Matthew 6:25-27 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 34 “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own.” According to the Cleveland Clinic, cortisol is: Stress Response: During stress, cortisol is released alongside adrenaline to prepare the body for "fight or flight," increasing alertness and energy availability Metabolism: Cortisol regulates how the body uses glucose, prompting the liver to release glucose and influencing insulin and glucagon levels to maintain energy balance Immune System: In short bursts, cortisol can reduce inflammation and boost immunity, but chronic high levels may weaken the immune systemBlood Pressure: Cortisol helps regulate blood pressure through effects on blood vessels, though prolonged elevation can contribute to hypertension Circadian Rhythm: Cortisol levels naturally peak in the morning to help wakefulness and decline throughout the day, supporting the sleep-wake cycle Effects of Abnormal Cortisol Levels High Cortisol: Persistent high levels can result from chronic stress, adrenal or pituitary tumors, or certain medications. High cortisol may include weight gain (especially abdominal), fatigue, muscle weakness, skin changes, and high blood pressure Long-term, it can impair immune function and increase inflammation Low Cortisol: Conditions like adrenal insufficiency can cause low cortisol, leading to fatigue, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and unexplained weight loss.Cortisol levels fluctuate naturally, and temporary spikes are normal, but if you’re a high stress person it is imperative that you make time to lower your stress responses. Here are a few ways to do that: stress management, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can help maintain healthy cortisol levels. Lord, it’s in my nature to worry but I trust You. I don’t want to think about things I have no control over because I know You’ve got it. So thank You first of all and help me to focus on what I can do to lean on You. The stress in my life often feels overwhelming and I know it’s not helping me release the weight that’s holding me back from being my healthiest version. Forgive me Father for trying to control, I lay it down at Your feet. Lead me Jesus, show me all You have for me and help quiet the lies of the enemy in my life. I rebuke him in Jesus Name and I stand on Your promises, that even when the storms come that You alone are my shield. Thank You for fighting for me Lord, help me to be still always. I love You and it’s in the Mighty Name of Jesus I pray, Amen. Are you sick of trying diet after diet and NOT losing weight? Hey there friend, I'm Lindy Schlabach, Christian Fitness & Nutrition Coach. I gained 100 pounds in my late twenties and struggled for years to get it off. Seven years ago, I found a basic system that worked and has helped me lose 90 of those pounds. I’ve been working with women in online fitness and nutrition ever since to break chains of diet culture, embrace their bodies and fueling instead of dieting. In this podcast, I'll teach you how to: • Lose Weight in a Way that honors God without obsessing about the scale • Meal Plan and Prep for Your Family • Follow a MACRO based plan that allows you to eat the foods you love. • Recognize and pray through triggers keeping you stuck. • I’ll help you Plan your week and schedule your self-care time. • Cultivate a spirit of self-discipline in your workouts you actually enjoy. It's time to give God your health journey and watch Him make you new, from the inside, OUT.Join The Biblical Weight Loss Framework: https://www.herweightlossmindset.com/framework Join my FREE Community: https://bit.ly/JoinTheChristianWeightLossCommunity Join my Insiders List with weekly tips for weight loss for Christian women: http://herweightlossmindset.com/herweightlossmindsetinsiders