Cortisol has become the latest social media fixation, with 

 fuelling a wave of content that claims to pin issues like weight gain and tiredness on the hormone.

There are even recipes online claiming a ‘cortisol cocktail’, made from ingredients like coconut water, orange juice, magnesium powder and salt, can help balance your levels. But why are these claims being made and what’s the truth?

Firstly, it’s important to understand what cortisol is and the role it plays in our bodies.

, Associate Professor of Medical Sciences at the University of Wollongong, says cortisol is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, which also make adrenaline. Cortisol travels in our blood to nearly every cell in our body.

,” she explains. “When the body experiences any kind of ongoing stress – physical stress such as infection or lack of sleep, or psychological stress such as work pressures or relationship challenges – it needs energy.

“Cortisol increases the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood to increase our energy so we can be more mentally alert and physically ready to move as part of our stress response.”

Much of the social media commentary surrounding cortisol centres on the negative effects of high cortisol, but while it’s easy to assume that a person may have high, low or stable levels of cortisol all the time, Associate Professor Larkin says it’s not that simple.

“There is some confusion about low and high cortisol levels in the body,” she says.

“Cortisol levels in the body naturally change over the day. They increase in the early morning and before we wake up, and are at their highest in the morning … to increase our energy levels.

“Cortisol is lower in the afternoon and lowest during the dark hours so that we can sleep and rest better at night.”

 has shown that cortisol levels follow a similar pattern in most people over a 24-hour period.

Throughout the day, various activities and emotions can cause our cortisol levels to rise, such as increased physical activity, a stressful meeting, a sleepless night or hunger.

 found cortisol follows a natural daily rhythm – peaking in the morning and lowering at night – and while further research is needed, early evidence suggests our everyday habits may play a role in either supporting or disrupting that pattern.

The verdict on the popular beliefs surrounding cortisol:

Claim: On-going high cortisol levels make you gain weight or give you a puffy face.

 “Ongoing high levels of cortisol can increase appetite, which is why this can be linked to weight gain,” says Associate Professor Larkin. “That’s because chronic stress, the cause of ongoing high levels of cortisol, tells the body it needs more energy, so cortisol increases appetite.”

 has found a puffy or rounded face can occur with excess cortisol due to fat redistribution, but this is associated with a serious health condition called 

Claim: High cortisol levels cause stress.

 “Cortisol does not cause stress,” says Associate Professor Larkin. “It is the body’s response to stress. Stress is caused by external stressors – physical or psychological.”

Claim: High cortisol levels causes fatigue

 has found that tiredness isn’t simply caused by high cortisol, it’s more closely linked to disrupted cortisol patterns, such as lower morning levels or a flattened daily rhythm, rather than elevated levels alone.

Claim: A ‘cortisol cocktail’ can lower cortisol levels

 “It can’t lower cortisol levels by the ingredients it contains,” Associate Professor Larkin says. “There are good things in the drink – potassium from the coconut water, water itself, antioxidants from the orange juice.”

There is “no quick fix” for cortisol, says Associate Professor Larkin. “Cortisol is just a hormone messenger in our body, helping our body cope with stress. Cortisol is essential because stress is a normal part of life. The problem is when 

 and high cortisol are ongoing. But the only way to address this is to 

Here are her tips for managing cortisol health.

Find a way to de-stress that work for you – whether this is moving, meditating, playing a musical instrument or simply reading a book.

Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain optimum cortisol levels because this allows us to use the glucose that is in our blood and lower cortisol.

Maintain a good sleep pattern – ideally this means getting morning sun and resting without screens in the evening before bed.

As well as doing what you can to keep on top of your stress levels, you could try a 

 which can be included in your ahm cover.^

With claims on social media suggesting it can cause a puffy face and fatigue, cortisol is under the spotlight. But how much is fact, and how much is hype?

Why is everyone talking about cortisol?

^ While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees). 

We’re living in an era where it’s never been easier to monitor every part of our health. 

Want to know how many steps you’ve done? Easy. Where your heart rate is at? Done. How long did you sleep? No problem. Was it even a good sleep? Here you go. 

- ie, Apple watches, Fitbits, Garmin and various fitness and sleep apps - are giving us all kinds of health data at the touch of a screen. But are they actually helping?

