{"id":65998,"date":"2024-10-07T09:23:54","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T09:23:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?p=65998"},"modified":"2024-10-07T09:25:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T09:25:12","slug":"somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/","title":{"rendered":"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_Are_the_Best_Somatic_Exercises_for_Cortisol_Belly\" >What Are the Best Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_Does_a_Cortisol_Belly_Look_Like\" >What Does a Cortisol Belly Look Like?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_Exercises_Burn_Hormonal_Belly_Fat\" >What Exercises Burn Hormonal Belly Fat?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_Are_Somatic_Exercises_for_Stress_Belly\" >What Are Somatic Exercises for Stress Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_Is_the_Best_Somatic_Exercise_for_Cortisol_Belly\" >What Is the Best Somatic Exercise for Cortisol Belly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#How_Do_You_Flush_Cortisol_out_of_Your_Body\" >How Do You Flush Cortisol out of Your Body?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_Is_a_Natural_Cortisol_Blocker\" >What Is a Natural Cortisol Blocker?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#Does_magnesium_lower_cortisol\" >Does magnesium lower cortisol?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#What_vitamin_stops_cortisol\" >What vitamin stops cortisol?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#Does_cortisol_spike_at_3am\" >Does cortisol spike at 3am?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#How_to_know_if_cortisol_is_high\" >How to know if cortisol is high?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you exercise or how carefully you eat, there\u2019s still some stubborn belly fat that just won\u2019t budge? This could be what\u2019s known as a cortisol belly, a common issue that is linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t worry\u2014there\u2019s hope! Somatic exercises, which focus on the mind-body connection, can help reduce this persistent fat by lowering cortisol levels.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-1-5.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this post, we\u2019ll explore the best somatic exercises for <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-types-of-bellies\/\">cortisol belly<\/a>, including options specifically for females, exercises you can do at home, and how to understand what somatic belly fat really is.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Best_Somatic_Exercises_for_Cortisol_Belly\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are the Best Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises are a powerful tool for managing the physical manifestations of stress, particularly when it comes to reducing cortisol belly\u2014a term that is used to describe the stubborn fat that accumulates around the midsection due to high cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16353426\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These exercises focus on reconnecting the mind and body, helping alleviate the effects of distress, and reducing the accumulation of belly fat (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1196\/annals.1367.020\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1046\/j.1365-2796.2000.00603.x\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re looking for somatic exercises for cortisol belly or exercises you can do at home, these techniques can help lower cortisol levels and support your weight loss journey (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1196\/annals.1367.020\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1111\/nyas.12998\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">3<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the primary benefits of <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-yoga-for-weight-loss\/\">somatic exercises<\/a> is their ability to target the root cause of cortisol belly\u2014stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional workouts often focus solely on burning calories, but somatic exercises go deeper by addressing the distress and tension that contribute to hormonal imbalances. For women, who may be particularly susceptible to stress-related belly fat due to hormonal fluctuations, these exercises can be a game-changer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, somatic exercises help lower cortisol production, which can lead to a reduction in belly fat (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s12671-019-01222-7\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). This makes them an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to achieve a flatter stomach and better overall well-being.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-65926\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_15-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises For Cortisol Belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_15.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_15-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_15.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_15-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-to-lose-lower-belly-fat\/\">How To Lose Lower Belly Fat: Shedding That Extra Fluff Around Your Tummy In A Couple Of Easy Steps<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_a_Cortisol_Belly_Look_Like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does a Cortisol Belly Look Like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A cortisol belly typically presents as excess fat around the midsection, often described as a &#8220;spare tire&#8221; or &#8220;muffin top&#8221;. Unlike regular belly fat, cortisol belly is specifically linked to elevated levels of cortisol, the body&#8217;s primary stress hormone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding what somatic belly fat is can help you recognize the symptoms and choose the right exercises to target this area.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">People with cortisol belly often notice that their waistline expands, even if they haven&#8217;t gained weight elsewhere. This is because high cortisol levels can lead to fat being stored more readily in the abdominal area, especially for women. (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/abs\/10.1002\/j.1550-8528.1994.tb00055.x\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">5<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, cortisol belly may be accompanied by other symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, trouble sleeping, and cravings for sugary or fatty foods (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/BF03345606\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the distinguishing features of cortisol belly is that it often persists despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. This can be incredibly frustrating, but it\u2019s important to remember that cortisol belly is a result of hormonal imbalances, not a lack of effort.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Addressing this type of belly fat requires a targeted approach that includes stress management techniques, such as somatic exercises, that specifically work to lower cortisol levels and balance hormones.