by: Zen Francesco
3 July 2025
READ TIME: 4 Mins

How high cortisol affects mental focus and what to do about it

cortisol and mental focus

Why high cortisol makes your brain feel foggy

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone.
When levels stay high for too long, the brain starts to feel scattered and overloaded.
You may forget things, lose track of time, or feel like your mind never rests.

Common signs your mental focus is affected

• Brain fog in the morning
• Trouble making decisions
• Overthinking small tasks
• Feeling wired but tired
• Difficulty switching off


Stress signalling pathways that impair prefrontal cortex structure and function

Simple ways to restore mental clarity

1. Eat to balance blood sugar
High cortisol often goes hand in hand with blood sugar dips.
Choose meals with protein, healthy fats and slow carbs like oats, lentils and nuts. T
hey keep energy stable and reduce stress spikes

.2. Move your body to clear your mind
Short walks, stretching or strength sessions help lower cortisol naturally and get fresh oxygen to your brain.

3. Use light in the morning
Natural sunlight resets your body clock and helps your brain feel more awake and calm.
Try to get 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight before 10 a.m.

4. Limit digital clutter
Notifications and multitasking increase stress.
Turn off non-essential apps, keep your workspace clear and take breaks without screens.

5. Add calming foods
Avocados, leafy greens, dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium and B vitamins that calm the brain.

What to expect

Within a few days, you may feel less scattered and more grounded.
Over a couple of weeks, you may notice sharper focus and better memory.

Are you set for Longevity?

Check with this 6 Question Quiz
Human Reviewed
Custom Assessment
100% Applicable Insights