While this technology can feel empowering, a 

 found that constant monitoring of metrics like sleep, heart rate and exercise can increase anxiety, and can lead to 

“Speaking from a psychological perspective, the main downside of these devices is the possibility of fixation,” says 

, a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and author who specialises in illness anxiety. “These devices lend themselves to over-attention to our health.”

“In other words, constantly checking and monitoring [our health] can cause anxiety, worry, dread and hypervigilance. When we check too much, we become fixated or obsessed, and this can obviously worsen our anxiety and negate the positives the devices offer.”

Is using your wearable making you feel uneasy? 

health anxiety affects around one in 20 Australians

 and is recognised as an accepted mental health diagnosis, where sufferers form an irrational fear of becoming ill or developing a disease.

 highlighted the significant costs encountered by people experiencing health anxiety, either through unnecessary medical tests or loss of wages. 

“When it’s as simple as glancing at your wrist, it can become an anxious, compulsive behaviour that actually worsens, rather than soothes, anxiety,” says Lane. “For instance, there is no rational or medical need to check your pulse every hour, but a wearable makes it possible to do so, for better or worse.”

, a growing phenomenon where people become preoccupied with tracking sleep data and the quality of their sleep. Ironically, the condition may cause insomnia in some.

As a result, it’s important to consider the benefits and potential drawbacks of using health monitoring devices and apps.

“When we feel we are ‘on top’ of our health and keeping ourselves healthy, it can be very empowering,” says Lane. 

“[Wearables] can also help us to be cognisant of our level of activity, hydration and sleep hygiene, all of which can be good.

“I think that for those individuals who are monitoring serious medical issues such as diabetes, for instance, being able to monitor blood sugar levels is vital and can be facilitated by wearables.

“But for the general user, we need to be mindful of the potential for these wearables to contribute to anxiety.”

Questions to ask yourself if you’re worried 

Is your use of health apps and devices interfering with your daily life and your ability to carry out normal tasks?

 Do you frequently contact doctors based on the information from your wearables?

 Do you wake up during the night to check sleep data?

 Do you become anxious when you’re unable to access health data or the numbers don’t meet expectations?

What to do if you think you may have a problem

If you think you may have a problem with health anxiety, start by having a chat with your GP and explain how you feel. 

, which helps people challenge unhelpful thoughts, as well as seeking treatment to help limit or stop the use of health trackers. 

If you’re concerned about this, check what support and services are included in your cover.

Be realistic with your health goals and expectations. For example, while you may have heard that 10,000 steps per day is a goal to aspire to, 

 by the University of Sydney shows that 7000 daily steps is ideal for improved health.

Try and trust how your body is feeling rather than rely on data from wearables. 

 suggests people who regularly take part in body awareness exercises - like meditation - have a healthier relationship with their devices.

Try to look at your health tracking device every few days, rather than religiously check every morning or night, so you can use the information as a guide. 

Tracking your health is just one part of the picture, see how ahm cover can support you beyond the data. There are also steps you can take to feel more in control. Visit our 

Health apps and wearables promise insight, but if you’ve been wondering if wearables can fuel your health anxiety, understanding the signs can help.

The Rise of Health Anxiety in the Age of Wearables

It’s the wholesome social media trend that’s gaining traction every day.

Analogue bags are TikTok’s latest obsession, with people packing tote bags full of non-digital activities in an effort to stop mindlessly doomscrolling through their phone or spend less time online.

The trend has racked up thousands of social media video views, but why are we feeling the need to embrace these kinds of activities in the first place?

Any non-digital item or activity that you can do instead of looking at your phone, iPad or laptop.

Film cameras, disposable cameras and Polaroid cameras.

Colouring books, notebooks, scrapbooks, vision boards, painting kits and sketchbooks.

Playing cards, tarot cards, crosswords, and puzzle books.

Magazines, books, journals and photo albums.

“The cognitive and emotional benefits [of analogue bags] are quite extensive,” says Amberley Meredith, a registered psychologist and author of 

“A number of things happen when you engage with your phone over a prolonged period,” she adds. “Your world can become smaller. You end up with a narrower band of perception that may limit you to particular viewpoints or stances, because with a screen it’s largely a one-way exchange.

“You’re not actively expressing your ideas or thoughts – you’re primarily absorbing and being influenced.

