Stress is an uneasy feeling of not being able to cope with challenging situations. It is a common health problem that slowly deteriorates our physical and mental health over time. Yet, it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Since everyone is stressed these days, it has now become our new normal. To acknowledge this serious mental anguish, we need to be aware of the effects of stress on our minds and bodies.
Fortunately, there are a few natural wellness products that can help reduce stress. One such product is CBD, which is famous for its countless potential benefits, especially for anxiety-related symptoms and stress.
In this article, we will talk about the importance of stress awareness month and how you can use CBD for stress relief.
A Month to Acknowledge the Effects of Stress
Since 1992, the International Stress Management Association has termed April “The National Stress Awareness Month.” It is dedicated to spreading awareness about different ways to cope with stress.
Moreover, this month aims to help individuals prevent stress from affecting their daily life activities. Thus, learning about how excessive stress can affect your body is really important.
During National Stress Awareness month, several programs and seminars are held to share the different treatments and solutions for reducing stress. These coping techniques include a range of natural remedies, medicines, and lifestyle changes to fight stress effectively.
In the early 20th century, Walter Bradford Cannon, an American physiologist, came up with the term “fight or flight.” He describes the phenomenon as the first reaction to stress. Until now, it’s the most effective coping mechanism for stress.
Fortunately, there are healthier ways to cope with the stress that neither damage you internally nor externally. Therefore, the main idea of “National Stress Awareness Month” is fighting with stress without compromising your physical and mental health.
Therefore, it is essential to have a month dedicated to creating awareness about this issue.
What Causes Stress?
Stress has become a part of everyday life. No matter what age group you are in, stress can hinder the quality of your lifestyle.
According to the Global Organization for Stress, the number one mental health concern among high school students is stress. Furthermore, 80% of the workers feel stressed at work.
Several external factors can cause stress. Here are some of the leading causes of stress that people come across in their everyday life:
- Strict deadlines
- Unrealistic societal standards
- Relationship problems
- Financial crisis
- Losing a loved one
- Unmanageable physical or mental work
- Running late
- Traumatic events
- Chronic illness
- Fear of something
- Sudden change in life
- Depression, anxiety, or other mental problem
These factors may affect people in different ways. Since each individual has a unique mechanism to process outer and inner changes, they experience varying stress levels.
It is essential to understand the root cause of your stress to alleviate its symptoms. The constant pressure can cause permanent psychological changes in your brain. This explains the importance of National Stress Awareness Month.
What Are the Symptoms of Stress?
Noticing the symptoms of stress initially allows you to take relevant counteractions at the right time. Unfortunately, some signs of stress are so deeply rooted in our everyday life that it becomes difficult to spot them easily.
Keep in mind that every person can experience stress at any stage of their life. It can be in many forms with different symptoms.
Here are a few common behavioral and physical symptoms of stress:
- Constant aches in your muscles or head.
- A faster heartbeat and possible heart pain.
- Dizziness, drowsiness, or tremors
- Continuous fatigue and weakness
- Trouble sleeping and restlessness in the body
- Very high or low blood pressure
- Problems in digestion
- Jaw or fist clenching
- Grinding your teeth unknowingly
- Weekend immune system
- Experiencing depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
- Lack of focus and concentration
- Irritation and mood swings
- Trouble during intercourse
Even though there are no certain tests to diagnose stress, it is vital to watch these symptoms. Even if you notice these signs in someone else, it is necessary to help them out.
People who do not seek medical help or adopt a healthier lifestyle can resort to unhealthy ways of coping with stress. For example, smoking, drinking, consuming drugs, gambling, and overeating are common harmful coping mechanisms for stress.
How Can Prioritizing Wellness Help Cope with Stress?
Wellness is a lifestyle change that includes adopting healthy habits. These positive changes are targeted not only towards your body but also your mind. Thus, choosing wellness can help us healthily cope with stress.
Yes, we do have control over our stress levels. All we have to do is learn to manage it by adopting a few simple lifestyle changes.
Besides, we also need to have awareness about stress reduction activities and related products. Here are a few changes you can make in your life to reduce stress:
Keep Your Body Active
Keeping your body physically active can help you get rid of many problems, including stress. Even if you work out for 20 to 30 minutes a day, it will help with adequate blood circulation to keep your body fresh and healthy.
The more your body moves, the more endorphins it releases. These reduce stress hormones in your body, also known as cortisol.
Most people associate relaxing with sleeping, but that’s not entirely true. The best way to reduce cortisol in your system is through proper exercise.
Therefore, making a habit of working out a few minutes every day is an effective lifestyle change for stress reduction. It will help you stay fit and happy and keep stress at bay.
Find Out Your Triggers
As mentioned above, stress can be triggered by many external and internal factors. The most important step to reducing stress in your life is identifying what triggers you. Each person is different and gets stressed under various environmental pressures.
Every time you get stressed, note down the reason and evaluate the leading cause of your condition. Most stress episodes last as long as the external factor persists. Therefore, you need to find out the reason to eliminate it from the root.
