The house is a mess. The kids’ homework is nowhere close to being done. Dinner is a disaster. You’re frazzled. And it’s not even 6 pm.
Everyone has those “off days” when nothing goes right and all you want to do is crawl into bed and forget the world exists. Stress can play havoc with your system and deplete the little strength you have left.
Yes, you’ve tried meditation. The willpower to sit in a meditative state just isn’t there. Relaxation apps do everything else but calm the mind. Maybe, what you need is some good old-fashioned CBD.
The Big Question: How High?
No, we’re not talking about getting “high.” Many people confuse CBD with THC. Harvard Health explains it perfectly: CBD is a key component of medical marijuana, derived from the hemp plant, a relative of the cannabis plant. The chemical is one of many elements in marijuana and does not cause a high on its own.
You’ve noticed cannabidiol (CBD) products at your local health store. They’re touted as an “add-in” ingredient from coffee to smoothies to health bars. Did you know CBD-infused sports bras are a thing? Neither did we but now you do.
All the marketing can’t be for nothing, right? There has to be some truth to the calming benefits of CBD. We’ll discuss them further below.
Eases Anxiety
The Journal of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research published a study earlier this year. It was the first-ever randomized trial to assess the effects of legally available cannabis on anxiety symptoms.
GlobeNewswire reports that the prevalence of anxiety and depression is increasing globally due to lifestyle, urbanization, and societal pressures. The World Health Organization (WHO) says about 284 million people suffer from anxiety disorders, making it the most common mental health illness.
Study researchers wanted to understand the short-term and long-term effects of CBD and THC. They recruited 300 people suffering from anxiety.
The study yielded some extraordinary results, namely that participants using the CBD product showed the biggest improvement.
Senior study author Professor Cinnamon Bidwell said if anything, the results positively proved that CBD products may be able to relieve anxiety in the long and short term. The upside? CBD doesn’t produce the same risks as THC or prescription medication.
There’s a proliferation of CBD products available in stores and online. They can be used in cooking and self-care products. Products such as CBD cream and lotions are massive hits in the skincare industry. Soothing and light on the skin, the formula induces a calming and relaxing state.
However, not all CBD creams and CBD topicals are created equal. Ensure the ingredients list contains high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD and that it is lab-tested. Buy your products from a trusted and reputable brand.
Sagely Naturals says consumers should feel safe when using CBD products. Go with a brand that is transparent and uses only natural ingredients.
Helps Manage ADHD Symptoms
Because of CBD’s relaxing properties, many people tend to think it could help alleviate ADHD symptoms like trouble focusing and impulsive behavior.
Scientists have been working hard to see if the theory holds water. But it’s too soon to tell as not enough research has been done explicitly on cannabis and ADHD. Like any other medication, there are risks associated with taking cannabis when diagnosed with ADHD.
Yet, Verywell Health explains that it is a non-psychoactive component in cannabis and hemp, meaning that it targets different areas of the brain and can counteract THC’s effects. In addition, the publication says CBD can help regulate brain activity.
Pain Relief
Cannabis is traced as far back as 2900 BC when Chinese healers used it to treat pain. CBD may have been responsible for the relieving effects.
Studies indicate that CBD may help reduce chronic pain by affecting endocannabinoid receptors, decreasing inflammation, and interacting with neurotransmitters.
A review published in the journal Cureus investigated research on CBD and pain management. It concluded that CBD could help reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
Another report came to the same conclusion and noted that CBD oil and other cannabinoids can effectively manage chronic pain in adults.
A Stress-Free Day
We can’t be responsible for what life throws at us. Some days are better than others. But what you can do is find ways to cope with stress-inducing situations.
For some people, it’s a cup of calming camomile tea while others prefer to read a book or go for a walk. Whatever journey you take in discovering what works for you, remember that stress is a state of mind.
If using CBD products has been playing on your mind, consult an expert or your physician for a second opinion. They can alleviate any fears you may have.
