Stress may feel like an unavoidable part of modern life—but what if understanding one single hormone could change the way you move through your day?

In this episode of Essentially Soulful, Host Betty and co-host Dr. DeeAnna Merz Nagel take you behind the scenes of your body’s stress response, demystifying cortisol in a way that finally makes it make sense. DeeAnna, a licensed psychotherapist, board certified wellness coach, and certified aromatherapist, breaks down how this powerful hormone can be both your greatest ally and your biggest troublemaker depending on how it’s managed.

Together, Betty and DeeAnna explore:

• How cortisol actually works in the body
• The difference between healthy, short-term stress and chronic overload
• The tell-tale signs your cortisol rhythm is out of sync
• Why coffee first thing in the morning might be working against you
• Practical, doable daily habits to support healthy cortisol regulation
• The surprising role joy, laughter, and connection play in lowering stress
• How sleep, boundaries, and emotional awareness restore balance
• Simple tools—from morning sunlight to deep breathing—that create lasting calm

You’ll walk away with actionable steps, comforting insight, and a renewed sense of agency over your well-being. As always, DeeAnna shares a few holistic strategies—including one beloved essential oil—for supporting your body naturally.

If you’ve been feeling wired-and-tired, overwhelmed, or just curious why your stress feels different lately, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Tune in, take a breath, and learn how to support the rhythm your body has been trying to follow all along.

Resources

Cortisol is a Good Thing- But Not All the Time

https://deeannamerznagel.com/cortisol-is-a-good-thing-but-not-all-the-time/

Lavender Essential Oil

https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/product/lavender-vitality?enrollerId=1551203&sponsorId=1551203

Essential Soul Care® Academy

https://deeannamerznagel.com/essential-soul-care-academy/