It’s ironic that people have never been this anxious and stressed in a world that has never seen so much comfort, technological, and medical advancement. As if the more artificial certainty we create for ourselves through medicine, perfectly coordinated schedules, and effortless processes thanks to technology, we have become more afraid of the uncertainty of life.
Acceptance of this uncertainty is the first step to easing stress and anxiety. After all, the unknown is such a massive part of our life whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. After that, we can try to ease stress and anxiety with other healthy habits. Reducing the amount of sugar and exercising more outside are two excellent ways of bringing more peace into our life.
There is another natural way to ease stress and anxiety — a natural compound that has been around for thousands of years known as CBD.
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What is CBD?
Short for cannabinol, CBD is the second most predominant active ingredient in the cannabis plant. CBD is derived from the hemp plant, and as a result, it contains a low level of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The latter is a considerable component of marijuana — it is the reason users become high. However, in hemp-derived CBD, the THC level is less than 0.3 percent, so users are at no risk of becoming high or overdosing.
This is why the World Health Organization (WHO) has deemed CBD a safe, natural compound. Its low THC content is also the reason countries such as the US have legalized CBD. Although research on this natural compound is limited, researchers have noted the significant potential CBD has for a list of chronic and mental health issues such as diabetes, depression, insomnia, PTSD, and more.
Thanks to its positive attributes, some of the world’s top CBD oil brands have made this natural compound more accessible and safer to buy, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar store. CBD oil is easy to ingest. You can take it sublingually by placing a drop under your tongue for it to be absorbed quickly, or you can add it to anything from your morning smoothie, coffee, cereal, or salad dressing.
How does CBD oil help with stress and anxiety?
Chemical imbalances in our brain and hormone imbalance in the body are the leading causes of stress and anxiety once we face stressful situations, whether they are real or imagined. Treating stress and anxiety with CBD is possible and safe. The following are three ways CBD oil can help.
CBD will not enhance your paranoia
For those who are chronically stressed and anxious, taking something that will make you feel you have lost control isn’t a good idea. This is why anxious people who take marijuana do not enjoy the experience. It’s because the high THC content and the mind-altering effects it brings makes them feel more anxious and paranoid.
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This is not an issue with CBD. Since this natural compound causes no mind-altering effects, you will not experience more anxiety and stress caused by the fear of getting high and losing control. Researchers have noted no harmful side effects of CBD, and unlike some medications, it is gentle on the organs. The only known side effects some CBD users have experienced include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
CBD balances cortisol levels
Cortisol is a critical hormone that helps us determine whether we fight or flight during an emergency. But when you suffer from chronic stress and cortisol is released continuously in the body, it leads to adverse effects. High levels of cortisol lead to a weak immune system, weight gain, and chronic fatigue. All of these factors can cause more stress.
CBD can help ease stress by balancing cortisol levels in the body. When you take CBD oil, the cannabinoids interact with the receptors running through the body. Although researchers have yet to understand how CBD interacts with the receptors, they know that it can signal to them and trigger change. Here, the change comes as more balanced cortisol levels in the body.
CBD increases GABA and serotonin levels
CBD can also trigger the release of more serotonin and GABA in the mind and body. Serotonin is a critical neurotransmitter that infuses us with the sense of well-being we need to feel less anxious. Located in the brain region, GABA helps ease anxiety by signaling to the body to be more relaxed. In both cases, CBD can interact with the receptors to trigger changes and encourage the body to increase serotonin and GABA levels.
Stress and anxiety are part of life, but they do not need to rule our days. Healthily dealing with them is better than avoiding these negative traits, as we would be allowing them to become worse. When you feel overwhelmed, it is best to turn to someone you can trust. They will remind you that although you may feel like it, you are not alone. You can get through this.