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>BetterMe: Health Coaching app helps you achieve your body goals with ease and efficiency by helping to choose proper meal plans and effective workouts. Start using our app, and you will <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">see good results in a short time.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Exercises_Burn_Hormonal_Belly_Fat\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Exercises Burn Hormonal Belly Fat?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to burning hormonal belly fat, including cortisol belly, a combination of regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and somatic exercises can be highly effective. Here are some exercises that can help:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Aerobic Exercise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and swimming help burn calories and reduce overall body fat, including belly fat.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Strength Training<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lifting weights or using resistance bands builds muscle, which can boost metabolism and help burn more fat over time (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/BF03345606\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Short bursts of intense activity followed by rest can effectively target belly fat by increasing your heart rate and boosting metabolism (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/BF03345606\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">6<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly at Home<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Gentle movements combined with deep breathing help lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and promote fat loss in the abdominal area (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/physiology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2023.1186546\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These exercises are perfect for those who prefer to work out at home, which makes it easy to incorporate them into your daily routine.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating these exercises into your routine can help you combat hormonal belly fat more effectively, but it\u2019s important to remember that consistency and a holistic approach, including diet and stress management, are key. Discover the science behind <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-weight-loss\/\">somatic weight loss<\/a> in one of our earlier articles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-66004\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/5-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises For Cortisol Belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/5.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/5-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/5.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/5-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Somatic_Exercises_for_Stress_Belly\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are Somatic Exercises for Stress Belly?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises are designed to help release tension in the body and promote a state of relaxation. When it comes to addressing stress belly, these exercises can be particularly beneficial as they focus on reducing the body&#8217;s cortisol levels. Some effective somatic exercises for cortisol belly include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Body Scanning<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This involves lying down and mentally scanning your body from head to toe, focusing on releasing tension in each area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Deep Breathing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can reduce cortisol production\u00a0 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/physiology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphys.2023.1186546\/full\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">7<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Gentle Stretching<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Incorporating slow, mindful stretches can help release physical tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mindful Movement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Activities such as yoga or tai chi incorporate slow, deliberate movements that help calm the mind and reduce stress hormones\u00a0 (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/full\/10.2147\/JPR.S22761\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">8<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These exercises are accessible and can be done anywhere, which makes them a practical option for those who are looking to manage distress and reduce cortisol belly at home. In addition, incorporating mindfulness techniques into your routine can further enhance the benefits of somatic exercises.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_Best_Somatic_Exercise_for_Cortisol_Belly\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is the Best Somatic Exercise for Cortisol Belly?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are many somatic exercises that can be beneficial, deep diaphragmatic breathing is often considered to be one of the most effective for targeting cortisol belly. This exercise directly impacts the body&#8217;s stress response by stimulating the vagal nerve, which helps lower cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5455070\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To perform deep diaphragmatic breathing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly (not your chest) to expand and fill with air.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exhale slowly through your mouth, feeling your abdomen contract.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Repeat this process for several minutes, focusing on the rhythm of your breath and allowing your body to relax with each exhale.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This simple yet powerful exercise can be done anytime, anywhere, and can make a significant difference in managing cortisol levels and reducing belly fat by promoting fat burning (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6127488\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">10<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For an even deeper relaxation experience, you should consider progressive muscle relaxation, where you systematically tense and then relax each muscle group in your body. This exercise can also amplify the stress-reducing effects, which makes them even more effective for combating cortisol belly (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8272667\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">11<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-66006\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises For Cortisol Belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/14-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Do_You_Flush_Cortisol_out_of_Your_Body\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Do You Flush Cortisol out of Your Body?