Stress & CBD – 4 ways people claim it can help
The stresses of daily life seem to be getting on top of us more than ever before. In fact, a recent study by the Mental Health Foundation found that 74% of us have felt so stressed we have become overwhelmed or unable to copy. That is a frighteningly high number, and one of the reasons why initiatives like this week’s International Stress Awareness Week are so important.
Thanks to its role in regulating our endocannabinoid system (ECS), more and more people are taking regular doses of CBD to help with the effects of stress. This is because studies suggest there are a number of ways that CBD can help us manage stress a little more effectively.
Improving sleep quality
Lack of sleep is a major contributor to feelings of anxiety, stress and even depression, so getting the right amount of good quality sleep as often as possible is really important. The effects of CBD on sleep quality are still being fully researched, but an increasing number of us are using CBD to helps improve sleep quality and even to help overcome ongoing sleep issues like insomnia.
Reducing Anxiety
Although often spoken about together, stress and anxiety are very different things. Stress is a natural response to an external issue such as a difficult or challenging work situation. Anxiety is different. Anxiety is our internal response to the stress and can manifest itself in lots of ways, including feelings of fear or persistent worry. Although it is difficult to avoid stressful situations in life (and in actual fact many stressful situations can be positive experiences), we can help our body and mind deal with the resulting anxiety better. CBD is use is thought to be one way. Recent studies have shown that when used regularly, CBD reduces feelings of anxiety. Working to the right dosage is important though. Read our helpful guide here for knowing what strength is right for you.
Mood boosting
When we feel good, we’re far less likely to suffer lasting effects of stress and anxiety. Our mood is often dictated by our serotonin levels, with low levels often being connected to anxiety and depression. Although CBD doesn’t stimulate serotonin levels itself, research has shown that CBD may improve how our brain’s chemical receptors respond to serotonin, helping to balance our mood and promote both antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Reducing Pain
According to a recent study by the Imperial College of London, two fifths of the adult population are living with chronic pain. An unbelievably high percentage. Chronic pain has a number of effects on the body which can impact on our quality of life – from making us less mobile to making it difficult to exercise as much as we would like. One less obvious effect is the ongoing mental stress it causes. When our bodies are suffering with pain, we are much more likely to have an ongoing stress response to the pain, which can make us feel more anxious and more fearful every day. CBD is increasingly being used as a natural remedy for pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that by interacting with the bodies ECS receptors, CBD can create anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects that can help your body deal better with the chronic pain and therefore be less likely to suffer the ongoing stress as a consequence.
Although studies show CBD can help with stress and anxiety in many ways, if you feel you are struggling to cope with ongoing stress then please seek medical advice from your GP.