Optimistic October 2025 W.I.S.H. Thread

[Oneanne]

TOPIC TUESDAY


Currently trending... Cortisol

In my FB and IG feeds I keep seeing posts about cortisol, it seems to be the health-thing-de-jour. Have you ever looked into your cortisol levels? Have you ever done any self-management for cortisol levels?


Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.

Factors Affecting Cortisol Levels:

• Stress: Physical or emotional stress can temporarily increase cortisol levels.
  
• • Sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to elevated cortisol levels.
    
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase cortisol production.
    
  • Medical Conditions: Conditions like adrenal insufficiency or Cushing's syndrome can affect cortisol levels.
    

High Cortisol Levels (Hypercortisolism):

High cortisol levels can cause symptoms such as:

Weight gain, Thinning skin, Acne, High blood pressure, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis.
Low Cortisol Levels (Hypocortisolism):

Low cortisol levels can cause symptoms such as: Fatigue, Weakness, Low blood pressure, Salt cravings, and Nausea.

Testing Cortisol Levels:

Cortisol levels can be measured through a blood test or a saliva test. Your doctor may order these tests if you have symptoms of high or low cortisol levels.

Treatment:

Treatment for abnormal cortisol levels depends on the underlying cause. For example, if high cortisol levels are caused by stress, managing stress through techniques like exercise or meditation can help. If there is an underlying medical condition, it may require medication or surgery.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I've never had mine tested, but I suspect that if I did, it would be artificially high because doctor's appointments stress me out.

 

[piglet1979]

I have never had mine checked that I can remember. When I worked at the daycare we did have a little boy that did not make cortisol. We had to give him medication for this right at specific times which was super hard to do at a daycare.

 

[Oneanne]

I've never had mine checked either, but have started to pay attention to things you can do (other than buy a pill)... it all seems to be pretty standard stress management stuff.

 

[Oneanne]

WOOHOO... it's Wednesday!


... and now I want to go knit all the orange things.

 

[Oneanne]

THANKFUL THURSDAY



What are you thankful for today?

 

[Oneanne]

I'm thankful for beautiful fall days that are appropriately damp and cool in the morning and then sunny in the afternoon.

I've been searching for an ADHD counselor close to home and not finding one, then thankfully yesterday I thought 'heck, just do some virtual appointments with your old counselor' and so booked an appointment.

 

[Oneanne]

A follow up from Topic Tuesday... this is something I think I can/will actually do.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Another here grateful for beautiful fall days! Today was cool and sunny and perfect.

I need to make a place in my house where I can do that exercise, @Oneanne! Unfortunately, I have trouble not filling any blank spaces with furniture and bookshelves.

 

[ShannyMcB]

Thankful for a great employee appreciation week. We were able to work with operation playhouse to make playhouses for military families under the watchful eye of habitat for humanity. It was a wonderful experience, the kids were adorable and I learned how to lay shingles

 

[Oneanne]

FRIDAY FREE for ALL




What autumnal fun stuff are you going to be doing this weekend?

 

[PollyannaMom]

Happy Friday!

Just got my Halloween stuff out of the attic this morning.

 

[Oneanne]

Big plans for the weekend... Saturday I'm walking over to a park near my house to join a group who are practicing forming the words "no kings" with humans linking arms, to get ready for the next big protest 10.18.

 

[ShannyMcB]

No autumn happenings this weekend. Went to the jack-o-lantern spectacular last Sunday which was a good call since weather most of this weekend is expected to be icky. Might make some applesauce from the apples we picked the week before as they are starting to get mushy so it least it will smell like fall. Maybe will use that to make muffins we’ll see.
Turning in the oven means we might get through the weekend without having to turn on the heat