Is Stress Running the Show? 7 Signs Your Cortisol May Be Out of Control
Let’s be honest—being a business owner is a beautiful mix of passion and pressure. We wake up thinking about goals, go to sleep thinking about clients, and sometimes forget that in between all of that… we’re human. And our bodies are talking to us—especially through the hormone cortisol.
Cortisol is often known as the “stress hormone,” but that’s only part of the story. It’s also the hormone that helps you wake up in the morning, stay alert through your day, manage inflammation, and maintain balance in your other hormones. It’s essential—but it becomes dangerous when it stays elevated for too long.
Are You Experiencing Cortisol Overload?
If you’re constantly feeling “off,” it might be time to pay attention to these signs:
Wired but tired – You’re exhausted but can’t fall asleep or stay asleep
Brain fog – You forget simple things, can’t focus, or feel mentally scattered
Unexplained weight gain – Especially around the belly
Mood swings or irritability – You’re more reactive than usual
Low energy throughout the day – Even after coffee or rest
Cravings for sugar, salt, or caffeine – Especially during afternoon slumps
Breakouts or dull skin – Your complexion looks stressed even when you’re using great products
These are not random. They’re the body’s way of waving a red flag.
What’s Throwing Your Cortisol Out of Balance?
As business owners and skincare professionals, we often live in a high-stress, high-output environment. But here’s what pushes cortisol into overdrive:
Skipping meals or going hours without eating
Relying on caffeine to power through fatigue
Not getting 7–9 hours of quality sleep
Over-scheduling without downtime or boundaries
Ignoring mental/emotional stress
Under-exercising or even overtraining without recovery
All of these habits contribute to what some call “adrenal fatigue,” though more accurately it’s Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction—the communication system between your brain and hormones getting completely out of sync.
This Isn’t Just About You—It Affects Your Clients Too
Especially if you're in the beauty or wellness space, you’re not just taking care of yourself—you’re leading by example. If you’re tired, depleted, or hormonally imbalanced, it shows up not only in how you serve but in how you teach others to care for themselves.
Skin issues? Often rooted in internal imbalance. Energy dips? Not just about sleep—it’s about how your body is handling stress.
Taking the time to regulate cortisol through rest, nutrition, boundaries, and self-care isn’t “slowing down”—it’s a business strategy. It’s how you stay sharp, focused, and thriving.
Listen to the signs. Your body isn’t betraying you—it’s trying to protect you.
If you’re noticing any of the signs above, don’t wait until you crash. Start small. One habit at a time. Your body (and your business) will thank you.