EPISODE · Feb 21, 2022 · 13 MIN
Your Brain's Cortisol Control Hub - The Hypothalamus
from Returning to Us · host Lauren Spigelmyer
What is the brain’s hypothalamus? Lauren likes to call it the Cortisol Control Hub. The hypothalamus is responsible for hormone release and homeostasis, which is for maintaining body equilibrium. Its functioning helps to regulate many areas: emotions, sleep and wake cycles, body temperature, and eating/not overeating. Cortisol is a hormone released when you are stressed. It’s also responsible for putting you in a flight-or-fight mode. Too much cortisol from chronic stress can lead to things like depression, anxiety disorders, and heart disease.The brain and stress have a complex relationship, but the good news is you’ve got some level of control. Lauren discusses the topic in this episode. Be sure to check out our other recent episodes on the brain and related blog posts listed below! Lauren answers this week’s listener question during the episode: What do you do when a client isn’t open to trying any coping skills when they are experiencing big behaviors?Try-at-home tipWays to neutralize your nervous system: Ice bath or cold shower.Mentioned in this episode:What are the benefits of cold showers? (Wim Hof Method) Other related resources from The Behavior Hub! Blog Post: Your Brain's Cortisol Control HubThinking Brain: The Wise Owl Emotional Brain: The Barking DogPodcast:Why Behaviors Occur - The 5 Needs AreasOur Online Courses: From Wild Emotions to Tamed Feelings – How to Self-Regulate (5 Needs Areas)Do you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children The Behavior Hub websiteThe Behavior Hub blogAre you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help! Schedule a free discovery call and let me be your Guide.
What this episode covers
What is the brain’s hypothalamus? Lauren likes to call it the Cortisol Control Hub. The hypothalamus is responsible for hormone release and homeostasis, which is for maintaining body equilibrium. Its functioning helps to regulate many areas: emotions, sleep and wake cycles, body temperature, and eating/not overeating. Cortisol is a hormone released when you are stressed. It’s also responsible for putting you in a flight-or-fight mode. Too much cortisol from chronic stress can lead...
NOW PLAYING
Your Brain's Cortisol Control Hub - The Hypothalamus
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m