Managing your mental health can feel like a full-time job these days. With rising gas prices, worrisome inflation, and the never-ending political debates, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to focus on the things in life that don’t add to the stress in your daily life. Many people are turning to cannabis (specifically, marijuana) as a way to leave their stresses aside and just zen.
But if you’re one of the many people who aren’t keen on the overwhelming effects of the psychoactive THC, you do have some alternatives. Some people relieve stress by physical exertion, leisure activities like drawing or reading, or focusing on a hobby like video games or playing an instrument. All of these activities are great for people who have some spare time after a long day.
Yet what do you do if “free time” simply doesn’t exist in your lifestyle? So glad you asked! In this article, we’ll be focusing on an increasingly popular method of stress-relief that might just help you let go of all that crushing mental weight. That’s right, we’re talking about CBD!
What CBD Is & How It Works
Most people are loosely familiar with what CBD is and have some idea of what it does. To summarize, CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the hemp plant. The hemp plant is classified as cannabis that contains 0.3% THC or less. The 2018 Farm Bill allows hemp to be legal on a federal level and is widely available throughout the United States. The world is still discovering all of the therapeutic benefits of the hemp plant, though much research is needed to fully understand all that CBD has to offer. What we do know is that there are hundreds of compounds in the hemp plant that are called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are classified as psychoactive or non-psychoactive, the latter meaning that they do not get the consumer high. CBD is the most readily available cannabinoid and continues to dominate the market with its homeopathic properties.
In recent articles, we’ve touched on how CBD can help with working out, relaxation, motivation, uneasiness, and even tattoos! But this fascinating cannabinoid doesn't stop there. Studies have shown that CBD is effective as an epilepsy reducer, is very effective as a sleep aid, and can help with fatigue and chronic discomfort in joints and muscles. It becomes very easy to assume that CBD is nothing more than a magic potion that cures all ailments. This is far from the truth, and you should be wary of fanatical claims that some brands make in order to push their products.
However, simply avoiding CBD because you are wary of its claims is equally foolish. CBD works differently according to the individual. Some users may feel an instant improvement upon starting a CBD regiment, while others will need to be patient to allow the compound to work naturally with their endocannabinoid system (ECS). Not all people react the same way to certain stressors and many are more skilled at managing their stress than others. It boils down to what stresses you, why, and what you can do to help reduce it.
Can CBD Help With Stress?
The phrase “mental health” has dominated the American culture for many years and more disorders are finally being addressed instead of squashed like they have been for centuries. Panic attacks, PTSD, depression, social uneasiness, and others are nothing new; we’re simply hearing more about them because they’re finally being addressed as real problems instead of “it’s just in your head.” These issues can be a severe hindrance to those yearning to experience a “normal” life. The truth is that we all have some idea of what normal actually is. Whether it be posting a picture on social media or going out with friends, the stress of daily living can be preventing people of all ages from truly experiencing what social media affectionately refers to as “living your best life.”
This is where CBD comes in. According to certain studies, consuming CBD is an excellent way to help improve your mental health. The non-psychoactive compound is best known for its relaxing properties. Many users praise CBD for its ability to help them wind down after a long day, provide clarity in times when stress builds up, and reduce the amount of “brain fog” that is responsible for making them feel overwhelmed. As you gradually incorporate CBD in your lifestyle, you can start to pinpoint how CBD can help you take back control in your everyday life. The key is to be patient and allow the cannabinoid to slowly restore your overall health and wellness, especially your mental health, to full capacity.
How Much CBD To Consume When You Feel Stressed
The amount of CBD you need to consume in order to help soothe your stress is completely up to you. If you work in a high-stress environment or are faced with constantly changing things throughout your day, chances are that high that you’ll need stronger doses of CBD to help calm you down. You may feel more stressed than others in your age group, career path, or lifestyle, meaning the dosage of CBD you consume will need to be tailored to your specific needs.
Once again, there’s no magic amount of CBD that works flawlessly across the board. Only you can decide how much CBD is needed in order to be effective. That being said, you’ll need to be patient in order to find your ideal dose. Start off with a low amount to allow your body to become adjusted to the compound. Many products are available in as low as 30mg while others can go all the way up to 2000mg. You can experiment with different product types to see which is most effective. Many users prefer tinctures as an effective method, whereas others enjoy capsules or inhalables. There’s no perfect dosage that fits every individual. You can view this as a chance to feel special as you realize (and ultimately accept) that your dosage is tailored specifically for you and your needs.
When Should You Use CBD For Stress?
One of the most impressive aspects of consuming CBD is that there’s no best time to take it. You can use it in the beginning of the day, a time when many users are most stressed. Fighting the morning commute, checking the clock while you wait in line for coffee, or simply walking through the doors to start a difficult project are all things that CBD can help with. If you feel more stressed at the end of the day, CBD can help soothe your overactive mind, help you relax enough to allow you to fall asleep, or reflect on the day and all that you got accomplished. Many users opt for scheduled consumption times: once in the morning and once at night. Other users prefer the as-needed method, in that they consume CBD when they feel the stressors start to kick in more intensely. Some use CBD solely at night to help them relax, while others prefer the full dose first thing in the morning to supercharge their day. Remember that while you won’t feel any intoxicating effects, you may start to notice as your mood improves, as does your reaction to whatever is currently raising your stress levels. If you’re concerned with starting a CBD regiment for the first time, it’s strongly advised to consult with your primary care physician beforehand. They may be able to give you some guidance on the best products to use as when to use them.
Conclusion
Stress is an everyday hurdle that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome. Many users feel lost and frustrated in a world that’s overflowing with endless possibilities, constant stress, and unrealistic expectations. It’s true that there are many ways to push back against the stress of being an adult, whether it be exercise, reading, or spending quality time with friends and family.
Yet there will be times when these stress-relievers simply aren’t available when we need them. CBD can help as it regulates your body’s mood and can help your stressed mind relax to the point where you can think clearly. There is so much more to be learned about CBD, but there’s no denying that this powerful cannabinoid is a fantastic way to help relieve stress. There is no perfect dosage for CBD, nor is there a perfect time to consume it. CBD works according to the individual as it allows you to decide how much CBD to consume and when to consume it, thus making it a personalized experience for the user.
Here at Erth Wellness, we’re passionate about quality and effectiveness. Our extensive collection of softgels, CBD vape juice, topicals, pre-rolls, and tinctures are ready and waiting to help you fight off your stress demons. In a future article, we’ll be going more in detail about which products to consume while stressed, as well as what specific stress disorders can be helped by CBD. Be sure to check back soon for these articles and much more, all revolving around the fascinating world of hemp-derived CBD. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
