Destress To Do Your Best!

(And Get Rid of That Cortisol Face)

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Who’s a constant companion in your life, even more so than your partner or your favorite furry friend?

Stress

Ugh … but true, right?

You know what we mean: the feeling – deadlines looming, phone buzzing non-stop, and that nagging voice wondering if you remembered to book your dentist appointment. That horrible pit in your stomach and that ache in your neck. Tight trapezius. Sweat.

But what if you could keep stress at a manageable level, one that even benefits you a bit without hitting overdrive?

The Stress Hormone: What is Cortisol?

First, let's chat about cortisol. 

It's your body's main stress hormone, produced by your adrenal glands. When you're under pressure, cortisol floods your system, giving you that surge of energy to tackle challenges head-on. It's like your body's own espresso shot!

But here's the catch: while short bursts of cortisol can boost your performance, chronic stress can lead to an overproduction. That's when things get tricky.

Too much stress (and the unhealthy food choices we often make while under stress) can affect your gut and make your digestive system uncomfortable. To head those issues off before they start, consider a daily probiotic to support your gut and keep your gut microbiome balanced and happy. 

Additionally, although probiotics are commonly used for gastrointestinal health, the spores in probiotics can provide astonishing multisystem health benefits. Bacillus species, for example, play a role in modulating a healthy inflammatory response and supporting immune regulation, hormonal balance, and even cardiovascular health. (Read more about this fascinating topic in The Science Behind Spore-Based Probiotics (and Why It's Important).) Proflora 4R is a spore-based probiotic that doesn’t need refrigeration, so it’s great to keep on hand and take daily.

And Then There’s "Cortisol Face"

Have you heard of "cortisol face"? People all over social have been discussing what they call the puffy or bloated Cortisol Face. You might have seen a mascot like this:

Think: 

  • puffiness, especially around the eyes
  • more noticeable fine lines 
  • a general tired look that even your favorite concealer can't quite hide

Prolonged high cortisol levels can actually change your appearance – and not for the better! So what do you do?

Don't panic. 

Instead, deepen your understanding of how your body works (like you’re doing right now) so you can take steps to look and feel your best. 

First, assess your nutrition and see if you can make improvements there (less salt, more whole foods, more vegetables, more water, etc.). Then, consider a binder like G.I. Detox+ to flush toxins from your system or even start a cleanse like Bioclear Microbiome Detox Program.

Once you’ve done that, see how you feel. Maybe that’s all you needed!

But if you’re still noticing puffiness and bloating, take some additional steps like seeing your healthcare practitioner and asking for advice.

Dealing With Your Stress 

But how do we flip the script on stress? Here are some quick tips:

  • Find a stress-buster that works for you: Everyone seems to have an opinion on how to destress, but you know what? The best destresser is the one that you’ll do regularly – and you can have many of them! (Really, there’s no limit.) So grab a quick meditation session or bust out some deadlifts and back squats.
    And then, instead of falling asleep to a backlit screen, cozy up with a good book and a soothing warm cup of G.I. InnerCalm, a delicious daily drink that can support your gut health and even provide mood and sleep support. (Plus, if you’ve got occasional bloating or heartburn, this drink can help.)
  • Reframe your mindset: It can help to see stress as a challenge, not a threat. Your body's stress response can actually improve performance when you view it positively.
  • Set boundaries and reclaim “Me” time: It's okay to say no sometimes (have you ever felt the sheer joy of canceling a night out?) – and then kick your feet up and make yourself a Biotonic Latte. The restorative nature of Biotonic can boost your energy and help you become your most productive self. 
  • Prioritize sleep: This one is crucial. Sleep is your brain's time to process and recover. You can’t destress if your brain is still a mess. (And if you have a smartwatch or sleep app, pay attention to your sleep score and seek to improve it. Use tech for your own good!)
  • Connect: Reach out to your squad. Researchers consistently release results from new studies that show how people with strong community connections live longer. Sometimes, the greatest destresser for your day is a quick chat with a friend or loved one.

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