Let’s just say it: these are not easy times.

Stress is part of the human condition. Your stressors can vary; maybe it’s sitting in traffic or a frustrating session helping a kid with homework. Maybe it’s a pressing work deadline or family politics. Throw in a global pandemic, economic uncertainty, and intense social change. It’s normal to feel stressed, and it’s appropriate given the anxious times we live in. But it’s exhausting, and extended exposure to stress is harmful to our immune systems and our mental health.

Managing stress is essential to maintaining good health. Regular exercise, meditation, moderating your diet, even petting the dog can help lower your stress levels. Everyone can benefit from stress reducing activities. CBD and stress relief go hand in hand--CBD is a great way to supplement these other activities and kill stress before it can start to ruin your day. Read on to learn how CBD relieves and prevents stress.

CBD For Stress Relief: How CBD Helps Relieve Stress

CBD is short for cannabidiol, a cannabinoid found in cannabis and many other plants, such as flaxseeds, cloves, and black pepper. CBD is non-intoxicating, unlike its cousin THC, but it has many other benefits -- including stress relief. CBD for stress can be kind of an amazing solution--and a natural one at that.

Cannabinoids, like CBD, don’t just come from plants. They are naturally occurring chemicals found in the body, part of the endocannabinoid (ECS) system. Endocannabinoids act as messengers, sending signals to the brain, guts and other areas to regulate basic body functions.

CBD behaves like the endocannabinoids your body makes, delivering messages to the CB1 receptors in your brain and central nervous system. That message? You can relax. When you’ve been exposed to extended or extreme stress, your brain isn’t as good at telling your body to relax. Again, exercise, meditation, and hearing your cat purr when you rub that fuzzy belly can help. And regular CBD supplements can remind the less self-aware parts of your brain what it feels like to let go. That’s why CBD is amazing for stress relief--it’s like a friendly reminder to your brain to chill out.

Learn more about the endocannabinoid system and the inner workings of CBD from our blog.

CBD products and practices for de-stressing

Managing stress is a conscious activity. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and mindful actions go a long way towards lowering your stress levels. Partner these activities with CBD products and you’ll build a stress management routine that supports you while you navigate life’s stressful moments.

End your day on the right note. Most people benefit from a predictable evening routine, and with our always-on-the-go society, it can help to have a clear pre-bed game plan to help you wind down.

As you are unwinding from your day, choose quiet activities that minimize stimulation, preferably those that avoid screens. If you can, avoid screens (phones, computers, your TV) at least two hours before bed. Read a book, color, play a game with your family, or do a puzzle instead.

A cup of tea is also a great way to wind down. Add a half dropper of our Daily Balance CBD Oil for an extra calming effect. Make it part of a routine so it starts to trigger that wind-down response quickly.

Clear your mind. Carrying your daytime worries into the evening can make it difficult to fall asleep -- or to sleep through the night. It’s hard to drift off to sleep, after all, if you can’t turn off your brain.

CBD can make it easier to gain control of your thoughts, helping you relax enough to sleep well. Add a little yoga or meditation to calm your mind further and get you ready for a solid night’s rest. New to meditation? Try our guided practice. Music can quiet your mind too; here’s a Spotify playlist to help you chill.

Relax your body. If you’re physically uncomfortable, it’s hard to get proper rest. It’s never fun trying to sleep when it hurts to roll over in bed.

Relax your muscles with a quick massage using our topical CBD Hemp Balm, soothing discomfort. Apply the balm directly to the affected areas. CBD capsules, which provide relief that will last long enough to let you get the full 7-8 hours of sleep you need.

There are plenty of easy ways to minimize stress in your daily life. You cannot change the things that cause stress, but you can change the way you react to life's stressors. By incorporating CBD into your daily routine, along with other lifestyle changes, you can take back control of the chaos so you can get back to the good stuff.

Figuring Out The Right Amount of CBD For You

Figuring out the correct amount to take when using CBD for stress relief is simple: use the same amount you normally take. Since CBD isn’t regulated by the FDA, it’s difficult to prescribe how much everyone should take. Many people who use CBD experiment with different amounts until they find what works well for them. Typically with a product like a CBD oil capsule, we recommend starting with one capsule, waiting for about half an hour, then seeing how you feel. Ideally, you’ll figure out the right CBD amount for stress relief through trial and error. And don’t worry--you can’t take too much CBD!

CBD For Stress Headaches

Once you’ve figured out how much CBD is right for you, you might be wondering: will CBD alleviate all of my stress-related symptoms? While CBD is good for stress, it’s not a panacea. However, it is good for some stress-related symptoms like tension and stress headaches. CBD is great for combating stress, but also for managing the after-effects of stress.

Relieve Stress With Elixinol

Want to relieve stress and feel relaxed more often than not? Stay active, stick to a routine and try some of our stress-relief CBD products!