“When we take a break from this and engage in other analogue activities, there is more opportunity for learning and interaction to occur.”

 found that excessive screen time can cause sleep issues. It found that looking at screens at night, in particular, can impact the body’s natural circadian rhythm, creating difficulty sleeping. 

 found a “strong and often bidirectional relationship” between social media use and depression and anxiety.

“Our systems are not designed to be repeatedly pushed in and out of activation. They benefit from extended periods in a more regulated, ‘rest and digest’ state rather than a constant low-level ‘fight or flight’ response,” says Meredith.

“Much of what we engage with on our phones tends to activate the system rather than settle it, and over time this can contribute to a sustained sense of pressure that impacts both physical and mental health.

One of the appeals of analogue bags is that they offer an opportunity to curb screen-time habits without committing to an all-encompassing digital detox.

“There is a sense of ownership and satisfaction that comes from analogue activities that can’t be replicated by the short-lived reward of digital engagement,” says Meredith.

Five tips for reducing your screen time and embracing the analogue bag:

 Meredith says we operate largely on subconscious patterns, so it’s very normal to repeat behaviours without actively choosing them or even being aware of them. Try taking a book on your morning bus journey rather than scrolling on your phone, or listen to a podcast, write a letter or journal to take a break from the algorithms.

 It’s important to have the right mindset, says Meredith, so that when you reach for your phone you can gently redirect yourself instead of being critical.

For many, phones are a central part of social connection, so meeting up and agreeing with your friends to stay off them while you walk or have a coffee can help. Working on vision boards and scrapbooks together is another way to keep off the phone.

 “This is where it has real value, it provides an immediate alternative,” says Meredith. Having a choice creates a pause, and that pause allows for reflection: what would be more helpful in this moment?

5. Avoid strict time restrictions with your phone.

 Meredith says setting a time limit can create unrealistic expectations, additional pressure, and a sense of failure if it’s not met. Just experiment with trying different ways to fill your time when you’d usually reach for your phone.

If social media is affecting your mental health, support is available. There are steps you can take to feel more in control. Visit our 

mental health support page to learn more.

You won’t find this year’s hottest new ‘it bag’ in Chanel, Dior or Prada …

Why TikTok Is obsessed with ‘analogue bags’- and what it says about our screen addiction

Planning a babymoon? You’re in good company. Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside escape or a cozy city getaway, a babymoon is your chance to relax, recharge, and soak up some serenity before life gets (wonderfully) busy. Most trips go off without a hitch - but if things take an unexpected turn, 

 could be a handy backup to have in your corner.

Before you go: why travel insurance might be worth considering

Babymoons often involve pre-paid bookings, travel during peak seasons, and a little extra planning around health and comfort. Adding travel insurance to your checklist could help if something doesn’t go to plan. 

Here are some things ahm travel insurance could help with: 

$Unlimited^ overseas medical and hospital expense cover 

Some insurers may ask you to let them know if you’re pregnant when arranging cover, so it’s probably worth checking early, just to be on the safe side.

Pregnancy curveballs: how travel insurance could lend a hand

Travel during pregnancy can be a great way to relax and recharge. But even the best-laid plans can hit a few bumps - and that’s where ahm travel insurance for your babymoon can come in handy.

Even if your pregnancy is going smoothly, life can still be unpredictable. Travel insurance for your babymoon could help with recovering some of the prepaid costs* if something unexpected means you need to press pause on your travel plans.

From sudden illnesses or injuries while travelling, ahm travel insurance may help cover unexpected costs for:

Some insurers, like ahm include access to 24/7 emergency support services- super handy if you’re not sure where to go or who to call while you’re travelling away from home.

Flight delays, lost bags & other travel hiccups

Even the best-planned trips can sometimes hit a snag - and when you’re travelling for two, comfort and peace of mind matter.

Travel delays happen! Depending on your policy, ahm travel insurance on your babymoon could help with:

Extra accommodation if you're stuck overnight-

Rebooking costs for cancelled or delayed flights*

Missed connections that might throw off your itinerary*

Keeping all your travel documents (like flight confirmations and hotel bookings) together can help make things easier if plans change last-minute.

If your bags take an unplanned detour, replacing key items - like medication, maternity wear or comfort items - can be stressful. ahm travel insurance can help cover the cost of replacing lost or stolen belongings±.

Packing a few essentials in your carry-on (like snacks, chargers or a backup comfy outfit) might just save the day if luggage gets delayed or go missing.

