Lower cortisol easily with this simple tip from a longevity expert

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become almost a permanent fixture in our lives, leading to elevated cortisol levels. Finding simple ways to lower cortisol is essential for managing the constant pressures we face. While there are numerous ways to mitigate stress, such as meditation, walking in nature, breathwork, movement, therapy, and journaling, it’s important to focus on quick and easy methods that can lower cortisol levels effectively. Simple daily habits, like engaging in short conversations or practising mindfulness, can have a significant impact.

This is precisely what Dan Buettner, an expert in longevity (and the well-known blue zones where longer life expectancy has been proven), discussed during his appearance on the High Net Purpose podcast. He suggests that the simple habits we can easily stick to are often the ones that actually work.

A tiny de-stressing habit

Buettner points out that one of the best ways to de-stress and, in turn, lower cortisol is to engage in conversations with others, even something as simple as chatting with a neighbour. He refers to these interactions as “stress relievers” or, more simply, “de-stressors.” “Having conversations with other human beings is wonderful. Chance encounters can be incredibly helpful. The role of our environment and the people we interact with is crucial,” he says. This reminds me of a viral video that suggests that the nervous systems of the five people we spend the most time with regulate (or deregulate) our own.

Indeed, these ideas align with advice often given by psychologists focused on workplace stress: if you’re feeling stressed at work, taking a break to have a casual chat with a colleague can help lower your stress levels. You don’t need to dive into deep conversations; sometimes, it’s enough to engage in light, everyday talks where eye contact and social interaction are the main focus. These interactions take us out of the mental loops that often lead to cortisol spikes.

Social relationships as life insurance

Throughout his speeches, Buettner emphasises that one of the key secrets to the longevity of people in the blue zones he’s studied is their strong social and family connections. This support network not only has a proven influence on long-term longevity but also helps to lower stress in the immediate term (think of how good you feel after a comforting chat with a friend or your mother when you’re stressed).