Fighting Exhausting Cortisol Spikes and Hormonal Imbalances: A Balanced Approach

We’ve all felt it—that midday crash where your mind won’t stop racing, cortisol spikes, and stress creeps in. It’s tempting to reach for quick fixes, but I’ve learned firsthand they don’t sustain you. After launching Chroma, I hit a wall. No matter how much sleep I got, I woke up feeling drained, anxious, and low. I knew if I was going to keep steering this ship, I needed to make some key shifts to manage my cortisol and hormonal balance.

Here’s what’s been working for me:

1. The B12 Shot—Small Change, Big Impact After multiple rave reviews about the wonders of B12 shot dispensed by Rashida at Skin Bar, I booked in. I felt the difference immediately—it’s like someone flipped the switch on my energy levels. It’s not just about feeling 'buzzed', it’s that sustained, calm focus that makes a difference when you're navigating busy days. A subtle yet powerful way to support your body, especially if you’re juggling a lot or feeling that midday lull.

2. Capping Coffee Intake: Energy with Intention At Sala, we talk a lot about energy as something to be cultivated with care, and that’s exactly how I’ve come to approach my coffee habit. I’ve limited my coffee intake to once a day, always before midday, and swapped out my afternoon coffee fix for matcha or herbal tea. The slower-releasing caffeine keeps me steady without the crash, and my body feels more balanced. It’s a simple switch, but it’s allowed me to move through my day with more clarity and less of that jittery rush.

3. No Phones in the Bedroom: Protecting Your Energy This one has been a game changer for me. The bedroom is a place of rest, and having my phone in there felt like an invitation for constant mental chatter—blue light, doom scrolling, all of it. Now, I charge my phone in the lounge and wake up to an actual alarm clock (there are some chic options out there!). It’s been a way to set boundaries with my energy, helping me wind down at night and start the day with more intention. That space between me and the endless notifications is essential for protecting my mental clarity.

4. The 4pm Protein Reset If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how important it is to support your body’s natural rhythms. Around 4pm, when the sugar cravings hit hard, I’ve turned to a more nourishing solution—a 30ml dose of Two Islands Protein with Organic Greens & Probiotics in water. It curbs the need for a sugar hit, and what’s more, it helps regulate those cortisol spikes. It’s a nourishing habit that grounds me, helping me avoid that rollercoaster of energy highs and lows.

5. Magnesium Before Bed: A Moment of Calm One of the easiest, most effective changes I’ve made is incorporating magnesium into my nightly routine. It’s become a ritual of sorts—a way to calm my system and ensure I’m setting myself up for deep, restorative sleep. Stress feels lighter, my sleep is deeper, and I wake up more grounded and ready to take on the day.

6. Buccal Facial Massage: Releasing Tension and Stress I am a buccal convert. I rave about the treatment with Kate at Kumo to anyone who will listen. This deep tissue massage targets the muscles inside your cheeks and jaw, areas that hold a lot of tension from stress. The release I feel is immediate, both physically and emotionally. It’s a beautiful way to support your nervous system and hormonal balance, easing the tightness that can contribute to cortisol spikes. Plus, it’s incredibly grounding—a reminder that self-care can be as restorative as it is practical.

These small, mindful shifts have become part of my rhythm—an intentional way to protect my energy, nurture my hormonal balance, and keep cortisol in check. At Sala, we believe that health is about more than just the physical; it’s about finding harmony in how you move, eat, and live. These practices help me feel more in tune with my body and better able to meet the demands of life with ease. Give them a try and see how they shift your energy!