Can 18 Minutes Really Lower Cortisol Levels?


3 min learnNew DelhiAug 28, 2026 11:00 PM IST

American psychiatrist Alok Kanojia just lately mentioned that 18 minutes of yoga may help decrease cortisol, or stress, ranges within the physique. He calls yoga the “most strong system of psychological coaching” on the earth.

“It may obtain well being outcomes that we’re not totally conscious of. From a psychological stage, yoga will steadiness your nervous system and alter your respiratory price. About 18 minutes of yoga follow is what it takes to convey down cortisol manufacturing in our brains. It trains us mentally. Yoga teaches us in regards to the ego, so that you study loads about how your thoughts features,” Kanojia mentioned in a podcast with British entrepreneur Steven Bartlett.

DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.

Story continues beneath this advert

Yoga is a conscious follow that gives numerous well being advantages by combining bodily postures (asanas), breathing-control methods (pranayama), and meditation. The adrenal glands produce cortisol, also called a stress hormone. “These glands are accountable for regulating numerous bodily features. They assist regulate metabolism levels, enhance vitality ranges, and scale back irritation. Varied elements can contribute to fluctuations in cortisol ranges. Well being points like stress, nervousness, melancholy, a weak immune system, and weight acquire can heighten your cortisol,” mentioned Dr Tanvi Bhatt, pulmonologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital.

stress Right here’s what to contemplate (Supply: Freepik)

In line with Dr Bhatt, yoga, when finished frequently, can enhance flexibility and steadiness. It helps you keep calm, composed, and relaxed amidst irritating situations or phases of life. “If you wish to efficiently handle or preserve your cortisol ranges, then performing yoga will be an optimum selection. Yoga may help enhance your temper, which may act as a detox and scale back stress,” mentioned Dr. Bhatt.

Nonetheless,  Dr Bhatt mentioned that as a substitute of 18 minutes, one ought to carry out yoga for greater than 40 minutes a day to decrease stress ranges. “Whereas yoga will be efficient, a number of different elements may help scale back cortisol manufacturing within the physique,” mentioned Dr Bhatt.

This will embrace consuming a nutritious, well-balanced weight loss program, no less than 7 to eight hours of sound sleep at night time, staying bodily energetic, incorporating mindful practices like meditation or deep-breathing workouts, and managing stress.

Story continues beneath this advert

DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.





Source link