CBD for Stress Management

Can you use CBD for stress? Stress affects people at one point in their lives. Stress is common and can arise from work, school, home, or even relationships.

If stress is not treated, it can take a heavy toll on your health and may affect your mental health. It causes symptoms of blood pressure, headaches, diabetes as well as anxiety and depression.

For that reason, many are seeking a more natural approach to reduce stress. And this is where CBD for stress comes handy.

Can You Use CBD for Stress?

In the United States alone, stress affects eight of 10 Americans. This is equivalent to 79% of the total population. While there are prescription medications to reduce stress, such as Prozac and Xanax, they often come along with unpleasant side effects.

Fortunately, you can supplement CBD for stress into your daily regimen.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a type of cannabinoid that occurs naturally in cannabis plants. Research and anecdotal reports have shown promising results of CBD oil in managing stress.

Unlike its counterpart, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive. It doesn’t cause the high associated with cannabis.

When CBD enters the body, it binds with cannabinoid receptors present in the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has two primary receptors: CB1 and CB2, located in the central nervous system and immune system respectively.

The way CBD impacts the brain to reduce stress is not clear. Nonetheless, it may change serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in mental health. Low serotonin levels may lead to stress and anxiety.

Serotonin interacts with 5-HT1A receptors, which play a significant role in anxiety disorders.

Besides, the body naturally produces cannabinoids used in the brain and throughout the body. When stressed, the ECS is imbalanced. With the help of CBD, it may help restore balance in the body, also known as homeostasis.

Case Studies on CBD Oil for Stress

One study suggests that CBD reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking.

A 2014 study found that cannabidiol has anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. Researchers performed the study on animal models with several experiments.

This included a forced swimming test (FST), Vogel conflict test (VCT), and elevated plus maze (EPM).

Another 2015 review examined the use of CBD oil in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Researchers found that CBD binds with CB1 receptors, 5-HT1A receptors plus other receptors in the brain that modulate anxiety.

Other studies suggest that CBD may potentially regenerate damaged neurons from chronic stress in the brain. Cannabidiol works to stimulate the growth of new neurons, particularly in the hippocampus.

Stress vs Anxiety: Differences

Several people experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives. Moreover, this can significantly lower one’s quality of life. While both are emotional responses, they’re not similar.

Stress is typically short-term and commonly comes from external triggers, such as quarreling with your loved one or tight deadlines at work.

They can also stem from long-term triggers, such as chronic illness. However, once the situation is resolved, stress subsides.

People affected by stress often experience symptoms. Symptoms of stress include:

Headaches
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Chest pains
And more.

Anxiety, however, comes with excessive worries even after the situation has passed. Anxiety symptoms include restlessness, panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and trouble falling asleep.

It’s important to identify and differentiate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. Usually, stress triggers anxiety. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent escalating to an anxiety disorder.

However, supplementing with hemp products may potentially help manage stress levels. Read on to learn how to use CBD oil for stress.

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How to Use CBD for Stress

There are various forms of taking CBD. Oil tinctures are the most popular forms of using cannabidiol. Users can either swallow them or take them sublingually. If you want to experience the effects faster, a sublingual method is ideal.

Simply place the recommended dose under the tongue and hold for a minute before swallowing.

This way, it allows faster absorption of cannabidiol into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes. But, if you need slower effects of hemp, you can swallow the dose.

Edibles, such as gummies deliver the same effects as tinctures but they’re slow-acting. Gummies are a fun way of ingesting cannabidiol.

You enjoy your delicious gummy while reaping the benefits of CBD. When you use gummies, the effects take longer to be felt because they must pass through the digestive tract before making it into the bloodstream.

Similarly, CBD capsules are like gummies since they are discreet. The best thing about pills is that they contain a premeasured dose and you don’t have to figure out the right doses of hemp.

Different Types of CBD for Stress

It’s important to note that there are three types of hemp products: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate hemp.

Full-spectrum CBD is a whole plant extract, meaning it contains all the phytocannabinoids a cannabis plant has to offer, including THC.

Broad-spectrum, however, is like full-spectrum with exception of THC.

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On the other hand, CBD isolate is the purest form of cannabidiol. All cannabinoids and compounds are isolated during extraction.

Notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t approved any form of CBD for stress. Therefore, there’s no specific dose and users need to make a purchase based on their own judgment.

While CBD may help reduce stress, there are other lifestyle activities that may help manage stress.

Other Ways to Deal with Stress

Other than using CBD for stress, people can learn how to cope with it better by practicing some of these tips.

Physical activity

During stressful situations, the level of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol increases. Engaging in physical activities may potentially help reduce stress.

It does this by metabolizing the excessive stress hormones, restoring the body into a calmer and relaxed state.

Whenever you feel stressed, take a walk as you breathe in fresh air. However, incorporating regular physical activities will significantly help manage stress.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep is a major cause of stress. Conversely, stress may also lead to difficulty in falling asleep.

Aim to get optimum relaxation a few hours before going to bed. This allows the mind to calm down and relax, letting you fall asleep faster.

Also, avoiding distractions, such as turning the TV off, and bright lights.

Having a bedtime routine may significantly help you get enough sleep, reducing stress levels.

Read More: CBD SLEEP RECIPES

Eat healthy

Stress levels and a balanced diet are closely related. Often when stressed, you forget to eat healthily and resort to using fast foods.

Eating well-balanced meals, such as vegetables, fruits, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has shown promise in reducing the symptoms of stress.

Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine

Avoid, or at least limit the intake of alcohol, or any drinks with caffeine or nicotine. Since caffeine and nicotine are stimulants, they will increase the level of stress rather than reducing it.

Alcohol, on the other hand, is a depressant when consumed in higher amounts. Conversely, it is a stimulant when used in lower amounts. Using alcohol when stressed is not helpful at all.

Instead, drink a lot of water and fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated.

Talk it out with a friend

When you’re under a lot of stress, talking out to a friend or your loved ones will distract you from stressful moments or ease tension. This, then, can help in reducing stress.

Besides, when you share your burdens with someone, they can help you find solutions to your stress.

Listen to music

Other than using CBD for stress management, try listening to your favorite music or any relaxing music.

Calm music has shown a positive impact on the mind and body. This may potentially reduce hormones linked to stress, such as cortisol.

Take a deep breath

While taking a deep breath may seem untrue when it comes to stress, inhaling, and exhaling eases tension caused by stress.

This loosens your body and tense muscles. Sometimes closing your eyes and taking a deep breath is all you need to manage your stress levels.

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Learn More About CBD for Stress

Can CBD oil lower your heart rate?

When undergoing stressful situations, your blood pressure can rise. However, one study performed on rat models found that a dose of CBD lowered blood pressure levels and heart rate.

This shows promising results for humans as hemp oil may potentially lower heart rate.

Is CBD oil good for stress?

CBD hemp oil is a natural way to reduce everyday stress. However, consumers should also use them as a dietary supplement because currently, the FDA hasn’t approved CBD for stress.

Does CBD help with anxiety attacks?

Like many things in life, each person responds to CBD uniquely.

According to this study, cannabidiol may potentially help reduce anxiety attacks by combating social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.