Over the last several years, CBD has gone from a medicinal wonder to a mainstream remedy that can be found at your favorite dispensary, online, or in your local grocery store. It’s no wonder why CBD has become so popular for the masses — this compound found within the cannabis plant offers a variety of health benefits, much like THC, but without the cognitive changes that drive some people away from cannabis products. In fact, CBD can even be used to calm the psychoactive effects of THC.
If you’re interested in the benefits CBD has to offer, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ll be discussing some of the health benefits this cannabis compound has to offer, primarily focusing on the ways it promotes positive mental health. We’ll also dive into different ways you can consume CBD based on your lifestyle and desired effects.
Live stress-free
With so much going on in the world right now, stress is seeming to make a serious surge. From world events to work, health, and family life, there are plenty of aspects in our daily lives that can quickly become sources of stress. And as you may know, prolonged, untreated stress can lead to other more serious mental and physical health issues, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Stroke
The good news is, CBD can be a really effective way to combat intermittent and chronic stress. How does it work? CBD helps balance the body’s endocannabinoid system by promoting production of endocannabinoids and regulating CB1 receptors. This process ultimately allows your body and brain to respond to stressful situations with less fear and anxiety.
There are several different ways you can leverage the power of CBD as a natural stress-reliever — CBD capsules are a pretty popular option because they’re discreet and typically have more bioavailability than other forms of CBD. Plus, you can easily incorporate them into your daily vitamin regimen. If you’re looking for an indulgent CBD treat for those stressful days where you need a little extra relaxation, try out a CBD bath bomb.
In addition to CBD, actively minimizing stressors, getting regular exercise, and seeking support can help reduce symptoms of stress.
Alleviate anxiety
Stress and anxiety are often used interchangeably, but they’re two totally different physical and psychological experiences. Stress is typically associated with a particular event, while anxiety is a response to the feelings of stress and oftentimes doesn’t have one particular trigger. Both stress and anxiety have similar physiological manifestations, including:
- Increased heart rate
- Faster breathing
- Intestinal issues
Because stress and anxiety have some similarities, CBD can be used for both! CBD can help with anxiety by managing the aforementioned physiological symptoms and also has been said to help promote serotonin and reduce social anxiety. However, it’s important to note that anxiety disorders may require additional treatment such as therapy or psychiatric support to overcome completely.
In addition to CBD and specialized anxiety treatment, give these remedies and healthy habits a try to help manage your anxiety:
- Regular exercise
- Breathing exercises
- Challenge your own thoughts — are they rational, or is it anxiety talking?
- Go for a walk
- Do yoga
- Get some fresh air
- Journal your thoughts
- Talk to someone about your experience
Boost your mood
Reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety is incredibly beneficial to your overall health and happiness, but the benefits of CBD don’t stop there! Over the years, CBD has been studied and found to help alleviate pain, improve focus and mental clarity, and improve happiness.
One reason this happens is because CBD encourages serotonin and dopamine production — the chemical compounds that make you feel energized and happy. What’s more, these increased feelings of energy and positivity may also make you feel more focused.
How to use CBD for mental health
While CBD is a natural remedy with few side effects, it’s still important to take precautions in order to use this ingredient safely and achieve your desired outcome. Below you’ll find some guidelines to help.
- Always follow product instructions
- Consult your doctor beforehand
- Read up on local restrictions
- Look for high-quality products
CBD can be an incredibly powerful mental health resource when used appropriately! Use these tips to guide your journey toward a happier and more stress-free life with CBD.
