The Cortisol Awakening Response
By Dr. Denise Renye
Most people notice how they feel in the morning, whether energized, groggy, or anxious, but these experiences are shaped not only by individual biology but also by social and systemic factors. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) reflects how our bodies prepare for the day, and it can be influenced by chronic stress stemming from social inequality, discrimination, and marginalization.
Cortisol, often called the “stress hormone,” naturally rises and falls throughout the day. Within about 30 to 45 minutes of waking, cortisol should increase, giving a surge of alertness and energy to face the day. A healthy CAR supports focus, energy, and resilience. When stress is chronic, however, CAR can become dysregulated, contributing to anxiety, burnout, or exhaustion.
Social Context Shapes CAR
People experiencing systemic oppression, discrimination, or social marginalization often carry higher baseline stress. This can manifest as:
Exaggerated CAR: waking with heightened vigilance, anxiety, or anticipation of threat.
Blunted CAR: chronic exhaustion or emotional flattening due to long-term stress and allostatic load.
These biological patterns are not simply personal; they are embodied reflections of social realities. Understanding CAR through a social justice lens reminds us that stress is shaped by the environment, access to resources, and societal pressures.
Dreams and Archetypes as Social Mirrors
Dreams and archetypes provide another lens for understanding stress. Archetypal figures such as the Warrior, the Caregiver, or the Seeker may appear in dreams, reflecting both personal and collective challenges. Dreams can mirror societal dynamics, highlighting issues like oppression, resilience, or intergenerational trauma. For example:
A Warrior archetype in a dream may reflect vigilance in a world that feels unsafe because of systemic injustice.
A Shadow archetype may point to internalized oppression or societal messages that limit self-expression.
Paying attention to these archetypes alongside CAR can help individuals understand how social stressors are embodied and processed, and how the psyche is seeking balance, meaning, and agency.
Integrating Awareness into Daily Life
Reflect on how societal pressures or systemic inequities may shape your morning energy and dreams.
Use journaling or dream work to explore archetypal messages that relate to both personal and collective stress.
Cultivate supportive routines, such as grounding practices, morning light, and gentle movement, to help regulate CAR while honoring your lived experiences.
Considering CAR, dreams, and archetypes through a social justice lens allows for a holistic understanding of stress. It acknowledges that resilience is not only personal but also relational and structural, and it empowers individuals to work with their biology and psyche while advocating for systemic change.