Racing Thoughts, High Cortisol and Constant Stress? Here’s How to Find Natural Relief.
- Healthy Life Creations
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Do you feel like your brain just won’t shut off? Are you always “on,” constantly thinking, planning or worrying—even in the middle of the night? If you’ve been living in a high-stress state for years, you’re not alone—and there is a natural path to relief.
In this post, I’ll walk you through practical, science-backed remedies for calming your mind, balancing cortisol and finally giving your body and brain the rest they need.
The Problem: Constant “Go Mode” and Cortisol Overload
One of my clients, a woman in her 50s, suffered for years with adrenal fatigue, anxiety and a mind that simply never stopped racing. Even when she’d try to relax, her thoughts would spiral. Yoga and meditation didn’t work because she couldn’t sit still long enough.
This is a classic case of HPA axis dysregulation—when chronic stress throws off the communication between your brain and adrenal glands, leading to high cortisol and a nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
Here’s what worked for her—and may help you, too.
1. Calming Adaptogens to Lower Cortisol
Adaptogens are natural herbs that help your body cope with stress more efficiently. These are especially effective if your cortisol is too high:
Ashwagandha (300–600 mg): A powerful herb that helps regulate cortisol and calm anxiety without sedation.
Rhodiola Rosea: Best taken in the morning. It boosts mental resilience without overstimulating.
Holy Basil (Tulsi): Uplifting and calming—great as tea or capsules.
L-theanine (200–400 mg): Found in green tea (try decaf), it helps ease racing thoughts quickly.
Use calming herbs like Ashwagandha and L-theanine in the evening. Rhodiola is better earlier in the day.
2. Magnesium: The Nervous System’s Best Friend
Most people dealing with chronic stress are low in magnesium. It’s essential for calming the nervous system, easing tension, and supporting sleep.
Magnesium Glycinate (300–400 mg): Great for anxiety and muscle relaxation.
Magnesium L-Threonate: Crosses the blood-brain barrier to directly help with mental clarity and calming.
Take it in the evening or right before bed, to help your mind wind down. Take 2-4 hours apart from other supplements or medication because it can interfere with the absorption of those.
3. Movement That Doesn’t Require Sitting Still
If meditation isn’t your thing—good news: you don’t have to sit still to calm your nervous system.
Try:
Walking meditation or Qigong: Gentle movements plus breathwork.
Stretching or light dancing at home to calming music.
Grounding: Spend 10 minutes barefoot in grass or sand—nature literally helps rebalance cortisol.
4. Herbal Helpers for Rest and Mental Calm
Certain herbs help quiet the mind, especially at night. You can drink them as tea or use tinctures:
Lemon balm
Passionflower
Chamomile
California poppy (a bit stronger, great for sleep support)
Enjoy a cup in the evening to help your body shift into rest mode.
5. Simple Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference
Don’t underestimate the power of small daily changes:
Get morning sunlight (within 30 minutes of waking) to reset your cortisol rhythm.
Turn off screens 1 hour before bed. Blue light tells your brain it’s still daytime.
Practice lying-down breathing like 4-7-8 or box breathing—no need to sit cross-legged. (see details in my Full Stress Recovery Guide)
Do a “brain dump” journal at night to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
Optional: Test, Don’t Guess
If you have access to a functional medicine practitioner, ask about:
Cortisol rhythm testing (saliva or DUTCH test)
DHEA and thyroid panels
Nutrient testing (especially magnesium, B12, and zinc)
What to Avoid
These can worsen your symptoms:
Caffeine after 10 AM (even “just one cup” can keep cortisol high)
Alcohol, especially at night (disrupts sleep and cortisol balance)
High-intensity workouts (they spike cortisol if your body’s already overwhelmed)
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to live in a state of overwhelm. Natural remedies, gentle movement, and targeted nutrition can help you retrain your nervous system to feel safe, calm, and rested again.
Start with one or two things from this list. You don’t need to do it all at once—healing happens step by step.
If you’re interested in a printable full stress recovery guide, download it here:
Your body is trying to help you. Let’s help it help you.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.
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