Some things to look for with travel insurance when it comes to your babymoon trip

Not all travel insurance policies automatically include pregnancy-related cover, so before you head off on your babymoon it might be worth checking what’s included.

With ahm travel insurance, here are a few things to keep in mind:

 Some policies may cover unexpected pregnancy complications up to 25 weeks and 6 days. Coverage after that isn’t always included. Costs for childbirth and those relating to the health or care of a newborn child are not generally available.

Some policies outline what’s covered if plans change.

 Childbirth, newborn care, or claims after 26 weeks are generally not included. Particularly for overseas travel, where medical costs can be high.

Certain destinations may also have travel guidelines for pregnant travellers. Another key factor is the quality and availability of neonatal care, which can differ widely from country to country. Research the standard of neonatal and maternity care available locally.

: Some carriers have travel restrictions after 28 weeks, so checking ahead may help avoid surprises.

 (PDS), and checking in with your healthcare provider before booking, might help you feel more confident and informed about your babymoon travel plans. 

Some babymoon travel tips that might help make it a smoother trip

A babymoon isn’t about ticking off every item on your travel bucket list - it’s about relaxing, feeling comfortable and enjoying some well-deserved downtime before life gets a little busier. Here are a few things that might help make your trip a little easier:

: Now’s probably not the time for extreme adventure sports or long, exhausting hikes. Think gentle walks, scenic drives, and plenty of downtime. 

: Pack the essentials - medical records, snacks, comfy clothes, and anything that keeps you feeling good while on the move. 

 Especially on long flights or road trips, regular hydration and short breaks can help make a big difference.

 Opting for accommodation and transport with flexible terms - plans can change quickly during pregnancy, and a little flexibility goes a long way. 

Wrapping it up: cover that can travel with you

A babymoon can be the perfect chance to soak up the moment before life gets a little busier. Travel insurance for your babymoon might not be the first thing you think of, but it can be a nice backup plan if things need to change. A little extra support means you can relax, enjoy the trip, and maybe even steal a quiet moment or two.

Want to know more? Take a peek at what’s included with 

 and see if it’s the right fit for your next adventure.

A babymoon is your time to unwind before things get hectic. ahm travel insurance can help have your back if plans need to change, and we’ve got a few tips that might make travelling during pregnancy a little bit easier. 

Travel insurance for your babymoon: why it might be worth packing too

Limits, sub-limits, conditions and exclusions apply.

This is general advice only. This product is distributed by Australian Health Management Group Pty Limited (ABN 96 003 683 298, AR 266711) and administered by Travel Insurance Partners Pty Limited (ABN 73 144 049 230, AFSL 360138). Travel insurance is underwritten by Zurich Australian Insurance Limited (ABN 13 000 296 640, AFSL 232507). Please consider your own needs and the 

 to decide if this product is right for you. For information on the Target Market and 

ahm.com.au/travel-insurance/forms-and-guides

Holidays are exciting - booking flights, sorting accommodation, and picturing all the fun ahead. But every now and then, things don’t go quite as expected. That’s where cancellation cover* from 

 can help ease the stress if plans suddenly shift.

Before you go: why cancellation cover might be worth considering

Holidays take time, effort, and money, and cancellation cover can help take the stress out of sudden changes.

You’ve paid upfront for flights, stays or tours

You’re travelling during seasons when weather can be unpredictable

You or someone close to you has any health considerations

Your work or home life can be a bit unpredictable

It’s not about expecting the worst - just having a little backup, so you can relax and enjoy the trip.

Some common things which might disrupt your trip (and how having travel insurance with cancellation cover might help)

1. Any unexpected health issues before you travel 

Getting sick before take-off isn’t ideal - especially if you’ve already paid for flights, accommodation or tours. With ahm’s cancellation cover*, you can help cover some of the costs if you need to cancel due to illness or injury. 

Some policies include conditions around pre-existing medical issues, so checking the fine print can help clarify what’s included. 

2. Weather events & natural disasters 

From cyclones to bushfires, extreme weather can sometimes shake up your travel plans.

Depending on your policy, ahm travel insurance may help with things like

Keeping your travel bookings saved in one place might make things easier if plans need to change quickly.

Sometimes, life throws some unexpected curveballs - like losing a job or needing to stay home for a family emergency. Cancellation cover with ahm may help recover some of the costs if your trip plans change because of this.

