let me paint you a picture of what my mornings used to look like.

three alarms and I still couldn’t get up. lying there dreading the day before it even started. dragging myself to the coffee maker before I could form a single thought. running on fumes by 10am and hitting a wall by 2pm that no amount of caffeine could touch.

and I just accepted it. because I thought everyone felt this way. I thought this was just what being a woman in her thirties felt like.

I was wrong.

I remember the exact morning everything felt different. I woke up before my alarm and I just got up. no bargaining. no dreading. no three alarms. and I stood in my kitchen thinking wait. this is what normal feels like. I had completely forgotten.

the afternoon crashes stopped. the caffeine dependency faded. the exhaustion that had been my baseline for years just disappeared.

and I hadn’t changed my diet. I hadn’t started a new workout routine. I had just finally given my body what it had been desperately asking for.

if you cannot remember the last time you woke up and actually felt good, follow me for more and comment CORTISOL below and I’ll share what finally gave my body what it actually needed. 🤍 for the fastest response please message me on IG! (TheCortisolCode)

#cortisol #hormonehealth #energy #cortisolimbalance #guthealth

5/4 Edited to

... Read moreFor years, I ran on caffeine just to make it through my day, not realizing that what I truly needed was to address the root cause of my exhaustion—my cortisol levels. Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, plays a key role in regulating energy, mood, and overall health. When cortisol is out of balance, it can lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a weakened immune system. It wasn’t until I started paying attention to how stress and hormonal health affected my body that I finally found relief. Instead of relying on quick fixes like coffee or energy drinks, I focused on lifestyle changes that supported healthy cortisol rhythm. Incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, gentle exercise, and consistent sleep helped regulate my hormone levels. Additionally, I explored how gut health impacts hormone balance, since a disrupted gut can influence cortisol production and metabolism. One surprising aspect was how interconnected it all was—my energy levels, digestion, sleep quality, and even mood were tied together through hormonal health. By nurturing my body’s natural rhythm rather than pushing harder, I experienced mornings where waking up felt effortless and afternoons where I didn’t slump into crashes. If your mornings feel like a battle against your alarm, and caffeine seems like the only thing keeping you afloat, consider that your body might be signaling for something deeper than temporary boosts. Addressing cortisol imbalance and supporting hormone health can unlock sustainable energy and vitality. Sharing this because I know how isolating it can feel to be exhausted every day, but there is hope when we listen to our bodies’ true needs.

2 comments

Lizzie's images
Lizzie

Cortisol

See more(1)

Related posts

Let me paint a picture for you
Let me pain you a picture Every time I pray I always start with “what am I laying before God?” Let me show you I am standing in front of the golden gates, I have boxes all with a label - stress - Anxiety - Sadness - Depression - Finances - Worry - My heart - My soul - My mind
#iconic

#iconic

6 likes

A cozy bedroom scene with a bed, nightstands, and a small white dog, featuring the title "HOW TO BECOME A 5 am Girl" overlaid on the image.
A person's feet on a yoga mat, holding a glass with an iced drink, illustrating the tip to "Start Gradually" by waking up earlier in small increments.
An outdoor scene on an empty road with a long shadow of a person and a small white dog, accompanying the advice to "Plan Your Morning" for motivation.
How to Become a 5 AM Girl: Power of Early Mornings
Waking up at 5 AM may sound daunting, but many successful women swear by the power of early mornings... Embracing the quiet hours of dawn can set the tone for a productive day, boost your mood, and give you the space to focus on personal growth!!! If you’re ready to become a 5 AM girl, here are
Belle Grubb

Belle Grubb

13.8K likes

I was NOT expecting my bathtub to look like this
Okay, can we talk about how my bathtub looked after this detox bath 😳🛁 😱 Before anyone says it……. No, this did NOT come out of my body 😂 That first photo is actually the leftover bentonite clay after my bath. BUTTTT… the bath itself? Honestly felt like such a soft reset. I felt so amazi
SoftGirlSurvival

