I had no clue how puffy I was until I wasn’t 🥹

I didn’t even recognize myself.

I was doing everything “right” —

✅ Eating clean

✅ Working out

✅ Sleeping 8 hours

✅ Taking the supplements

✅ Drinking the water

… and STILL felt like a bloated, overwhelmed, exhausted mess.

✨ But here’s the truth: it wasn’t my effort. It was my cortisol and hormones.

I was:

😞 Constantly puffy and inflamed

😴 Tired by 2pm, even with a full night’s sleep

😮‍💨 Struggling with anxious feelings and chronic overwhelm

🤯 Stuck in a fog, frustrated that nothing worked

But then I changed ONE thing… and everything started to click:

✅ My energy is back (no more 3pm crash)

✅ My face isn’t puffy anymore

✅ I’ve lost 15 pounds without starving myself or feeling deprived

✅ I’m calm, clear, and finally feeling like ME again.

✨ This isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about healing. It’s about understanding what your body has been trying to tell you.

I wish someone told me sooner… but now I’m telling YOU. ❤️

👉 Follow @TheCortisolCode for daily tips on balancing your hormones, feeling your best, and taking control of your health.

❤️ Drop a heart below, and I’ll DM you exactly what I did to lose the weight and get my energy back.

#HormoneHealth #CortisolSupport #HormoneBalance #StressRelief #WeightLossJourney

2025/5/21 Edited to

... Read moreMany people struggle with persistent puffiness and fatigue that often go unrecognized. High cortisol levels can contribute to these symptoms, leading to feelings of overwhelm and frustration. To combat this, prioritize stress management techniques like mindfulness and yoga, which can help regulate cortisol levels. Additionally, ensure your diet includes anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, and nuts, which support hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. Regular, restorative sleep is vital; aim for consistent sleep patterns and create a calming bedtime routine. Over time, these changes can lead to improved energy levels, reduced bodily inflammation, and a clearer mind, allowing you to feel more vibrant and in control of your health.

16 comments

bethdefoor's images
bethdefoor

❤️

Jessica Liszews's images
Jessica Liszews

❤️

See more comments

Related posts

What I did and how I lost 27lbs
you’ve been waking up exhausted no matter how much you sleep… snapping at the people you love… feeling puffy, bloated, or stuck at the same weight no matter what you try… you need to hear this. 👉 These aren’t random. They’re signs of high cortisol — your stress hormone running the show. For y
BreeAhna Swade

BreeAhna Swade

548 likes

how i knew i had gluten sensitivity at 26 y.o
It took me 26 years to cut out gluten from my diet, even for a week…but a week turned into almost a year now and I have never felt or looked better in my own skin!! I want to preface that it’s not just gluten that made these transformations - I have been healing my gut & other illnesses as w
Zoey Rofkahr

Zoey Rofkahr

1449 likes

A split image showing a person's eyes before and after a gua sha massage, with text indicating "Puffy eyes & dark circles GUASHA MASSAGE" and an arrow pointing from the top image to the bottom.
An overhead view of four products on a counter: an eye cream tube, an eye tool, a facial oil dropper bottle, and a gua sha tool, labeled as products for the massage.
A two-panel image showing a person applying eye cream around their eyelids using an eye tool, with text indicating "Apply the eye cream" and "Massage it around the eyelids."
Guasha to get rid of puffy eyes & dark circles
Puffy eyes & dark circles? This is your sign to try gua sha for your under eyes 👀💆‍♀️ Just 5–10 mins a day with the right tools makes such a difference. I use facial oil, caffeine eye cream + these 4 moves — and my eyes feel less puffy, look more lifted, and I feel way more refreshed 🥰
nicaabarientos

nicaabarientos

1288 likes

I DIDN’T KNOW I WAS PREGNANT 😨
Hey mamas! Today I was to share with you a little bit about my infertility journey and how I got pregnant! My mom has PCOS and because of that I have a sibling that is 6 years younger than me and a sister that is 14 years younger than me! Worries about that and my future I decided to talk
Stefany Ferraz

