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Cortisol Rhythm: aligning your stress hormone

Cortisol Rhythm — aligning your stress hormone. Cortisol should be high in the morning and low at night; modern life often flattens or reverses that curve. Exposure to bright light soon after waking and darkness at night helps reset the cortisol-melatonin rhythm. Ten minutes of outdoor light within an hour of waking is a powerful, free cortisol anchor. This deserves attention because everyday schedules erode it long before anyone notices a symptom. The pathway runs through enzyme activity, mitochondrial output and calmer inflammatory signalling. Attach it to a habit you already have so it survives your busiest week. For most adults, open curtains or step outside for morning light before checking your phone. Aim for progress you can repeat, not a perfect score.