Have you ever pushed through a really stressful day, only to wake up the next morning feeling strangely empty, numb, or drained? You’re not imagining it — it’s a common experience known as a cortisol hangover. This phenomenon can leave you feeling like your mind shut down overnight, and many people are unaware that this is what they’re going through.
During stressful moments, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that prepare you to face immediate threats. However, once the stress subsides, your body continues to release these hormones, leading to a crash that often hits the next day, manifesting as brain fog, low energy, and emotional detachment.
To help your system recover after experiencing this crash, consider the following tips:
1. Support your body by grounding yourself with slow breathing or stretching.
2. Refuel your system by eating something steady and drinking water.
3. Avoid forcing emotions back; numbness is simply a sign of your body conserving energy.
4. Limit overstimulation and seek quiet to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Maintain light connections with others, even if it’s just a simple check-in.
6. Gentle movements, like walking or stretching, can help recalibrate your nervous system.
7. Most importantly, give yourself permission to slow down and heal.
Remember, waking up feeling empty after a stressful day is not a sign of failure; it’s your body adjusting after the strain. It’s important to honor this recovery process as completely human and necessary for your well-being.
By Psych2Go