Stefany Ferraz

1548 likes

I was just chilling had no clue 💀
Bleach was dripping too but I hadn’t died my hair in soo long had no idea something wasn’t right 😫 #hair #hairdamage #hairsalon #haircare #bleachedhair
Melissa🎀

Melissa🎀

778 likes

A split image showing two women in a car, one with dark hair smiling and another with blonde hair posing. Text asks, 'did getting off an SSRI ruin your life too?'
A four-panel collage showing a woman with dark hair in various states, from natural to made-up, inside a car. Text describes her difficult experience after stopping SSRIs.
A low-light image of a woman with dark hair looking up. Text details initial SSRI withdrawal symptoms like brain zaps, nausea, fatigue, mood swings, and later crippling anxiety.
No one warns you how bad SSRI withdrawal can be 🥲
I had to learn to regulate my nervous system from scratch pretty much 😭 I had zero coping skills after getting off an SSRI and my mental health tanked … But the withdrawal symptoms lasted months!! The brain zaps were constant and I felt sooo tired. Now two years later I finally feel function
rachel

rachel

254 likes

How to get rid of puffy under eyes
. #undereye #eyes #facemassage #nowrinkles #ladies
Beautybyshahnaz

Beautybyshahnaz

515 likes

Puffy face🫶
#bloating #puffyface #usa _tiktok #guthealth #bloatingtips
Bella

Bella

2 likes

A woman in a car with text overlay stating her face looked puffy every morning until she stopped doing certain things.
A jade roller and gua sha tool are shown with text advising against face rollers, stating they only move fluid and don't fix internal gut issues.
A glass of layered latte is displayed with text advising to avoid dairy, explaining it can bloat the gut and cause facial swelling.
Puffy face
#bloating #usa #guthealth #bloatingtips #skincare
belle

belle

980 likes

I had no idea this was even possible
The best decision I ever made was investing in my education to learn something new. What done for your products and the education that teaches you the skills and strategies to work effectively online was exactly what I was looking for so I could still stay home with my babies. If you’re look
The UGC Paige

The UGC Paige

0 likes

A woman in a white t-shirt and dark blue flared leggings takes a mirror selfie in a gym or locker room, showcasing her balanced physique.
A woman in a white sports bra and olive shorts takes a mirror selfie in a gym, illustrating her past routine of lifting heavy 5-6x a week with HIIT workouts.
A woman from behind, looking out over a body of water with boats, representing her shift to incorporating LISS cardio like long walks outdoors.
I didn’t know I was overtraining…
I used to think more workouts = more results. So I kept pushing—lifting heavy, doing HIIT, barely resting. But my body was inflamed, my sleep was trash, and the fat wasn’t budging. I didn’t know I was overtraining… until I finally slowed down. That’s when I started incorporating LISS cardio
Jules

Jules

87 likes

How I tame my frizzy, puffy hair
Wavytalk for the win! 💓 💌 Brand:Wavytalk pro stream straightener 🤍 #wavytalk #straighthair #silkyhair #hairstyles
Michi

Michi

108 likes

A title card featuring two glass bottles of cucumber water with straws, mint, and lemon, overlaid with text: 'The 3 Morning Drinks That Changed My Skin + Bloat'.
A close-up of a glass of 'Lemon Berry Water' with lemon slices and berries, highlighting its benefits for antioxidants, digestion, and puffiness reduction.
Two glass bottles of 'Cucumber Mint Water' with cucumber slices, mint, and lemon, detailing its hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and skin clarity benefits.
No more puffy mornings 💧My 3 go-to drinks
I used to wake up with a bloated face and zero energy. These 3 simple drinks made a huge difference — not just for my skin, but also how I feel. 💬 Ever tried any of these? Or have your own AM drink ritual? Let’s share in the comments. #runica #morningroutine #antioxidantdrinks #depuftips
liz.in.NCY

liz.in.NCY

3317 likes

How I ditched 27lbs & my double chin
Drop DRINK and I’ll send you the one thing I started adding to my water that helped me feel like myself again ⬇️ I used to think waking up exhausted, feeling puffy for no reason, and running on caffeine just to get through the day was normal. I thought I needed more sleep. More discipline.
BreeAhna Swade

