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Stress is a biological process designed to help us react to danger and motivate us, but when it becomes too much, it turns into anxiety and this tends to damage us.
Using natural solutions is a safe approach to cope with and prevent anxiety disorders, without worrying about side effects, strengthening the entire organism and facing life’s challenges with new energy.
In ancient human history, the stress response helped us to fight or flee imminent danger. Today, there are many lifestyle factors and events that can trigger the same physiological response, which is harmful to the body if exposed to it over the long term.
The stress response is only meant to be temporary, providing us with an extra boost of energy, fast reaction times and cognitive focus for our self-preservation. When the stress response is ‘hijacked’, it can do more harm than good, making us more susceptible to illness, injury and anxiety disorders.
Many people are looking for natural-based solutions to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, diet, and CBD products are often mentioned in this context.
We will discuss what CBD is and some research conducted on its effects. Next, we will illustrate the importance of finding high-quality, contaminant-free products before we discover the different ways in which you can use this compound to achieve your health goals.
How Does Stress Manifest Itself in the Body?
Stress is a physiological response, otherwise known as the ‘fight or flight’ reaction, which involves the sympathetic nervous system. It is a protective physiological mechanism that prepares the body to face danger directly or move away from it.
The American physiologist, Dr Walter Cannon, was the first to describe this mechanism in the 1920s when he observed the chain of reactions within the body that mobilised the body’s resources to deal with threats.
In response to danger, the sympathetic nervous system takes control by releasing stress hormones – cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and dilate the pupils to assess the surroundings and respond quickly, temporarily increasing strength and speed.
This type of stress can help us perform better in sports, at school or at work, but when there is no perceived real stress and our systems are constantly bombarded by mentally stressful situations, we can run the risk of developing anxiety disorders and endangering our mental health.
What Science Says About CBD and Stress
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a non-intoxicating compound extracted from the cannabis plant. Many people turn to CBD products to support a variety of wellness-related goals, and offer benefits against stress.
CBD and other cannabinoids are very similar to neurotransmitters in the body called endocannabinoids, which are part of the endocannabinoid system (SEC).
The SEC functions as a cellular signalling system throughout the body to support homeostasis (balance) for optimal function. When the body is in a state of imbalance, it is more prone to stress and disease.
Researchers believe that CBD has such wide-ranging effects throughout the body because it supports the overall function of the SEC as a moderator for some of our most vital functions, including stress response, energy metabolism, pain perception and immune function.
CBD and Anxiety: Dosage and Modes of Intake
CBD dosage varies according to individual response to the intake of different amounts of CBD. To date, most scientific studies have confirmed the complete safety of this active ingredient.
Doses can vary from 50 mg to 120 mg of CBD per day.
We recommend starting with a low dosage and gradually increasing until the desired effect is achieved. For example, 5 drops in the morning and 5 in the evening might be an ideal dosage to start with.
For mild anxiety disorders, we recommend the use of CBD Capsule oil, while in the case of panic attacks and chronic anxiety, it is preferable to opt for the 25% oil.
The benefits of CBD to combat stress
CBD has rapidly become a popular health and wellness supplement due to its unique interaction with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates the body’s optimal functioning through homeostasis.
Although research on CBD is still in its infancy, it shows great potential for therapeutic uses, and many people use it as part of their self-care routines to manage healthy stress levels due to its gentle actions in supporting sleep, relieving muscle and body discomfort, and calming nervous feelings or anxious thoughts.
It is important to keep in mind that CBD is not a miracle solution and, because it is still relatively new on the market, not all CBD products offer the same level of wellness benefits.
Your sleep routine
When we feel stressed, we often have difficulty sleeping well. Not only are we kept awake by worrying thoughts, but the physical signs of stress can prevent us from resting.
Many people use evening rituals to quiet the mind and achieve a state of relaxation. For example, a relaxing evening bath, breathing exercises or meditation can help us decompress and unwind after a stressful day. These rituals can be enhanced with our Sleep Oil, which combines high-quality CBD with Valerian and CBN. These delicious flavours work together with CBD to lead you into a night of peaceful sleep. Wake up feeling refreshed and renewed.
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Sleep Oil – Sleep Solution£37.90
Your wellness regime
Wellness routines such as exercise, yoga and meditation can calm distracting thoughts, helping us to feel more centred and balanced. However, when we are stressed, we can sometimes face mental blocks. These can prove problematic while participating in wellness rituals.
CBD can help calm the mind, allowing us to enter a more relaxed and focused state. By easily getting into the rhythm of a light workout or breathing exercises associated with yoga or meditation, we can get the most out of the invigorating effects of these routines.
Other Natural Methods to Fight Anxiety
There are several natural methods that can be used to combat anxiety. Here are some suggestions:
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety levels and improve general well-being. Even a short walk or yoga session can make a difference.
- Deep breathing and meditation: Practising deep breathing and meditation can calm the nervous system, reduce stress and relieve anxiety.
- Balanced Diet: A healthy, balanced diet can positively influence your mental state. Reduce consumption of caffeine and refined sugars and favour nutrient-rich foods.
- Herbs and Supplements: Certain herbs and supplements such as chamomile, valerian or magnesium can have calming effects and reduce anxiety.
- CBD oil: CBD (cannabidiol), extracted from the cannabis plant, can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress.
- Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies: Techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be very effective in managing anxiety.
- Stress Management: Learning stress management techniques such as time planning, progressive muscle relaxation or guided visualisation can help prevent anxiety.
- Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining mental balance. Try to follow a regular routine and create an environment conducive to rest.
- Limit Exposure to Sources of Stress: Try to identify and limit situations or activities that increase your anxiety levels.
- Social support: Talk to friends, family members or mental health professionals. Openness and social support can have a positive impact on anxiety management.
Remember that it is important to consult a health professional before making significant changes to your routine or starting to use new methods to manage anxiety.