Coverage for job loss through redundancy or personal emergencies varies, so checking your policy details can help avoid surprises.

Wrapping it up: a little cover can go a long way

Travel insurance with cancellation cover might not be the first thing you think about when planning a trip - but it can help if things take an unexpected turn. A little prep now means you can focus on the fun stuff later.

 options to see what’s covered or grab a 

Planning a trip is exciting, but things don't always go to plan. Having travel insurance that includes some cancellation cover can help recover some costs when unexpected events like illness, natural disasters, or family emergencies impact your travel plans. Learn how cancellation cover works with ahm travel insurance, what’s usually included, and why it might be worth considering for your next trip.

Travel insurance: cancellation cover & how it can help when plans change

Every trip’s a little different. Maybe you’re heading to the snow, cruising the coast, or travelling with gear you’d rather not lose. If your plans go beyond the usual, it might be worth looking at travel insurance add-ons.

 offers a range of add-on options - so you can customise your cover to suit your trip, not the other way around.

Before you go: what are travel insurance add-ons?

Add-ons are options you can add to your travel insurance policy for an extra cost. They give you protection for specific activities, belongings or situations that a standard travel policy might not cover.


Standard travel insurance often excludes snow sports. If you’re heading to the mountains, ahm’s snow sports add-on can help with: 

: Some policies may require helmets or limit cover to certain resorts or countries - it might be worth checking before you go.


Cruises come with their own set of surprises - from missed port stops to unexpected medical needs onboard. 

 Even short, local cruises might need a bit of extra cover. Check out the 

 for all the nitty-gritty or give us a call on 1300 574 042 if you’re unsure.

3. You’re hiring a car or motorbike 


If your rental vehicle gets damaged or stolen, the excess charges from the hire company can really add up.

ahm’s rental vehicle insurance excess add-on may help cover those insurance excess costs- depending on your policy and situation.

 Some car hire companies charge a daily fee to reduce the excess. It might be worth checking how that compares with what’s included in your travel insurance. For full details, see the 

4. You’re packing more than just the basics 


If you’re travelling with extra luggage - like sporting equipment, gifts, or gear for a longer trip? 

ahm’s increased luggage add-on can help cover higher-value items if they’re lost or stolen±. 

 It may be helpful to check the per-item and total limits, especially if you’re packing for multiple people or special occasions. 

You’ve got big plans (and big bookings) 


If your trip includes non-refundable bookings or higher costs, ahm’s cancellation cover upgrade may help protect your investment.

This add-on can help cover things like higher trip costs.

 ahm travel insurance policies include up to $3,000 cancellation cover*. If your trip’s costing more like big bookings or early plans - you can bump up your cover with an upgrade!

Wrapping it up: custom cover for custom trips

Add-on options can give you the flexibility to tailor your travel insurance to match your travel plans - whether you’re cruising, skiing, or travelling with gear you can’t afford to lose. It’s all about picking cover that best fits your trip, so you can focus on the fun and adventures ahead.

So, if you’re looking to customise your policy, 

 or get in touch with the ahm travel insurance team if you’ve got questions.

ahm travel insurance add-ons can give you protection for specific activities, gear, and travel plans. From snow sports and cruises to rental vehicles and cancellation upgrades, this guide breaks down what optional extras can cover, and why they might come in handy.

Travel insurance add-ons: cover options to suit your trip 

Family holidays come with a mix of excitement, logistics, and the occasional snack negotiation. Whether you’re heading overseas or exploring closer to home, travelling with kids means planning for the unexpected and hoping for smooth sailing.

Before you go: what kids covered at “no extra cost” means

If you’ve spotted the phrase “kids covered at no extra cost~” and wondered what the catch is - good news, it’s pretty straightforward. With 

, dependants up to 18 years old can be included on your policy for free. They just need to be travelling with you for the whole trip and listed on the policy.

ahm’s article hub

Why is everyone talking about cortisol?

The Rise of Health Anxiety in the Age of Wearables

Why TikTok Is obsessed with ‘analogue bags’- and what it says about our screen addiction

Travel insurance for your babymoon: why it might be worth packing too

Travel insurance: cancellation cover & how it can help when plans change

Travel insurance add-ons: cover options to suit your trip

Travel insurance for families: kids covered at no extra cost

Travel insurance for adventure holidays: a guide to hiking, remote areas & more

Travel insurance for families: how travel insurance can help when things go off script