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flushing cortisol out of your body isn\u2019t about eliminating the hormone entirely\u2014cortisol is necessary for normal bodily functions. However, reducing excess cortisol can be achieved through various lifestyle changes and practices:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Regular Exercise<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Engaging in regular physical activity helps lower cortisol levels. Activities such as walking, yoga, and swimming are particularly effective.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Healthy Diet<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can support cortisol regulation. Avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar can also help.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sleep<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Getting enough quality sleep is essential for cortisol management. Aim for 7-9 hours per night.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Relaxation Techniques<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing, and somatic exercises can help calm the nervous system and reduce cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK513238\/#:~:text=Relaxation%20techniques%20have%20been%20shown,regularly%20for%20optimal%20stress%20reduction.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">12<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hydration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and supports overall hormonal balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These strategies are beneficial for cortisol reduction and your overall health and well-being. In addition, reducing your exposure to chronic stressors and incorporating daily relaxation practices can significantly lower your cortisol levels over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>Read more:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/what-is-the-best-somatic-workout\/\">What Is the Best Somatic Workout? How to Choose the Right Workout for You<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Natural_Cortisol_Blocker\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a Natural Cortisol Blocker?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are several natural ways to help reduce excess cortisol production in the body:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Ashwagandha<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This adaptogenic herb has been proven to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/md-journal\/fulltext\/2019\/09130\/an_investigation_into_the_stress_relieving_and.67.aspx?crsi=662497588&amp;cicada_org_src=healthwebmagazine.com&amp;cicada_org_mdm=direct\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">13<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Phosphatidylserine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: A phospholipid that can help reduce exercise induced cortisol levels, particularly after exercise (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1186\/1550-2783-5-11\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">14<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Magnesium<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: This mineral plays a key role in regulating stress and may help lower cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00217-016-2772-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). (See FAQ below for more on magnesium.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Omega-3 Fatty Acids<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Found in fish oil, these have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce cortisol production (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0091305715000593\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">16<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Dark Chocolate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Consuming dark chocolate in moderation has been linked to lower cortisol levels, thanks to its antioxidant properties (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jacc.org\/doi\/abs\/10.1016\/j.jacc.2014.02.580\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">17<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Lean and toned up body isn\u2019t just a far-fetched fantasy. <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Check out the BetterMe: Health Coaching app<\/a> and watch it propel your weight loss journey into high gear!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incorporating these natural ways to <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/how-to-lower-cortisol-fast\/\">reduce cortisol<\/a> into your diet and supplement routine can help manage distress levels and reduce the impact of cortisol on your body. It\u2019s important to note that while these natural remedies can be effective, they should be used as part of a broader strategy that includes exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management techniques (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1196\/annals.1367.020\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-66000\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/15-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Somatic Exercises For Cortisol Belly\" width=\"770\" height=\"433\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/15.png 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/15-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/15.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/15-1636x920.png 1636w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 770px) 100vw, 770px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_magnesium_lower_cortisol\"><\/span><strong>Does magnesium lower cortisol?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, magnesium is known to help lower cortisol levels. It plays a role in the body\u2019s stress response and can help regulate the release of cortisol, which makes it a useful supplement for those who are dealing with high cortisol levels(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00217-016-2772-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_vitamin_stops_cortisol\"><\/span><strong>What vitamin stops cortisol?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A balanced diet rich in Vitamin C, B5, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids can help regulate cortisol levels by reducing inflammation and supporting adrenal health. Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins ensures essential nutrients are available for managing stress and hormone balance (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00217-016-2772-3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_cortisol_spike_at_3am\"><\/span><strong>Does cortisol spike at 3am?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and can spike early in the morning, as part of the body\u2019s natural circadian rhythm. This spike helps prepare your body for the day ahead, but it can be problematic if cortisol levels are consistently high, as it can lead to sleep disturbances (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0022399907001407\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">18<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).<\/span><\/p>\n<ul><li><h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_know_if_cortisol_is_high\"><\/span><strong>How to know if cortisol is high?