If you are looking for new ways to relieve stress in your life, cannabidiol may be the answer. Here is a beginner’s guide on how to use CBD for stress.
Are you feeling anxious, stressed, or nervous? Maybe your heart is starting to pound and your hands are starting to shake. You’re not the only one.
Of the 37% of people using CBD for stress or anxiety relief, 63% found it extremely or very effective. In fact, CBD for stress relief is one of the top reasons people use it!
You don’t have to let stress wear you down or control your life. Instead, keep reading to learn more about CBD for anxiety and stress. With this beginner’s guide, you can learn everything you need to know about how CBD might benefit your life.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of CBD for stress.
What is CBD?
First, it helps to have a brief understanding of what CBD actually is.
CBD is a compound that’s found in both hemp and cannabis plants alongside THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, however, CBD is not psychoactive. It won’t cause any of the side effects that are commonly associated with weed.
In fact, some people note that THC makes their stress and anxiety worse.
CBD, however, is ideal for easing symptoms associated with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Stress
- Depression
- Anxiety
CBD works by acting on your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is responsible for regulating numerous functions, including your:
- Appetite
- Metabolism
- Pain
- Stress
- Mood
- Anxiety
- Memory
- Learning
There are two receptors in your body that help regulate these functions.
CB1 and CB2 Receptors
Your CB1 receptors are located throughout your central nervous system. CB2 receptors are found in your peripheral nervous system and help fight inflammation and immunity. By taking CBD, you can keep your body in equilibrium to minimize certain responses, including stress.
For example, CBD might impact the CB1 receptors in your pain to alter serotonin signals. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a big part in regulating your mood.
In fact, a serotonin deficiency can cause:
- Poor appetite
- Poor memory
- Aggression
- Impulsive behavior
- Anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Irritability
These responses can add to your existing stress levels. In time, low serotonin can even lead to:
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Taking CBD might help increase natural serotonin production, which could help relieve anxiety and stress. However, each person reacts to CBD a little differently.
CBD for Stress
Before using CBD for stress, it’s important to pinpoint what’s causing stress in your daily life. Otherwise, chronic stress can cause an increase in the stress hormone cortisol. Excess cortisol can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Acne
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Irritability
- Difficulting concentrating
- Delayed healing
- Weakened muscles
- Easy bruising
- Thinning skin
- Fatigue
Stressful situations prompt your body to produce adrenaline and cortisol hormones. These hormones trigger your fight-or-flight response, which can cause your heart rate to increase. Usually, your hormones will return to normal levels once the threat is gone.
If you live in constant stress, however, your body will continue to produce adrenaline and cortisol.
Using CBD for stress might help increase serotonin production to offset the excess cortisol. This process would restore balance to your ECS and reduce your stress.
CBD for Anxiety and Depression
There are also numerous studies that indicate CBD can help relieve anxiety, which is a stress response.
For example, mice that were given CBD and placed in a cage with a boa constrictor spent less time running and panicking. Instead, they scanned their environment to look for a strategic place to hide.
In a human study, people with anxiety disorders and social anxiety disorder experienced less anxiety during public speaking events.
There are a few different ways CBD can help relieve anxiety and stress. For starters, CBD binds to 5-HT1A, which plays a strong role in anxiety disorders. By acting as an agonist to the 5-HT1A receptor, CBD is able to increase serotonin production to help relieve your stress.
When you’re stressed and anxious, your endocannabinoid system will become dysregulated. CBD can prevent overstimulation of CB1 receptors and increase endocannabinoid production. This process allows your body to achieve equilibrium again.
Otherwise, the dysregulation will only add to your stress and anxiety.
Over 75% of the people with a mental disorder like anxiety or depression don’t receive treatment. Those who do receive treatment are given pharmaceutical drugs. Unfortunately, these medications can cause harmful side effects like addiction or drug abuse.
One of the benefits of CBD is that it doesn’t cause these side effects. Instead, CBD is a natural substance that can help relieve stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms safely.
CBD for Sleep
In addition to easing anxiety and stress, CBD can also help you sleep. If you experience chronic stress, however, you might have a difficult time getting the rest you need.
In fact, sleep deprivation can cause:
- Increased chance of accidents (like car crashes)
- Reduced sex drive
- Impaired alertness, concentration, and problem-solving abilities
- Increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and diabetes
- Reduced collagen production, which keeps your skin healthy and young
- Depression and anxiety
- Memory issues
- Weight gain
- Increased hunger
- Impaired judgment
- Increased risk of death
CBD can help regulate your ECS, which can also regulate your sleep patterns. Otherwise, your cortisol production will continue to rise without proper sleep.
By easing your stress, you can rest, relax, and avoid long-term health issues.
Determining the Serving Size
Remember, people react to CBD a little differently. To determine the proper CBD serving size for your needs, start low and go slow.
Start with a low serving size. If you don’t experience results, slowly increase your serving size over time. Stop when you begin to notice your stress is reduced.
You should know there are a few side effects of CBD you’ll need to watch out for. Stop using CBD if you experience changes in your weight or appetite. You might also experience fatigue or diarrhea.
Check out these FAQs if it’s your first time using CBD.
If you’re taking medications for anxiety and stress, make sure to speak with your doctor before you start using CBD.
Rest, Relax, and Recharge: A Beginner’s Guide to CBD for Stress
Read to relax and recharge? With this beginner’s guide to CBD for stress, you may have discovered the answers you need for stress relief. Consider purchasing your first bottle of CBD oil today to start easing the stress away!
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