ABOUT THIS EPISODE
What if your “healthy” routine is actually spending more energy than it gives you?
In this episode of Wellish, Sarah sits down with naturopathic doctor and The Cortisol Cure author Dr. Erin Kinney to rethink what we’ve been taught about cortisol, chronic stress, and burnout.
Dr. Kinney introduces her Cortisol Bank Account framework: every demand on your body—from work and emotional stress to exercise, caffeine, and even certain wellness practices—requires energy. If you continually spend more than you restore, you may find yourself exhausted, wired at night, dependent on caffeine, struggling with your hormones, or unable to relax without feeling guilty.
Sarah and Dr. Kinney discuss why wellness can become another form of hustle culture, how to tell when you’re running on empty, and how ambitious people can protect their energy without giving up their goals.
In this conversation:
- Why cortisol isn’t simply a “bad” hormone you need to lower
- How healthy habits like intense workouts, cold plunges, and elaborate routines can become additional stressors
- Why relaxing may initially feel uncomfortable or unproductive
- The connection between chronic stress, energy, hormones, and relationships
- How “relax reps” can help your body practice slowing down
- Why eating before caffeine may support steadier energy
- How to make small energy deposits throughout your day
- What sustainable wellness looks like when you’re an imperfect human
Because sometimes taking better care of yourself doesn’t require another supplement, routine, or self-improvement project. Sometimes it means giving your body enough energy to support the life you’re already living.
Learn more about Dr. Erin Kinney and The Cortisol Cure: The Cortisol Cure DrErinKinney.com Instagram: @drkinney
This conversation is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