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of high cortisol include weight gain (particularly around the belly), high blood pressure, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, and increased cravings for salty or sugary foods (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK538239\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). If you suspect you have high cortisol levels, it\u2019s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper testing and guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/quiz.betterme.world\/en\/first-page-generated?flow=1843&amp;utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=Blog&amp;utm_campaign=Somatic_Exercises_For_Cortisol_Belly\" target=\"_blank\"><video autoplay=\"autoplay\" loop=\"loop\" muted=\"muted\" playsinline=\"playsinline\" width=\"777\"><source src=\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/ezgif.com-gif-to-mp4-2-4.mp4\" type=\"video\/mp4\" \/><\/video><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key Takeaways<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding and managing cortisol belly requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional diet and exercise. Somatic exercises are a particularly effective tool in this battle, as they address the underlying cause of cortisol belly\u2014stress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By focusing on the mind-body connection, these exercises help calm the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and promote a state of relaxation that is important for reducing stress-related belly fat.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you exercise or how carefully you eat, there\u2019s still some stubborn belly fat that just won\u2019t budge? This could be what\u2019s known as a cortisol belly, a common issue that is linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.\u00a0 But don\u2019t worry\u2014there\u2019s hope! Somatic exercises, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":101,"featured_media":66003,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[209],"tags":[],"coauthors":[260,213],"class_list":["post-65998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-somatic-exercises"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.2.1 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly - BetterMe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"\u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES FOR CORTISOL BELLY \u27a4 Discover the best somatic exercises for cortisol belly, reduce stress-related belly fat, and improve your overall health with targeted, at-home workouts and lifestyle changes.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES FOR CORTISOL BELLY \u27a4 Discover the best somatic exercises for cortisol belly, reduce stress-related belly fat, and improve your overall health with targeted, at-home workouts and lifestyle changes.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"BetterMe Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-07T09:25:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11-1024x576.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Ashlee Haggerty, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@betterme\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Ashlee Haggerty, Sachini Akuretiya, MS\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Ashlee Haggerty\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/ec0ee5fb3012847f7c86cbaf1c519ee7\"},\"headline\":\"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-07T09:25:12+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\"},\"wordCount\":1704,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Somatic Exercises\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"articleBody\":\"<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you exercise or how carefully you eat, there\u2019s still some stubborn belly fat that just won\u2019t budge? This could be what\u2019s known as a cortisol belly, a common issue that is linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">But don\u2019t worry\u2014there\u2019s hope! Somatic exercises, which focus on the mind-body connection, can help reduce this persistent fat by lowering cortisol levels.\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span data-sheets-root=\\\"1\\\"><\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">In this post, we\u2019ll explore the best somatic exercises for <a href=\\\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-types-of-bellies\/\\\">cortisol belly<\/a>, including options specifically for females, exercises you can do at home, and how to understand what somatic belly fat really is.<\/span>\\r\\n<h2><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">What Are the Best Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly?<\/span><\/h2>\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Somatic exercises are a powerful tool for managing the physical manifestations of stress, particularly when it comes to reducing cortisol belly\u2014a term that is used to describe the stubborn fat that accumulates around the midsection due to high cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16353426\/\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">). These exercises focus on reconnecting the mind and body, helping alleviate the effects of distress, and reducing the accumulation of belly fat (<\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1196\/annals.1367.020\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">, <\/span><a href=\\\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1046\/j.1365-2796.2000.00603.x\\\"><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">).\u00a0<\/span>\\r\\n\\r\\n<span style=\\\"font-weight: 400;\\\">Whether you\u2019re looking for somatic exercises for cortisol bel ...\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\",\"name\":\"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly - BetterMe\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-07T09:25:12+00:00\",\"description\":\"\u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES FOR CORTISOL BELLY \u27a4 Discover the best somatic exercises for cortisol belly, reduce stress-related belly fat, and improve your overall health with targeted, at-home workouts and lifestyle changes.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1440,\"caption\":\"Mind-Muscle Connection\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Mental Health\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Therapy\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Somatic Exercises\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/somatic-exercises\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":5,\"name\":\"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"name\":\"BetterMe Blog\",\"description\":\"Health &amp; Fitness\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization\",\"name\":\"BetterMe\",\"alternateName\":\"Betterme Limited\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png\",\"width\":512,\"height\":512,\"caption\":\"BetterMe\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/betterme\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching\",\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236\",\"https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US\",\"https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/ec0ee5fb3012847f7c86cbaf1c519ee7\",\"name\":\"Ashlee Haggerty\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/eff44a737cb84b99d1f8fb748f5ee6a3\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45d8a439972be4ae75146eefab8cad9ff39af2eece0c47d5e9c595eb02c4b906?