Cortisol is your body’s built-in alarm system, and as your body’s main stress hormone, it plays an important role in managing how your body uses carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Cortisol can increase your blood sugar, regulate blood pressure and keep inflammation down. However, there is such a thing as too much cortisol. Too much cortisol, especially if you’re under constant stress, can lead to anxiety, depression, headaches, heart disease and a wide number of additional health problems. If you’re looking to get into better physical, emotional and mental health, get your body moving with the 17 best exercises to naturally reduce your cortisol levels. 1. Deep Breathing Exercises Doing deep breathing exercises offers an accessible and meaningful way to alleviate your stress. Consciously engaging your diaphragm and extending your breath triggers your body’s relaxation response. The deliberate act of inhaling and exhaling enhances oxygen flow, promoting a calmer nervous system and reducing your overall stress levels. The ongoing practice of deep breathing addresses the physical manifestation that raised cortisol levels have on your body while fostering mindfulness. Practicing deep breathing encourages you to be present in the moment. Incorporate deep breathing into your daily routine as a portable tool for immediate stress relief. 2. Hiking with Breathwork Take hiking to the next level by hiking with intentional breathwork. Hiking while focusing on your breathing combines the benefits of nature with focused breathing to create a powerful stress-reducing energy. As you go through scenic trails, the rhythmic cadence of your footsteps harmonizes with the environment around you. Promote a sense of calm while integrating breathwork amidst the serenity of nature. Amplify the stress-alleviating effects of deep, purposeful breaths to enhance oxygenation. This calms the nervous system and lowers cortisol levels. The holistic approach rejuvenates your body and clears your mind. Get that revitalizing escape and embrace the tranquility in the great outdoors. It’s a great exercise to do on your own or with a partner as well. If you’re hiking and don’t want to wear rings that could get lost or dirty during your hike, wear silicone wedding bands instead. Work Out in Style: Shop Our Silicone Rings 3. Body Scan Meditation Try the mindfulness technique of body scan meditation as a potent stress relief by directing your attention inward. To do this, close your eyes and acknowledge the different sensations throughout your body to foster a deeper mind-body connection. Cultivate awareness of physical tension and then consciously release it. Doing so can help you unravel stress stored in your muscles and promote relaxation. This method of body scanning eases physical discomfort and encourages a profound mental unwind. The deliberate focus on each body part creates a calming rhythm and ushers in a sense of serenity. A gentle introspection is your soothing balm to unravel stress knots and nurture holistic well-being. 4. Outdoor Activities Engaging in any sort of outdoor activity is a powerful antidote to stress. It’s a refreshing escape from the grueling demands of daily life, especially if you live in an area or have a lifestyle that involves being indoors most of the time. Embrace the serene backdrop of nature to instantly calm your mind. Release endorphins by doing your physical exercise in the open air. It’s your body’s natural stress buster whether you’re gardening in your backyard or taking a leisurely stroll in your neighborhood. Participate in outdoor sports with your long-time friends or try a new outdoor activity with strangers who will become friends. 5. Yoga Yoga is an exceptional stress-reduction exercise since it seamlessly merges mindful breathing and meditation with physical postures. The deliberate, flowing movements come together with conscious breathwork to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. The dual approach relaxes your body and calms your mind, effectively lowering your cortisol levels. Yoga’s holistic philosophy encourages the yogi to be present in the moment and aware of their mind, body and spirit, guiding practitioners to embrace inner tranquility and let go of stress. Regular yoga practice can enhance your flexibility, increase your strength and help make you more mentally resilient. Watch stress dissipate when you’re sitting on the serene space of a yoga mat. 6. Walking Meditation Walking meditation blends mindfulness principles with the rhythmic cadence of walking. It’s a contemplative and meditative practice that invites walkers to synchronize their steps with conscious breathing, helping to ground your mind in the present moment. As your body moves in harmony with nature, your stress melts away and is replaced by a notable sense of calm. Walking meditation encourages a gentle exploration of your sensations and thoughts, fostering mental clarity and greater self-awareness. It’s accessible to people of all fitness levels, so this tranquil exercise can rejuvenate your body while nurturing a peaceful mental space. Even if you’re just walking around your neighborhood, get into the workout mindset with the best workout accessories. 7. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) High-Intensity Interval Training, also known as HIIT, is a dynamic stress-busting exercise that combines intense bursts of exercise with quick recovery periods. This fierce workout enhances your physical fitness and acts as a cathartic release for stress. The endorphin rush induced by HIIT is a natural mood booster, promoting a greater sense of well-being and alleviating tension. The focused intensity can be a mindful escape from stressors since it totally redirects your mental energy to the workouts at hand. The time-efficient nature of HIIT makes it accessible to all, especially those who are short on time, as a quick and powerful way to elevate physical and mental fortitude. Consider adding HIIT as an invigorating addition to your wellness routine! 