How CBD can improve your mental health and the best ways to use it
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CBD oil is finally being seen for it benefits to those suffering with anxiety and depression. Not only that, but it can be a great tool to use for improving your focus and improving productivity. Its a great natural and low risk substance that can improve your well being.
There are plenty of science based articles now that highlight the benefits of CBD oil. You can check out this article by Healthline here to see some studies and statistics of CBD oil. Check out their article for info on the legality of CBD and side effects you should be aware of.
How does CBD Improve your Mental Health?
Instead of just going over the same studies they cover, I wanted to share more insight on CBD since I've been using it for years for my mental health.The effects of CBD are subtle, but it can make a big difference, especially for those with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. While it may not cure or treat ailments, I've found benefits and relief when using it for my situation.
Here are some Mental Health benefits I experience when using CBD:
- Clarity
- Calmness
- Lower Tension/Stress
- Improved Mood
Clarity
CBD Oil, in the right doses, can help quiet your mind and give you much needed clarity when it feels like your thoughts are racing. It seems to melt away intrusive thoughts and bring your perception back to the present moment. It helps you be more aware and intentional in your actions.
Again, CBD is not psychoactive, so you do not get a high from it. In my experience, it makes me feel more like the true and best version of myself, where I am calm and focused.
Calmness
This clarity can give you a very serene and peaceful sensation. With anxiety of ADHD, we often feel the need to always be moving or thinking about 100 things at once. You you gain clarity and become intentional in your actions, the world becomes more peaceful and less distracting.
If this isn't something you experience on a regular basis, it can be a game-changer. The calmness is feel very freeing.
Lower Tension and Stress
CBD reacts with the brain to help lower stress and anxiety. Because of this, it can help manage panic attacks and reduce social anxiety.
CBD is a great option for those hesitant to get on prescription medications. Psychiatric drugs can cause long term health side effects and the research is iffy about the long term effectiveness of anxiety and depression medications. In a large portion of cases, patients on psychiatric drugs ended up worse off than those without. With that said, in dire situations, sometimes psychiatric drugs are needed in the short term.
If you don't feel like you need prescription drugs, give CBD oil a try.
What are the Best Ways to Take CBD for Anxiety?
CBD is a versatile supplement. You can get the benefits of CBD in a variety of ways including:
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Vaping/Smoking
- Capsules
- Drinking
Check below for more details on each, and my recommended CBD brands for each category. Some of these links may be affiliate links, which help support our blog and no extra cost to you!
Edibles
You can cook or bake using CBD oil to create edibles. There are countless store-bought options to buy too, like gummies, cookies, and brownies that make it easy and tasty to get the benefits of CBD.
Benefits: When ingested, CBD stays in your system longer. Edibles are an easy way to take CBD on the go too.
Drawbacks: CBD edibles take longer for the effects to kick, since it has to be ingested. Edibles can also run on the more expensive side.
Recommended Brand for Edibles: Lazarus Naturals
Tinctures
Tincture are one of the most basic, yet effective forms of CBD. A dropper bottle tincture of pure, full spectrum CBD oil is a great way to dose with CBD.
You just drop the oil under your tongue, hold it there for the suggested duration, then swallow.
Pros: Fairly easy and portable. Gives a good balance of quick effects and lasting benefits.
Cons: Its a little intimidating to most beginners since tinctures are not a very common method for taking medicine/supplements.
Recommended Brand: Blue Moon Hemp
Vaping or Smoking
While vaping and smoking are likely the least physically health ways to consume CBD, these methods have their benefits too.
Inhaling CBD is one of the fastest ways to for immediate relief. It can be useful during panic attacks since small vapes are portable and provide quick benefits. It also forces you to focus on your breathing during a panic attack.
Vaping CBD oil or smoking hemp can be a way to transition from smoking cigarettes or marijuana as well. It may not be a perfectly healthy solution, but CBD is less harsh and non habit forming, so for some, it may scratch that itch while causing less negative effects, helping you break your dependance.
Positives: Vaping is a quick way to get the effects of CBD and might be a substitute for nicotine/marijuana vaping.
Cons: There are healthier ways to consume CBD
Best Vapes for CBD: CBD For The People
Capsules
Capsules are another great and simple way to take CBD. If you don't have a problem swallowing pills, it can be a good solution.
Capsules work similarly to edibles, since you need to ingest the substance, however, you may start to feel the effects a bit more quickly than edibles.
Pros: Simple to take, and you get a more measured dose of CBD.
Cons: Can't change the dosage much, and some may have trouble taking pills.
Best CBD Capsules: Lazarus Naturals
Drinking
Yes, you can even drink your CBD too!
CBD Teas and water soluble CBD are great ways to get the benefits of hemp. Just mix with water and drink!
Pros: Is a tasty and effective way to take CBD.
Cons: Slightly more work to prepare. Harder to get an exact dosage with teas and beverages.
Our favorite CBD tea: The Brothers Apothecary
Conclusion
There are tons of ways to try CBD!
While its not a miracle substance, CBD has helped my with my anxiety and focus. Make sure to read the reviews on the companies I suggested too, I'm for sure not the only one who found success with CBD.
Hope this helps!