• Put sleep first. Poor sleep keeps the cortisol high. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
• Regular exercise helps lower the stress. However, do not go overboard, as excessive exercise can increase cortisol as well.
• Skip the processed foods/high‑sugar foods, that can raise cortisol. Instead, focus on wholesome foods, and enough protein.
• Practice relaxation by doing breathing, yoga or mindfulness meditation, since they directly lower stress symptoms.
• Try to limit caffeine and alcohol. Both can increase stress hormones if consumed excessively.
• Build meaningful relationships: Supportive relationships keep stress down and cortisol low, over time.