It will also help you find the right and healthy coping mechanism for your situation. For example, if you think you cannot eliminate or change your trigger, it will still allow you to have a better grip on your emotions while exposed to that factor.
Give Up Control
The biggest problem most stressed people deal with is trying to have excessive control over their life. Unfortunately, you can’t control your life events all the time. Sometimes things happen on their own, and you just have to go with the flow.
Failing to do so will only create a sense of being in the wrong place and stressing your brain out as a result.
A recent study found that the stress levels of medical students are pretty high. Since they are severely focused on the results, future, and goals, it can lead to mental anguish and irritability in the long run.
It is often better to put in your best effort without worrying about the outcome. This type of worry stems from unrealistic societal standards that require a specific kind of outcome from every person. Instead, allow yourself to relax and let life surprise you with better and more fruitful results.
Look for Natural Alternatives
When people deal with increased stress, they usually opt for over-the-counter anxiety relief medicines. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism tends to develop dependency in the consumers. In 2020 alone, the use of such treatment rose by 10.2% compared to 2019.
Therefore, it is crucial to look for natural alternatives to relieve stress.
From working out to using simple home remedies, several ways can help you deal with everyday stress. Like many people, you can use CBD for stress relief, which is a natural extract from the cannabis plant.
If you consume CBD in the right dosage (guided by your doctor), you can better handle stress. In addition, using natural remedies prevents the development of dependencies and provides a long-term cure to your illness.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
A famous proverb goes: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It describes the importance of having fun in your life. Thus, taking the thrill and adventure out of your life will make you dull and severely stressed.
Multiple studies have found that engaging in leisure activities is healthy for your mind in the long run as it helps relieve stress.
These activities take your mind off the everyday tensions and environmental pressures, allowing your body to have a break from excessive cortisol production. Not only that, but leisure activities also lower your heart rate, making your body calmer and more relaxed.
In addition, meeting your friends frequently can also lower stress levels since it provides you with an outlet to share your worries.
CBD for Stress Relief
CBD has become a common solution to stress in people who prefer using wellness products in their everyday life. In 2020, a study showed the effects of CBD on depression, stress, and insomnia.
The research paper calls CBD an alternative therapy for mental illnesses, including stress. Since CBD reacts with our endocannabinoid system that is spread across our nervous system, it helps calm our nerves. In fact, 70.6% of participants in the study found CBD to be effective for stress relief.
Considering this study’s findings, we can conclude that CBD may be a promising solution for stress. However, more research is required on this subject to deeming CBD a medical cure for stress.
Furthermore, another study done in 2020 showed positive effects of CBD in clinically high-risk patients with psychosis. A 600 mg dose of CBD daily helped them deal with the stress that comes with psychosis.
10 Best CBD Products for Stress Relief
Here are the ten best CBD products to try out to relax your mind and body:
1. Reliva CBD Wellness Recovery Shot
For people who want a quick CBD fix to relieve stress, the Reliva CBD Wellness Recovery Shot can be an ideal option to try. If you’re a beginner, this product is a great way to include CBD in your everyday life.
Price
$5.99
Why is it Worth a Try
This delicious berry flavored shot contains 50 mg of CBD in 60 ml of the drink. It will not only help you calm your brain but also serve as a delicious drink to satisfy your cravings. In addition, the product contains high-quality, natural hemp extracts to help alleviate the symptoms of stress without potential side effects.
2. Kat’s Naturals Relax CBD Oil
The citrusy Kat’s Naturals Relax CBD Oil is a delicious way to consume CBD for maximum benefits.
Price
$17.99 – $43.99
Why is it Worth a Try
This oil contains 300 mg CBD per ounce, which can help reduce stress significantly. In addition, it is THC-free, which means it will not intoxicate you, making it safe for everyday use.
What’s more, the oil contains premium quality CBD extracted from American-grown organic hemp mixed with natural hops oil and wild orange essential oil.
3. Pure Ratios CBD 48 Hour Transdermal Patch
Do you avoid consuming CBD orally because of its earthy flavor? If so, you can check out the Pure Ratios CBD 48 Hour Transdermal Patch to get the long-lasting effects of CBD without ingesting it.
Price
$11.99
Why is it Worth a Try
This transdermal patch contains 35 mg CBD as well as CBG, CBN, and CBC. It is a waterproof patch which means you can wear it throughout the day no matter what activities you have to engage in. Moreover, since it lasts for 48 hours, you can enjoy stress and trouble-free days without the hassle of deciding your correct dose.
4. Original Hemp Stress Capsule
The easy-to-use Original Hemp Stress Capsules can be the solution for your everyday stress-related problems. Take one or two capsules a day to fight stress naturally.
Price
$69.99
Why is it Worth a Try
These capsules come with 750 mg full-spectrum CBD and Sensoril and L-Theanine. There are 60 capsules per bottle that are easy to swallow. It may help combat stress and anxiety, reduce inflammation, and boost antioxidant activity in your body.
