For many of us, springtime brings a boost in mood and energy โ we are drawn to the outdoors and become more physically active.
This not only has positive effects on our cardiovascular system, but also on our bodyโs stress regulation.
How does exercise affect levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, known as the primary โstress hormoneโ?
Produced and secreted into the bloodstream by the adrenal glands atop the kidneys, cortisol is one of the most important hormones in the body. Among other things, it helps to mobilise energy reserves and regulate metabolism, and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system.
In stressful situations, spikes in cortisol levels trigger the bodyโs โfight or flightโ response, a heightened physiological state in reaction to a stressor.
But it is problematic if levels are persistently high from, say, stress at work or in your private life, or alcohol or caffeine consumption, says German endocrinologist Dr Matthias Kroiss.