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South China Morning Post

How regular exercise reduces stress by keeping ‘fight or flight' hormone cortisol in check

For many of us, springtime brings a boost in mood and energy – we are drawn to the outdoors and become more physically active. This not only has positive effects on our cardiovascular system , but also on our body's stress regulation. How does exercise affect levels of the steroid hormone cortisol, known as the primary ' stress hormone'? Produced and secreted into the bloodstream by the adrenal glands atop the kidneys , cortisol is one of the most important hormones in the body. Among other things, it helps to mobilise energy reserves and regulate metabolism, and has an anti-inflammatory effect on the immune system Exercise, especially moderate forms such as swimming, are a great way to help the body stabilise cortisol production and manage stress, according to Kroiss. Photo: Shutterstock In stressful situations, spikes in cortisol levels trigger the body's 'fight or flight' response, a heightened physiological state in reaction to a stressor. But it is problematic if levels are persistently high from, say, stress at work or in your private life, or alcohol or caffeine consumption, says German endocrinologist Dr Matthias Kroiss.