5. Martha Stewart CBD Daily De-Stress Cream
Stress can adversely affect our skin. To save it from the consequences of daily stress, you can try Martha Stewart CBD Daily De-Stress Cream on the targeted areas.
Price
$19.99 – $79.99
Why is it Worth a Try
This luxurious cream is 98% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free. It is also free from sulfates, phthalates, mineral oils, synthetic fragrance, artificial dyes, propylene glycol, petroleum, and GMO ingredients. In addition, the 2% CBD cream contains high-tech mood-boosting aroma technology to lift your mood during stressful situations.
6. Kush Queen Relax CBD Bath Bomb
There is nothing more relaxing than a warm bath after a stressful and you can amplify the relaxation with the Kush Queen Relax CBD Bath Bomb.
Price
$9.99 – $19.99
Why is it Worth a Try
This relaxing bath bomb by Kush Queen contains premium quality CO2 extracted cannabis oil and CBD isolate with no synthetic dyes and fragrance. Moreover, it has a 100% organic essential oil blend featuring Lavender oil, Frankincense oil, and Chamomile oil to soothe your mind and body.
The essential oils destress your system and provide an instant mood boost.
7. Charlotte’s Web CALM Lemon Lime CBD Gummies
If you want to destress yourself and satisfy your sweet cravings simultaneously, Charlotte’s Web CALM Lemon Lime CBD Gummies are what you can try.
Price
$9.99 – $44.99
Why is it Worth a Try
Charlotte’s Web is a renowned brand famous for its high quality, safety, and transparency. Their citrusy lemon-lime gummies are no exception. In addition, there is 10 mg of premium quality CBD per gummy that will help you relieve stress and improve your mood within a few minutes.
8. Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil
There is nothing a good massage after a stressful day at work can’t fix. To take your massage up a notch, you can use the Lazarus Naturals CBD Massage Oil and target the sore muscle caused by stress.
Price
$11.99 – $69.99
Why is it Worth a Try
This product is specifically designed to target sore muscles and joint pain caused due to excessive stress. With 50 mg of CBD per tablespoon of this oil, you can quickly experience the effects. This healing oil blend also contains jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil, and sweet almond oil to enhance its results further.
9. Marley Mellow Mood CBD Infused Tea
The Marley Mellow Mood CBD Infused Tea can help cool your body and mind down during times of stress. This tea’s citrusy and fruity flavor will make wellness a lot more fun.
Price
$5.99
Why is it Worth a Try
The mouthwatering lemon raspberry-flavored drink contains 25 mg CBD, which is a decent dose to relax your mind. In addition, this decaffeinated tea includes a custom blend of herbs that makes relaxation a lot easier. With this tea, you can experience an instant mood boost and increase and focus throughout the day.
10. Omax CBD Sleep & Stress Remedy
Don’t want to consume CBD oil directly? Don’t worry; the Omax CBD Sleep & Stress Remedy softgels will make it easier for you. These capsules contain premium quality CBD oil encased in soft gel to make consumption easier for beginners.
Price
$8.99
Why is it Worth a Try
The pack contains 20 softgels with 5 mg of full-spectrum CBD. These softgels are ideal for reducing anxiety, stress, and other mood disorders to help you feel balanced throughout the day. Each capsule is tested for quality, potency, purity, and concentration to make sure you get the highest quality CBD for stress relief.
How to Choose Stress Relief CBD Products
Choosing the right CBD product plays an essential role in getting the full benefits of the compound. Here are a few factors to consider while buying CBD for stress-relief:
Ingredients
Check the ingredients of the product before investing your money. CBD for stress relief also comes with other calming and relaxing ingredients like chamomile, lavender, etc. If you want to maximize the effects of the products, these additional ingredients are ideal for you.
Potency
The potency of the CBD product determines its strength. If you are suffering from extreme stress, high potency CBD for stress relief is the best option. However, if you want a quick fix for your general everyday stress, go for a less potent product.
THC Levels
Make sure the product you are purchasing has nothing more than 0.3% THC in the formula. This is the amount of THC that the federal government legalizes. Therefore, it will not get you high or addicted to CBD products for relieving stress.
Third-Party Testing
Go through the third-party lab reports of the products to be aware of all the ingredients, containment, true potency, and THC levels. Every well-reputed brand provides lab reports and Certificate of Analysis to have complete transparency with the consumer.
Price
Lastly, you need to research the different products and their price tags. There are several high-quality CBD products that you can find at an affordable rate. The last thing you want to do is stress over the hefty price tag of your wellness products.
Conclusion
CBD is a beneficial product that can help reduce the symptoms of stress without any potential side effects. If you take the correct dose of CBD, it can help you live a relaxed life. Despite such benefits, more research is required to call CBD the ultimate solution for stress relief.
Most CBD users consider the compound the best stress and anxiety relief. So, if you want to try out a natural alternative to stress relief medicine, CBD may be what you need.
What are you waiting for? Add some high-quality CBD products to your daily routine to live a stress-free life. If you’re suffering from any health condition, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider before purchasing a CBD stress relief product.