Can I Give You A Compliment About Something?

One of the most wonderful things my husband says to me from time to time is this: “Can I give you a compliment about something?” OMG, yes! I’m all ears. Occasionally, he’ll even put it in a text: “Remind me to give you a compliment when I get home tonight.” He can barely walk in the door before I ask him what he wanted to tell me.

I’m not alone in brightening when I hear a compliment. Research shows that giving compliments is powerful for both the giver and the receiver. A simple, sincere comment can elevate mood, strengthen a connection, and even spark a chain reaction of kindness.

Why Don’t We Use Compliments More?

According to researchers at the University of Chicago and Cornell, most people underestimate how much their words will be appreciated. We fear sounding insincere or awkward, so we stay silent. Yet in controlled studies, recipients consistently reported that compliments felt more meaningful and memorable than givers expected.

Compliments are a form of “social nutrition.” They remind us that we’re seen and valued, something especially vital as we age, when social circles may shrink and affirmation can be in short supply.

Top Takeaways

If someone makes you smile, say so.
If a friend looks radiant, tell them.
If a neighbor or family member does something kind, acknowledge it.

Don’t wait for a special occasion, simply share what you’re already thinking. Your words might be the bright spot in someone’s day, and you’ll feel uplifted, too.

5 Things Better Than A Cortisol Cocktail

As someone who studies and speaks about the science of stress and its impact on the body, I was a little appalled to read the recent buzz about “Cortisol Cocktails” as a stress reliever. Have you heard of them?

This trendy tonic, typically made with orange juice, salt, and cream of tartar, is being promoted on social media as a miracle cure for “adrenal fatigue” and hormone imbalances.

Here’s the problem: Adrenal fatigue isn’t a medically recognized condition, and there is no scientific evidence that this cocktail does anything meaningful for your cortisol levels.

Science is Your Best Bet for Stress Resilience

As fun as a wellness ritual might sound, this one falls short. Cortisol is a real hormone with a real function, and there are effective ways to support it. Here’s what works better and has the science to back it.

1. Reduce Processed Food
Highly processed foods, such as chips, sugary snacks, and fast food, can spike your blood sugar and contribute to inflammation, which in turn disrupts cortisol balance. Reducing processed food is a powerful way to support both mood and hormone health.

2. Get Morning Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight within 60 minutes of waking helps reset your internal clock. That’s because our body’s natural rhythm runs a little longer than 24 hours, so we need light each day to stay in sync with the world around us. Morning light also helps stimulate serotonin, a neurotransmitter that promotes calmness and focus.

3. Add Morning Movement
A short walk in morning light is a double win: it energizes the body and reinforces your natural awakening response. Movement also helps us sleep better; there is a bi-directional relationship between exercise and sleep.

4. Connect with Others
Supportive connection matters. A heartfelt conversation, a hug, or even shared laughter can stimulate oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which helps your body feel safe and eases the stress response over time.

5. Just Breathe
Just 2–3 minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or gratitude can activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which is your body’s built-in calm-down switch.

Top Takeaway

Cortisol balance isn’t found in your blender. It’s built over time through good habits, including sleep, sunlight, movement, healthy eating, and connection. That’s your real daily “cocktail” and dozens of evidence-based studies show it works!