SoftGirlSurvival

1097 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

3486 likes

Let me paint the picture for you 📸
#portraitideas #unfiltered #photography #videography #fypシ
ceciliamariejohn

ceciliamariejohn

12 likes

Six golden-brown baked breakfast bombs are shown in a muffin pan, with the text 'Let's make Breakfast Bombs!!' overlaid.
Various ingredients for breakfast bombs are displayed on a counter, including eggs, sausage crumbles, biscuits, butter, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, with the word 'Ingredients' at the bottom.
A flattened piece of biscuit dough is shown on a green cutting board, illustrating the first step of the recipe.
Let’s make Breakfast Bombs!!
If you need a jump start to your day, look no further than this recipe. It starts with Pilsbury Honey Butter Biscuits, and then each is filled with the classic breakfast combination of sausage, eggs, and cheese. These breakfast bombs are bursting with flavor!!. Plus, they are easy to put together.
Tiaunna G

Tiaunna G

7946 likes

Mornings 🥰
#morningpicture #nature #photography
lolkinziekin

lolkinziekin

5 likes

What my mornings look like 🩷✨
I REALLY want to work on having slow mornings! but that’s definitely a work in progress ✨🫶🏽 #morningroutine☀️ #fyp #morninginmylife #grwm
Briee Necole

Briee Necole

298 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #bingewatchatvshow
Jovel_lopez_24

Jovel_lopez_24

1 like

Couples Paint Photoshoot For Summer
I know, I know, it’s winter… which is why you need to take a look at this cute summer session! These paint photos are by far my favorite photos I have ever done. I absolutely love the bright summer color pallet and the playfulness of the theme. It’s so much fun, and guaranteed to get a real, che
cchloerrenee

cchloerrenee

9 likes

For lazy mornings
Easy breakfast recipes! Easy recipes for lazy mornings! #simplerecipes #easyrecipes #recipes #inspo #fyp #kitchen #travelwithme2024 #lemon8bookclub #Lemon8Diary
Paige Whitworth

Paige Whitworth

140 likes

How to romanticize mornings
Hope you enjoy! #romanticizingstudying✨✨ #romanticizing #afternoonreset #morningmoods #afternoonslump
Makenna

Makenna

18 likes

🖼️paint your own glass window(process and clean)
hii kitties! this is dora!! ☺️💓 🎨material: acrylic marker! i lovvv to use acrylic markers, it could be used on lot’s surface, including glass window and marble walls. here are some tips for making your own color glass window 🪟 1. 🖼️the acrylic marker i use are from posca, you need to shake
bmor.love

bmor.love

9 likes

Make your mornings easier🫶✨
I hope this helps make for a quicker morning like it did me.🤍When I'm under stress and trying to hurry and get out of the house I always pick the worst outfits😩But by simply taking a picture in my mirror of all my fav outfits and adding it to my personal outfit catalog I am confident EVERY DA
Maci Davey

Maci Davey

3 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #publishfirstlemon8post
Janice Brandi

Janice Brandi

33 likes

Should I paint a picture of this?
Myah Dudley

Myah Dudley

2 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
Sketchbook edition!!!! Some really good art work I have started in here….seems like green is a good idea for a few characters I have in mind. So stay toon. Btw the sketchbook is artist loft by Michael’s. Very affordable for a artist on a budget 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 #i love to sketch & draw #i love
CaniCandy

CaniCandy

3 likes

Quiet mornings 🖤
One of the best times to read 📚📕 #reading📖 #lemon8booksclub #morningread #darkromancebooks
daaazzzie<3

daaazzzie<3

5 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas for girls night
#100bucketlistideas #paintoncanvas #girlsnights #funwithbesties #paintingart 💖 fun night out with friends 💖byob 💖laughter is my favorite 💖home decor of your own 💖guided painting 🖼️ fun Painting with a Twist
Brooke 💖

