More and more of us are experiencing stress on a daily basis. Whether it’s caused by work, relationships, finances or something else, it can be difficult to relax and let go of the things that are constantly on our minds.
Many people believe that CBD oil, a product containing cannabidiol extracted from the cannabis plant, could help to reduce feelings of stress. We explore why this is and the best ways to use CBD oil for stress.
Does CBD oil actually help with stress?
It is widely believed that CBD oil can help to reduce stress levels because it promotes feelings of relaxation and balance in the mind and body.
Back in the 1990s, researchers identified a system in your body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), named as such because they were exploring cannabinoids at the time. It’s thought that the ECS is responsible for regulating a number of functions within your body through the release of endocannabinoids (naturally produced molecules) which interact with your cannabinoid receptors.
It is now thought that cannabinoids from cannabis plants can similarly interact with your ECS and cannabinoid system in various ways to further promote regulation in the body, leading to the increased sense of balance we keep mentioning.
As well as helping with daily stress, CBD might also be beneficial for certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders. You can read more about this in our article on CBD oil for anxiety.
Why might someone use CBD oil for stress?
There are a number of reasons someone might choose to use CBD oil for stress. Whether it’s to relax and unwind at the end of the day or make them feel more calm and focused before a stressful event, many have found that CBD oil comes in useful as a tool for managing stress.
In fact, in the 2019 EU CBD Consumer Report, relaxation was the second most chosen reason for using CBD (34% of people chose this) and stress relief specifically was the third most popular reason (31%).
Guidance on using CBD oil for stress relief
The best way to use CBD oil for stress is to integrate it as part of your daily wellness routine to cultivate a sense of calm and balance. You can combine it with other methods such as yoga, meditation, breathing, regular exercise and mindful eating. CBD oil is a plant-based supplement and, since it doesn’t contain THC, won’t have any intoxicating effects on you.
When it comes to taking CBD oil, most people recommend taking it sublingually. This means you drop the oil underneath your tongue, hold it there for about 30-60 seconds, and then swallow. However, you can also add it to food and drink if you wish to make it more palatable.
You might also be wondering about the best CBD oil dosage for stress. Since we all experience stress in different ways and all live in different bodies, this will be an entirely personal decision that will vary from person to person.
We recommend starting off at the lower end and increasing it as you need. Our lower strength 5% CBD oil is a great option for beginners and may help you achieve that sense of calm and balance which kicks the stress away.
It is important to tackle the root causes of stress wherever you can, and seek professional help if stress is affecting your quality of life. However, if you are looking for a complementary supplement to help you manage daily stress, CBD oil could be worth a try!
