EPISODE 49: An ADHD Guide To Cortisol + 13 Tips To Lower Your Cortisol Levels

In this episode: Exhaustion during the day, racing thoughts at night, sleep problems, anxiety, and unexplained inflammation can all be signs of a nervous system stuck in high-alert mode. While dopamine gets most of the attention in ADHD conversations, cortisol — the body’s primary stress hormone — plays a major role in how energy, focus, and fatigue are regulated. High cortisol, not low, is often behind chronic stress patterns in people with ADHD and AuDHD. I give tips on how to interrupt your long-term stress loop in ways your nervous system can actually handle.

SOURCES

The Intersection of ADHD and Hormones, CHADD

The WorkOut Witch

The Complex PTSD Workbook

SHOW NOTES

1. "You Are A LOT" Podcast on Patreon

2. "You Are A LOT" Podcast Website

3. Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: “This Is A Lot”

4. Call The “A Lot” Line at (347) 674-2201

5. Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com

6. 30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus!

7. $50 Group ADHD Coaching (Jen's Coach)

8. 15% Off HUGIMALS weighted stuffed animals with code JENKIRKMAN

In this special Out From The Paywall Episode - you're getting a Little Pod Patreon only bonus episode that originally aired on June 22nd, 2025. I have a special offer for you. You can join Patreon for FREE right now by clicking here. You'll get one month FREE of "You Are A LOT" on Patreon at Tier 1 which gives you access to all of the archives, video episodes, AMA's, bonus episodes, transcripts, a private chat community and more! CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR MONTH! No commitment required after the month is up. (Offer expires 8/1)

OUT FROM THE PAYWALL: "And Just Like That" When A TV Show Fails ADHD" Permission to rant? Thank you. On this Little Pod which is available to Tier #1 and Tier #2, I'm criticizing the TV show "And Just Like That" for its bizarre portrayal of the ADHD medication shortage and how to handle a troubled teenager with ADHD.

SHOW NOTES

"You Are A LOT" Podcast on Patreon

"You Are A LOT" Podcast Website

Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: “This Is A Lot”

Call The “A Lot” Line at (347) 674-2201

Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com

30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus!

$50 Group ADHD Coaching (Jen's Coach)

15% Off HUGIMALS weighted stuffed animals with code JENKIRKMAN

In this special Out From The Paywall Episode - you're getting a full Patreon only episode that originally aired on May 18th, 2025. I have a special offer for you. You can join Patreon for FREE right now by clicking here. You'll get one month FREE of "You Are A LOT" on Patreon at Tier 1 which gives you access to all of the archives, video episodes, AMA's, bonus episodes, transcripts, a private chat community and more! CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR MONTH! No commitment required after the month is up. (Offer expires 7/31)

OUT FROM THE PAYWALL: "Future Fantasy Is Not A Plan"

In this episode: Jen explains a thought-provoking concept she recently learned—the difference between having a real plan of action for a life goal versus being stuck in a future fantasy about that goal. She walks through how being in a future fantasy is a habitual way to regulate our emotions, while actually making a plan would require being present—which can trigger dysregulation. So we avoid it. Mind. Blown.

You Don’t Lack “Follow Through” - Heidi Priebe, YouTube

"You Are A LOT" Podcast on Patreon

"You Are A LOT" Podcast Website

Jen's Every 10 Day Newsletter: “This Is A Lot”

Call The “A Lot” Line at (347) 674-2201

Send an email to the podcast at alotadhdpod at gmail dot com

30 FREE DAYS to BRAIN FM Wire Your Brain For Focus!

$50 Group ADHD Coaching (Jen's Coach)

15% Off HUGIMALS weighted stuffed animals with code JENKIRKMAN