The hormone cortisol and its relationship to stress.

In the workplace, stress is a reality that affects many people and can have a significant impact on productivity and overall well-being. To better understand how stress affects our bodies and our ability to perform tasks, it is crucial to explore the hormone cortisol, one of the main hormones associated with stress.

In this session, we will address the relationship between stress, cortisol and productivity, and learn effective techniques for managing stress and maintaining a healthy balance at work.

The role of cortisol in stress

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. This hormone is essential for our survival, as it helps us cope with dangerous situations and mobilize resources to meet challenges.

However, chronic stress can lead to excessive cortisol production, which can have negative effects on our health and productivity.

The cortisol cycle

Cortisol follows a cyclical pattern throughout the day, with higher levels in the morning to help us wake up and face the day, and lower levels at night to facilitate rest. However, prolonged stress can disrupt this cycle and lead to continuous cortisol production, which can negatively affect our well-being and work performance.

Excess cortisol due to chronic stress can have a negative impact on our work productivity. Prolonged stress can affect concentration, memory and decision-making, which can make it difficult to perform tasks efficiently.

In addition, cortisol can also affect our immune system and increase the risk of illness, which can lead to increased absenteeism from work.

Techniques to reduce cortisol and manage stress

It is critical to provide employees with effective techniques to reduce cortisol and manage stress. Some of these techniques include:

• Relaxation practices: Encourage activities such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to reduce the stress response and lower cortisol levels.

• Physical activity: Promote regular physical activity, which helps release endorphins and reduce cortisol levels in the body.

• Adequate rest: Teach the importance of restful sleep to allow the body to recover and regulate cortisol levels.