BreeAhna Swade

11 likes

How do I make him see how loved he is?
“If you’re reading this, I’m gone.” Those first words on the note I found, written by my boyfriend a few days prior. I was unable to move, then forced myself to keep reading through blurred eyes. My boyfriend. The guy who cheers me on through everything, who’s always smiling, who’s my constant r
Lisa❤️

Lisa❤️

251 likes

Gua Sha for Puffy Eyes!
I started chilling my gua sha in ice water before using it and it’s honestly the best thing for puffy eyes and dark circles. The cold makes everything feel tighter and more awake. Just a few gentle strokes and my face looks way more refreshed. Feels like a mini spa moment and it’s just so perfect f
Heather Sakrak

Heather Sakrak

8 likes

I’m 45 years,Lymphatic face brush for puffy face.
#facecare #lymphaticdrainage #lymphaticdrainagemassage #selfcare @
🌺ANDRIANI🌺

🌺ANDRIANI🌺

95 likes

How I Reduced Cortisol
I recently have undergone a major journey with my cortisol levels. I used to feel so puffy and I had a stubborn extra 5 pounds that I desperately wanted to lose. It wasn’t until I started getting serious about my cortisol levels that these symptoms (and more) finally went away. Remember that whi
Delaney

Delaney

142 likes

For years, I thought this was just stress.
For years, I thought this was just stress. That I was “getting older.” That I needed more willpower. But the truth? It was my cortisol running the show — and it was hijacking my energy, mood, sleep, and metabolism. I blamed myself for… – Snapping at my husband over nothing – Feeling puffy
BreeAhna Swade

BreeAhna Swade

49 likes

A dark red lily flower background with the title "7 Herbs That Keep Your Lymphatic System Moving" in white text. A white arrow points right, indicating more content.
Bright orange calendula flowers with text describing Calendula's benefits for lymph drainage, calming inflammation, and skin clearing.
A close-up of green cleavers plants with text detailing Cleavers' role as a gentle lymph mover, reducing puffiness and encouraging fluid flow.
Feeling Puffy or Sluggish? Start Here
Your lymphatic system is your body’s drainage crew clearing out waste, reducing inflammation, and keeping your immune system sharp. But when it’s backed up, you feel it. These 7 herbs help your lymph flow again. They support detox, reduce swelling, and help your body do what it’s designed to d
Kayla Lewis

Kayla Lewis

3862 likes

A woman with dark hair, wearing a black dress, smiles while holding a glass of champagne in a restaurant setting. Text overlay states, "My face looked puffy every single morning until I stopped doing these 5 habits."
A close-up of instant noodles in a cup with chopsticks. Text overlay advises to "AVOID- High sodium foods at night. Salt triggers water retention while you sleep."
A hand holds a pink facial roller with rose quartz stones. Text overlay suggests to "GET-Cool shower or chilled face tools in the morning. Constricts blood vessels and reduces puffiness."
My face looked puffy every single morning until I
#skinhealthjourney #skinhealthaesthetics #facehealth #skinhealthtips #skinhealth
markelybeauty

markelybeauty

0 likes

How to become a millionaire
#financebabe #MoneyTips #savingmoney #wealthbuilding #moneyhacks
Ava_Financebabe

Ava_Financebabe

142 likes

Here’s how I got rid of my Pcos Belly
Yes, I had to change the way I ate. Yes, some of it was hard. Yes, I gave up dairy & gluten because of the impact it has on inflammation & insulin NOT because I was allergic or intolerant. No one said this process would be easy. But, try feeling sick 24/7, drs telling you that you’d never get p
Sonia | PCOS Weight Loss Coach