Brooke 💖

4 likes

✨Healthy juice for the mornings✨🍋
Pineapple Cucumber Ginger Spinach Carrot Celery Green apple Lime Orange I used these and divided them into bags, one for each day. It’s kind of unusual for me to post something like this after my previous recipes, but I’m on a diet—I’ve really gained weight these past two years. I’m eat
Adxx Mpl🌺🍀🪽

Adxx Mpl🌺🍀🪽

140 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #gapyeartravel
Jeepgirl2024

Jeepgirl2024

1 like

Overstimulated parent mornings → six simple things
Brownies + little helper. A 9-second slow day reset: brownies with my little one. ✨ Six steps for the mornings I wake up overstimulated (parent edition): 1. wake up (same time as usual) 2. have a slow day (mindset shift) 3. do simple things (make the bed, move flow
Simple Days UK | Slow living

Simple Days UK | Slow living

0 likes

An open sketchbook displays a colorful drawing of a character with pigtails and piercings on the left, and purple line art of desserts and a face on the right. Overlaid text reads 'My Bucket List Paint a picture on a canvas'.
An open sketchbook shows various purple line drawings of faces and figures, some with exaggerated features, on both pages, indicating a collection of character sketches.
An open sketchbook features a full-body drawing of a female figure in black and red on the left page. The right page displays multiple black and red sketches of swords and daggers.
Paint a picture on a canvas
Some of my original artwork. All made by i CaniCandy #Lemon8Diary #lovetodraw
CaniCandy

CaniCandy

7 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
Only football game if ever been to is a Huskers game! We are huge broncos fans and my husband has went to a few just not me! That one is next on my list! #100bucketlistideas #footballgame #huskerfootball
Natalie Hinojosa

Natalie Hinojosa

1 like

Mindset Mornings Create your masterpiece
**MINDSET MORNINGS: CREATE YOUR MASTERPIECE 🌅💖** Every morning is a **BLANK CANVAS** 🎨 Waiting for YOU to create your masterpiece! **Morning Inspiration:** 1. **Today is a new chance** 🌈: To write a new story! 2. **Your choices are your brushes** 🖌️: Paint a beautiful life! 3. **Colors of po
vegan haircare vegan skincare

vegan haircare vegan skincare

11 likes

Start your mornings on the right foot 🫶🍋🥰✨
I strongly believe that how you start your mornings is how your day is gonna progress!! I get it. It’s not easy. What crazy person gets up at the a** crack of dawn and walks!? That’s the mentality I USED to have. I wanted to be successful. I wanted to change. I wanted to be a BETTER me. So I
Nikkie ☺️

Nikkie ☺️

2 likes

A close-up of an arm with a blue outline tattoo spelling "Boo." Overlays read "My Bucket List" and "Tattoos from this year already."
A hand with a small, blue outline flower tattoo on the palm. The hand wears rings on the fingers.
A hand with a black outline tattoo featuring a lotus flower and an Om symbol. The fingernails are painted a dark red color.
Paint a picture
New to Lemon8! Something I love:Tattoos #hellolemon8
Tina Louise

Tina Louise

6 likes

They’ll paint the picture they want
They’ll paint the picture they want—just know I lived the truth behind the canvas. #Unbothered #RealOnesKnow
King

King

9 likes

Good Mornings
I learned people with ADHD have a different circadian rhythm and it is important for us to go outside early in the morning. The sun (or something) gets chemicals to release in our brain that we will need to sleep at night. On my best mornings, I write then, I either sketch/paint or plan & or
Art Mommy

Art Mommy

9 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
Sip and paint #100bucketlistideas #paintoncanvas
lemonjessy8989

lemonjessy8989

3 likes

Calm mornings, no alarms & payments still hitting
I used to hustle hard every morning. Now? I make sales while I journal and sip matcha. Digital marketing changed everything. Calm mornings, no alarms, and payments still hitting. This is what building a digital brand in peace looks like. Not rushing. Not filming. Just making money from digita
digitaldivavee

digitaldivavee

1 like

A grayscale painting of a barn in a field with trees and mountains on a canvas, displayed on a wooden easel. The image includes text overlay "My Bucket List Paint a picture on a canvas" and art supplies like a brush and cap on the easel tray.
Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #paintoncanvas #oilpainting #paintideas #powerofpaint
Letina G

