DepressionMental HealthMind & Body

CBD for the holiday blues

For many, it’s the season of holiday stress. Here’s how to cope

The holiday season can be a joyous time, but also a time of great anxiety and stress. If you’re feeling down during or after the holidays, CBD oil may be the natural solution for you. CBD oil is known to help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as encourage better sleep and improve mood. In this article, we will discuss how CBD oil can help you beat the blues.

What is holiday stress?

Holiday stress is the feeling of anxiety, tension, or pressure that can come from holiday shopping, family gatherings, travel plans, and a million other commitments associated with the holiday season. It’s that “I just can’t” feeling that comes around this time of year. And it can be tough to beat.

What is post holiday stress disorder?

woman with depression caused by PHSD
The return to work after the festivities can anxiety or depression

Post holiday stress disorder (PHSD) is a condition that can occur after a time of stress or great emotion. Symptoms may include feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed; trouble sleeping; and feeling irritable or on edge. PHSD can also lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue.

What is CBD and how does it work?

CBD oil is a natural oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant. CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not have any psychoactive effects. This means that it will not get you “high” or “stoned”.

When you take CBD oil, it enters your bloodstream and interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids, which are endogenous lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors, and cannabinoid receptor proteins that are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system (including the brain) and peripheral nervous system.

There are two types of cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2.

CB1 receptors are mostly present in the central nervous system where they mediate pain perception, emotion, motor control, and cognition;

CB2 receptors are predominantly found outside the central nervous system in the immune system where they play an important role in pain and inflammation.

How does CBD work to relieve these symptoms?

CBD has been shown to aid mental wellbeing
CBD has been shown to aid mental wellbeing

CBD oil is known to be effective in treating a variety of ailments, both mental and physical health. For many people, it has been a life-changing natural remedy.

Mental health

CBD may help to alleviate symptoms of conditions like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. One of the key ways that CBD appears to work is by reducing inflammation. Inflammation is thought to play a role in a variety of mental health conditions, as it can lead to changes in neurotransmitter function and brain structure. By reducing inflammation, it may help to improve mood and reduce symptoms.

A recent review on the efficacy of CBD for psychiatric disorders concluded that it is a safe and well-tolerated treatment with limited abuse potential, making it a promising option for treating various mental health conditions.

Seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder)

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has also been shown to have potential antidepressant effects. Some antidepressants work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Low levels of serotonin are associated with the development of depression, and CBD has been found to target these receptors, which may lead to antidepressant activity.

Anxiety disorders

CBD is an anxiolytic that works by binding to and activating receptors in the brain’s amygdala. When these receptors are blocked, anxiety can increase. 

A study published in The Permanente Journal found that CBD can help reduce symptoms of anxiety in children with PTSD. The study showed that the oil can help to reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

A study carried out by the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University in Japan found that CBD oil was effective in reducing social anxiety in a group of teenagers over the course of four weeks of use.

CBD oil helps to restore balance to the endocannabinoid system, thereby reducing feelings of anxiety and stress. 

The concentration is important, as experts have said that CBD derived from cannabis strains with high THC levels could make anxiety worse. To get the anxiolytic benefits, it needs to come from strains with low THC levels. 

Combatting blues and holiday stress with CBD: the benefits

holiday stress can take a toll on your mental health
holiday stress can take a toll on your mental health

The most “wonderful” time of the year can also be the most stressful. Between buying gifts, attending holiday parties, and preparing family meals, it’s no wonder most people report feeling more stressed out during the holidays. And that’s not to mention the airport crowds, snowy roads and huge traffic queues that often accompany holiday travel to visit loved ones.  And while some stress is normal and even necessary, too much can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

CBD oil has been shown to help with anxiety and depression, two common complaints during this stressful season. A small 2011 study found that CBD oil was effective in treating social anxiety, and another study concluded that CBD could be a promising treatment for depression.

In addition to its mood-boosting effects, CBD oil can also improve sleep quality, which is often disrupted during times of stress. A preliminary research suggests that CBD could be an effective treatment for other sleep disorders such as insomnia, REM sleep behaviour disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness disorder.

How to use CBD for the best results

If you’re taking CBD for the first time, it’s important to know how to use it for the best results. The dose you take will depend on a few factors, including your weight, the severity of your symptoms, and your body’s individual reaction to CBD.

Here are the most common forms of CBD:

Oils and tinctures

These are typically taking cbd drops placed under the tongue for quick absorption. Start by taking a low dose of CBD oil (3- 5 mg) and hold it there for at least 60 seconds so that the molecules have time to be properly absorbed. You can increase it gradually until you find the dose that works for you.

It is important to note that the quality of the oil is very important—low quality oils will not be as effective.

Capsules

Capsules are a great way to get a precise dose of CBD, and they can be taken with or without food.

Topicals

These are CBD-infused creams, lotions, and balms that are applied directly to the skin. They are a great option for localised relief.

Edibles

Edibles are food items that have been infused with CBD. Gummies and chocolate bars are some of the most popular CBD edibles on the market. 

Vapes

Vaping is one of the fastest ways to feel the effects of CBD. Special vape pens and e-liquids are required for this method. You can simply inhale the CBD oil through your nose. 

If you’re taking CBD for stress relief, it’s best to take it in the morning so that it can work throughout the day. If you’re taking it for anxiety or to help you sleep, take it in the evening.

Other ways to ease the blues

Exercise has been shown to help relieve stress
Exercise has been shown to help relieve stress

Increased stress levels can be tough to deal with. But there are ways to ease the stress and feel relief. Here are a few tips:

-Talk to someone: A friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who will listen can be helpful. Just talking about how you’re feeling can help you feel better.

-Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A moderate amount of exercise is the key to getting these benefits.

-Eat healthily: Eating nutritious foods helps your body to function at its best. When you feel good physically, you’re more likely to feel good emotionally as well.

-Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for your physical and mental health. You need to get a night’s rest. Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night, but it varies widely from person to person.

-Take breaks: When you’re feeling overwhelmed, taking a few minutes to yourself can help you regroup and refocus. Take a hot bath, read your favourite book, or take a walk outdoors.

-Go out: Spending time with friends and family can help you feel connected and loved. Even if you don’t feel like socializing, getting out of the house can do wonders for your spirits.

Hopefully these tips will help you get through the increased stress this season brings. Remember, it’s only temporary and things will get better. Just take it one day at a time.

Conclusion

The holidays are a great time, but for some people the stress overload can be tough to take. Stress and anxiety can take over, making it hard to enjoy life. CBD oil has been shown to help relieve these symptoms, so why not give it a try? You may find that you feel better after using CBD oil and that your mood is improved. If you’re looking for an easy way to combat the pressures caused by the festive season, consider trying CBD oil.

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