Sonia | PCOS Weight Loss Coach

39 likes

What I did & how I lost 25lbs 👇🏼
You’re not just gaining weight or aging faster. You’re dealing with high cortisol — and it’s silently changing the way you look and feel. Most women don’t realize this… 👉 Puffy, swollen face even after 8 hours of sleep? 👉 Stomach bloating no matter how “clean” you eat? 👉 Random breakouts,
BreeAhna Swade

BreeAhna Swade

1 like

🍋learn how to avoid puffy roots when twisting❗️
#SAVE this for later..when you want to do some mini twists...this is your reminder to twist firstly at the roots/base if you want tour mini twists to last longer EVEN if you want more defined roots and less puff roots on a twist out 😉 @Lemon8 Beauty . ✨️FOLLOW @hairwhiz.rani for MORE natural
Rani M🦋

Rani M🦋

357 likes

Puffy Tacos 🌮
Ingredients: •3/4 lb ground beef • 1 can Rotel • Taco Seasoning • Puff Pastry (thawed) • Shredded Cheddar Cheese Instructions: Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain. Add taco seasoni
Meghz 🥑

Meghz 🥑

3687 likes

She wasn’t lazy. She was burnt out.
There’s this version of me I used to miss. ⠀ She had energy. Confidence. A waistline that didn’t feel like it betrayed her every month. ⠀ And I used to think I could get her back if I just worked harder. ⠀ So I did. I tried starving. Fasting. Killing myself in workouts. Cutting carbs. Cutti
BreeAhna Swade

BreeAhna Swade

6 likes

I was tired of being tired. Something had 2 change
Rise, Grind, and Repeat! The 100 Day Challenge to Level Up Series 🚨 Starting from scratch? SAME. Read this! ⬇️ I didn’t grow up fit. I didn’t have a clue where to start. I wasn’t the person who loved working out—I was the person who made every excuse not to. 😅 But here’s what I DID know:
empiresunfitnesstribe

empiresunfitnesstribe

0 likes

Why my face looked puffy and what changed…
For the longest time, I thought a puffy face was just my new normal. I blamed it on age, busy mom life, and “that’s just how it is.” But the real reason? My body was stuck in stress mode — and I could see it every time I caught my reflection. When I finally started supporting it the right
Christy Vesco

Christy Vesco

0 likes

How I got rid of puffy eyes and dark circles
Caffeine is a diuretic and reduces puffy eyes immediately. The jojoba oil is nearly a match for your natural facial oil and works on fine lines on its own but caffeine tightens the skin instantly. (vasoconstriction) #eyeserum #simpleskincare #naturalskincare #organiclifestyle #organics
CocoRoo

CocoRoo

2 likes

HOW I SURVIVED 5 DAYS NO POWER. TEMPS IN TEENS
I survived 5 days without power and temps in the teens. More died than 2016… 12 yrs ago Dallas was hit with 5 inches of freezing rain and snow. Creating a new term called cobblestone ice! I had just moved here and had no clue! In my apartment with no insulation & no fireplace I wasn’t sure wha
Aimee

Aimee

3 likes

How I Got Rid Of My Puffy Face
Comment CORTISOL for the link to this drink that’s helped me SO MUCH 🥹 You don’t realize what your gut health is doing to you and your entire body (it’s a literal domino affect) until you start healing your gut, skin, hair, nails, complexion, inflammation and puffiness... can all be a direct out
Ashley

Ashley

62 likes

Here's how I fixed my fat-loss plataue
I lost 70 pounds eating mostly pre-packaged snacks and one real meal a day. At first, it felt great !! I was finally seeing progress. But eventually, I stopped losing weight, and I still didn’t really know how to eat. I was scared of food, basically. I thought I needed to eat less, but deep down
erinzimmerman.ezhf

erinzimmerman.ezhf

0 likes

I didn’t know I needed lymphatic drainage until…
🖇️For a while, I thought it was normal to wake up, feeling heavy, swollen and low on energy even when I was eating clean and sleeping well. 🖇️I didn’t realize how much my body was holding onto; water, toxins, even stress- until I started looking into my lymphatic system. 🖇️Our lymphatic system i
ᵏᵃʸ❀