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45d8a439972be4ae75146eefab8cad9ff39af2eece0c47d5e9c595eb02c4b906?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Ashlee Haggerty\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/ashlee-haggerty\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly - BetterMe","description":"\u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES FOR CORTISOL BELLY \u27a4 Discover the best somatic exercises for cortisol belly, reduce stress-related belly fat, and improve your overall health with targeted, at-home workouts and lifestyle changes.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly","og_description":"\u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES FOR CORTISOL BELLY \u27a4 Discover the best somatic exercises for cortisol belly, reduce stress-related belly fat, and improve your overall health with targeted, at-home workouts and lifestyle changes.","og_url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/","og_site_name":"BetterMe Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","article_modified_time":"2024-10-07T09:25:12+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":576,"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11-1024x576.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Ashlee Haggerty, Sachini Akuretiya, MS","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@betterme","twitter_site":"@betterme","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Ashlee Haggerty, Sachini Akuretiya, MS","Est. reading time":"8 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/"},"author":{"name":"Ashlee Haggerty","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/ec0ee5fb3012847f7c86cbaf1c519ee7"},"headline":"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly","dateModified":"2024-10-07T09:25:12+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/"},"wordCount":1704,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png","articleSection":["Somatic Exercises"],"inLanguage":"en-US","articleBody":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever noticed that no matter how much you exercise or how carefully you eat, there\u2019s still some stubborn belly fat that just won\u2019t budge? This could be what\u2019s known as a cortisol belly, a common issue that is linked to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But don\u2019t worry\u2014there\u2019s hope! Somatic exercises, which focus on the mind-body connection, can help reduce this persistent fat by lowering cortisol levels.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this post, we\u2019ll explore the best somatic exercises for <a href=\"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/5-types-of-bellies\/\">cortisol belly<\/a>, including options specifically for females, exercises you can do at home, and how to understand what somatic belly fat really is.<\/span>\r\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are the Best Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Somatic exercises are a powerful tool for managing the physical manifestations of stress, particularly when it comes to reducing cortisol belly\u2014a term that is used to describe the stubborn fat that accumulates around the midsection due to high cortisol levels (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16353426\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). These exercises focus on reconnecting the mind and body, helping alleviate the effects of distress, and reducing the accumulation of belly fat (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1196\/annals.1367.020\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1046\/j.1365-2796.2000.00603.x\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re looking for somatic exercises for cortisol bel ..."},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/","name":"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly - BetterMe","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png","dateModified":"2024-10-07T09:25:12+00:00","description":"\u2605 SOMATIC EXERCISES FOR CORTISOL BELLY \u27a4 Discover the best somatic exercises for cortisol belly, reduce stress-related belly fat, and improve your overall health with targeted, at-home workouts and lifestyle changes.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Somatic_11.png","width":2560,"height":1440,"caption":"Mind-Muscle Connection"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/somatic-exercises-for-cortisol-belly\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Mental Health","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Therapy","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Somatic Exercises","item":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/mental-health\/therapy\/somatic-exercises\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Somatic Exercises for Cortisol Belly"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","name":"BetterMe Blog","description":"Health &amp; Fitness","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#organization","name":"BetterMe","alternateName":"Betterme Limited","url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.betterme.world\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/BetterMe.png","width":512,"height":512,"caption":"BetterMe"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/x.com\/betterme","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/betterme\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/betterme-apps","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bettermetips\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UC0svgcjc3jSgcryqo83spPQ","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@betterme.health.coaching","https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/app\/betterme-health-coaching\/id1264546236","https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.gen.workoutme&amp;amp;amp;amp;hl=en_US&amp;amp;amp;amp;gl=US","https:\/\/www.wikidata.org\/wiki\/Q114895798"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/ec0ee5fb3012847f7c86cbaf1c519ee7","name":"Ashlee Haggerty","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/eff44a737cb84b99d1f8fb748f5ee6a3","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45d8a439972be4ae75146eefab8cad9ff39af2eece0c47d5e9c595eb02c4b906?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/45d8a439972be4ae75146eefab8cad9ff39af2eece0c47d5e9c595eb02c4b906?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Ashlee Haggerty"},"url":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/author\/ashlee-haggerty\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/101"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65998"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65998\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66003"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65998"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betterme.world\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=65998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}