

The problem starts when it’s out of balance, like when your body keeps pumping it out because of too much stress, too little sleep, or skipping meals.

Here’s what balanced cortisol looks like:
✅ You wake up feeling alert (without needing three cups of coffee)
✅ You can handle challenges without feeling overwhelmed
✅ You fall asleep easily

And here’s what happens when it’s off:
⚡ You feel amped up and tired at the same time
🍫 You crave sugar, junk food, or caffeine all day
😩 You’re moody, anxious, or can’t seem to shut off

So, what can you do about it? 

Here are 3 ways you can take control of cortisol:

You might not be able to control every stressful situation, but you can control your actions AND reactions. AND that has a powerful impact on your body ;).

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