Letina G

3 likes

God can sure paint a pretty picture 🌅
I don’t see how people don’t think there is a God, when skies like this literally exist. 💛 #countrysunset #sunsets #texas #lemon8challenge #godandsunsets
𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕝𝕖𝕪 ♡

𝕒𝕤𝕙𝕝𝕖𝕪 ♡

12 likes

Slow mornings one celery juice at a time 💚
Celery juice in the morning is KING! 💚 It's packed with enzymes that help digestion and body cleanse, hydrates your body at the cellular level and supports various organs. 💚 I drink it pure and fresh without added ingredients. I personally don't like the taste, so in the beginning I used
Amina Vassa

Amina Vassa

597 likes

🌿 What Does Self-Care Look Like to You… Really?
For a long time, I thought self-care had to look a certain way. Candles. Face masks. Perfectly quiet mornings. But lately, I’ve realized self-care is way more personal than that. Sometimes self-care looks like: • Saying no without explaining • Logging off instead of pushing through • Lett
Amanda Leavitt

Amanda Leavitt

6 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #publishfirstlemon8post Mandy way playing all day and decided to take a nap 😴 #dog #viral #fyp
WILLIM JOHN

WILLIM JOHN

11 likes

Picture It? Good. Now
Create It.
It's not enough to see the life you want. You've got to be brave enough to build it. I moved to Texas exhausted and overwhelmed... but saying YES to a 2-hour daily income system flipped the script. If you can visualize your freedom, you're already halfway there. The rest is one dec
CoffeewithNana|Work From Home

CoffeewithNana|Work From Home

0 likes

How to Be Girly and More Feminine
How To Look More Feminine Girls are a diverse bunch. We come in all shapes and sizes, and we all have different personalities, hobbies, and likes and dislikes. There is no such thing as a "typical girl." Almost everything that is traditionally considered to be feminine is taught to us
Amber 🎀💅

Amber 🎀💅

11 likes

A wall displays 12 colorful paintings on canvas, featuring diverse subjects like nature, animals, and abstract art. Text overlays include 'Bucket List Ideas' and 'Go to the ends of the earth Take a road trip'.
Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #paintoncanvas
Zeidra  Hall

Zeidra Hall

48 likes

Romanticizing my mornings saved my peace 🤍
#peacefulmoments #Lemon8Diary #morning routine #romantacisinglife #divinefeminine There was a time I used to wake up and rush straight into the noise — emails, messages, thoughts that didn’t even belong to me yet. My mornings felt like something to survive, not something sacred. Then
Sephie’s Duality

Sephie’s Duality

9 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #confesstoacrush
Kaycroy 🌹🦋

Kaycroy 🌹🦋

1 like

mornings 🧡
Mornings are beautiful!! #colorado #morningpicture #coloradogirl #taniac
🌹 Tani 🌹

🌹 Tani 🌹

3 likes

Paint a picture on a canvas
#100bucketlistideas #bingewatchatvshow Take A Bake
Xx00702

Xx00702

1 like

A morning routine schedule for workdays, divided into three time blocks: 5:00-6:00 am, 6:00-7:00 am, and 7:00-8:00 am. It lists activities like waking up, exercising, showering, having coffee and breakfast, getting ready, planning, tidying up, and heading out, accompanied by watercolor illustrations of a sun, a coffee cup, and a blue car.
✨ Energized Mornings: My Daily Ritual!
Looking for a way to start your mornings on the right foot? Here’s a peek into my workday routine that helps me feel energized, organized, and ready to crush the day! 💪✨ 5:00 AM – Wake Up & Hydrate 💦 I kick off my day by drinking a full glass of water to refresh and hydrate! 5:10 AM – St
Heather 🩵

Heather 🩵

1017 likes

See more