418 - 6 Signs High Cortisol Is Blocking Your Joy: How Chronic Stress Steals Your Happiness (And What to Do About It)

“Why can’t I just feel happier… when my life is actually good?”

If you’ve asked yourself some version of this question - 

it isn’t a gratitude problem,

it’s not a mindset failure,

and it’s not that you’re “bad at joy.”

It's what's happening in your physiology. 

Chronically elevated cortisol can quietly shift your nervous system into survival mode — and when that happens, joy becomes neurologically inaccessible, even when good things are happening.

In this episode, we unpack:

• ✔️ The science of high cortisol and low mood — and why stress chemistry blunts pleasure
•  ✔️ The subtle, real-life signs your nervous system is blocking joy for protection
•  ✔️ Why “choosing joy” and mindset work often fall flat when your body is overwhelmed
•  ✔️ How somatic, body-based practices help your system feel safe enough to receive goodness again
•  ✔️ Simple ways to start softening stress so joy can come back online

This conversation isn’t about forcing happiness.

It’s about removing the physiological blocks that keep joy out of reach.

Because joy isn’t something you create with effort.

It’s something your body allows when it feels safe.

If you’ve felt flat, disconnected, or like everything is just “one more thing to get through,” this episode will feel validating — and gently hopeful.

Your nervous system isn’t broken.

It’s been protecting you.

And with the right support, it can learn how to soften again — so you can actually feel the life you’re living.

Related Episodes:

• Previous Episode
• 4 Signs You’re Addicted to Cortisol (and How to Fix It)
• 5 Habits I Stopped Doing to Heal My Nervous System & Balance My Cortisol
• 4 Ways to Foster Joy in Our Families
• Take 2 Minutes: Boost Your Joy with Daily Gratitude Practices Backed by Science with Marc Fussell

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