Cortisol is like your body’s superhero helper that helps you deal with stress and keep going when things get tough.
Cortisol helps you stay alert.
Think of it like the extra energy you feel before a big test or a game. When you're scared, excited, or tired, cortisol helps you focus and stay strong, just like a superhero powers up to fight a bad guy.
Cortisol helps you store energy for later.
When you’re stressed out, your body saves some snacks (like candy or cookies) for later, kind of like when you pack a lunch for the next day so you have something to eat later.
Cortisol helps your body heal.
If you get a scratch or fall down, cortisol helps your body fix it up so you can play again soon, like how a bandage helps a boo-boo go away faster.
Cortisol keeps your blood pressure steady.
It's like a little helper that makes sure your heart doesn't have to work too hard when things get tough, keeping everything running smoothly, just like a well-oiled toy car.
Examples
- When you wake up, cortisol helps you feel awake and ready for the day.
- Cortisol increases your blood sugar so you have energy to fight or run away.
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See also
- What are stress hormones?
- What are glucocorticoids?
- How Does Emotion, Stress, and Health: Crash Course Psychology #26 Work?
- How Does Stress Adaptation Response Work?
- How Does Cortisol the stress hormone in 2 mins! Work?