ᵏᵃʸ❀

854 likes

Reduce Puffy Face & Belly Bloat by ⬇️ Your Cortisol
Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, plays a crucial role in energy regulation, metabolism, and stress response. However, chronic stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy diets can lead to cortisol imbalances, resulting in weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, and inflammation. Let’s break down the ma
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

261 likes

How to get rid of eye bags & puffy eyes
#helped me with my under eye #eyebags #puffyeyes #eyemassage
Beautybyshahnaz

Beautybyshahnaz

54 likes

CORTISOL FACE 😵‍💫
33 years. That’s how long I went without realizing what cortisol face was—or that I even had it. I just thought my puffy cheeks, inflamed skin, and lack of definition were normal. That it was just my face. My genetics. My ‘natural look.’ But turns out, it wasn’t me—it was stress. Chronic, silent
Briana Jamille 🎀

Briana Jamille 🎀

0 likes

How to get rid of puffy eyes
Wash your hands and apply eye cream . #facemassage #eyemassage #puffyeyes #ladies #skincare
Beautybyshahnaz

Beautybyshahnaz

29 likes

Why I Had to Figure This Out…
Why I Had to Figure This Out… I didn’t have a “Plan B.” I had bills. I had doubts. And I had no clue how I was going to retire with peace — not pressure. So I got resourceful. And I found affiliate marketing. Not a scam. Not selling to friends. Just a simple way to earn daily income o
Christi Green Official

Christi Green Official

0 likes

Avoiding puffy roots
Yes I have puffy roots here but that’s besides the point 😆 Here’s how: 1. Plait the roots of your mini twist instead of just starting the twist. This will hold in the strands better and avoid the puff 2. Do your mini twist on dry hair. I’ve done both dry hair version and damp hair and th
Michaele 🌸

Michaele 🌸

68 likes

How I fixed my acne and puffy skin 🥰
i thought i needed a whole glow up but really i was just constantly bloated + doing random routines once i figured out what my body actually reacts to everything changed… my face, energy, even my skin if you feel like you look different some days for no reason… it’s probably your gut 😖 #acn
Rarity

Rarity

9 likes

How I turned dry curls to defined curls
#haircare #lemon8challenge Hair! The word itself used to make me cringe lol. I’ve had a head full of hair since my toddler years. As I got older I never knew how to manage my hair so it’s always in a bun. I loved the style wash & go until my hair would dry out, look puffy instead of cur
j a § Ma r i e🦋

j a § Ma r i e🦋

8 likes

I was exhausted, foggy, and puffy…til I found this
➡️Drop COMBO if you’re tired of feeling puffy, foggy, and completely off. 💬 I was 45, exhausted and puffy, watching my face change in ways I couldn’t explain. Puffy cheeks, swollen eyelids, mood swings, brain fog, zero energy, and hair falling out — I thought it was just aging. But it was
Christy Vesco

Christy Vesco

1 like

Puffy eyelids? It wasn’t what I thought.
I used to think my eyes looked like this because I was aging… But now I know better. I didn’t need a new eye cream. I needed to calm the storm inside my body. ☁️ Puffy eyelids ☁️ Swollen face ☁️ Brain fog ☁️ Mood swings ☁️ Poor sleep ☁️ Major puffiness I couldn’t explain I thoug
Christy Vesco

Christy Vesco

0 likes

Puffy face
#beautyroutine #puffyface #usa _tiktok #pores #glowup
Tricia

Tricia

0 likes

(Episode 6/21) Detox away your puffy eyes and face
Your Kidney meridian is one of the most important meridians in TCM. When it’s stagnant, it doesn’t just affect your “kidneys” — it can also impact your lungs, liver, hormones, sleep, and even how fast you age. That’s why TCM says: caring for your Kidney is one of the most direct anti-aging prac
Originature

Originature

3 likes

See more