8. Pilates The Pilates workout emphasizes mindful breathing and controlled movements, emerging as a transformative stress-relief exercise. You deliberately engage your core muscles paired with precise, flowing exercises to create a harmonious mind-body connection. Pilates practitioners can immerse themselves in the workout and watch as their body strengthens. Your tension dissipates to promote relaxation and mental clarity. It’s a low-impact workout that cultivates flexibility and balance. If you’re looking for a stress-busting workout that’s easy on your joints, consider Pilates, where your stress can melt away and leave behind a rejuvenated, centered self. 9. Circuit Training Circuit training is a versatile workout that blends strength training and cardiovascular exercises in a dynamic, continuous flow. It elevates your heart rate for endorphin release and engages various muscle groups to promote a holistic sense of vitality. For those who enjoy structure, the structured format of circuit training keeps your mind focused as it diverts attention away from stressors to the physical challenges you’re facing. The variety of exercises promises a stimulating workout, preventing monotony and encouraging resilience. You’ll feel a strong sense of accomplishment when you’re finished with your circuit training. 10. Mindful Stretching Transcend the physical and enjoy the serene escape and stress-reducing nature of mindful stretching. This exercise elongates muscles and synchronizes your breath to deepen your mind-body connection. Each stretch is a moment of introspection to guide you away from the stresses of everyday life and into a peaceful state of being. Allow your mind to release tension along with whatever other tensions are in your mind. As your muscles unwind, your cortisol levels will go down, creating a tranquil space for mental rejuvenation. This is an exceptionally accessible exercise for people of all fitness levels and can be beneficial for pre- and post-workouts as well as to enhance flexibility and mindfulness. 11. Jump Rope Get your heart pumping by jumping rope for the cardiovascular benefits and stress relief. The rhythmic motion and coordination of jumping rope create a meditative flow, redirecting your mind from whatever else is going on to the rhythmic beats of the rope. It’s a simple yet dynamic exercise that induces an endorphin surge to be your natural mood elevator. The repetitive nature of jumping encourages mental clarity and focus, freeing your mind from the pressures that surround you. Jump rope workouts are efficient for physical fitness and serve as an exhilarating, cathartic release. 12. Tai Chi The graceful fusion of meditation and movement of Tai Chi serves as a profound stress-reducing practice. The slow, deliberate movements synchronize with intentional breathing to create a harmonious dance that calms your nervous system. Tai Chi is rooted in mindfulness and allows you to cultivate present-moment awareness. The gentle, flowing movements enhance flexibility and promote a deep sense of relaxation. As your body releases tension, your mind is gently steered away from stressors. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art that serves as a moving meditation and strengthens the body. The holistic approach of Tai Chi is a therapeutic and accessible path of stress relief for people of all ages and fitness levels. 13. Cycling Cycling combines the benefits of exercise with the therapeutic environment of the great outdoors. Enjoy the rhythmic pedal strokes that create a soothing cadence, allowing your mind to release stress and wander freely. Whether you’re navigating the city streets or cruising on a scenic trail, cycling offers an exciting blend of mindful escape and cardiovascular activity. The endorphin release that happens during a ride acts as a natural mood enhancer. With the open road ahead and the wind running through your hair, cycling is a physical exercise and liberating journey that promotes mental clarity and a sense of freedom. 14. Resistance Training Resistance training combines physical exertion and mental resilience while you lift weights or engage in bodyweight exercises. This workout strengthens your muscles and acts as a stress relief for accumulated stress. Challenge your physical limits and enjoy the natural euphoria of endorphins. You can do resistance training at home with body weight or rubber resistance bands. If the bands are putting tension on your muscles, you can engage in resistance training anywhere. 15. Mindful Running Mindful running isn’t like regular running. It’s about running while also staying mentally connected to your body during your runs. The main idea is to get rid of distractions while you’re running. That may mean getting rid of any music, audiobooks or podcasts you listen to when you’re running. If you take calls while you run or tend to run with a running partner, consider mindful running on your own. Spending time on an exercise like mindful running that connects your mind and body can make you a better runner and reduce stress levels. 16. Swimming Swimming is a fun exercise to stay fit and make friends. It’s a healthy lifetime activity that has a myriad of physical and mental health benefits. Whether you’re going to the pool or going for a swim at the beach, when you go swimming, bring all your essentials to the pool in a silicone tote bag. Some must-have essentials that you should have in your swim bag include a swim cap, swim goggles, waterproof phone cases and sunscreen if you’re outside. Swimming is great for relieving stress, improving coordination and helping you maintain a healthy weight while toning muscles and building strength. 17. Dancing If you think you can dance or have always been curious about learning how to dance, shake what your mama gave you and give it a try. Dancing is a fun and social way to work out your body. Take a ballroom class or learn how to do jazz dance from the comfort of your living room with an online video. Dance to your heart’s content, and you’ll reap a multitude of physical benefits, including reduced stress, improved memory and stronger bones. The path to holistic well-being is heavily intertwined with our minds and bodies. The exercises we mentioned earlier are physical routines that can help you get to a more serene, balanced lifestyle. It’s about more than the sets and reps you do every time you work out. It’s about cultivating a routine that prioritizes your mental and physical health. Look and feel your best with our wide array of the best workout accessories to get your heart pumping and make your workout game strong. Cheers to your well-being journey. Get Your Heart Pumping with Workout Accessories Image Credits PeopleImages - Yuri A/Shutterstock.com BigMouse/Shutterstock.com