was ist cortisol — what can you do yourself?

Cortisol is a key stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands, regulating metabolism, blood pressure, and immune function. Chronically elevated levels due to ongoing stress, poor sleep, or unhealthy diet can harm health. What you can do yourself: 1) Prioritize sleep hygiene – consistent schedule, limit screens before bed. 2) Manage stress – mindfulness, deep breathing, moderate exercise (avoid overtraining). 3) Stabilize blood sugar – eat regular meals, reduce sugar and ultra-processed foods. 4) Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. 5) Maintain social connections. Caveat: At-home cortisol tests (saliva, blood) have limited clinical value; if you suspect a disorder (e.g., Cushing's, adrenal insufficiency), seek medical evaluation. The evidence for these lifestyle measures is mostly mechanistic and observational, not from large RCTs.