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How CBD could ease your lockdown stress

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Stress, anxiety and depression are all conditions which could be helped by CBD

Many of us are feeling the effects of lockdown this time around, but CBD could help with problems such as low mood, anxiety and insomnia.

With a pandemic sweeping the world, schools closed to the majority of pupils and meeting up with friends forbidden, it’s not surprising that many of us are feeling the effects of lockdown.

And one of the most common of those effects is stress; we’re all maybe a little less patient, a little more frazzled and a lot more anxious.

The worst of this, of course, is that many of our usual de-stressing activities – going to the gym, meeting friends, going shopping – are out of bounds.

However, there are still ways to decompress, without reaching for the wine. In fact, help may be at hand in the form of CBD, which has a number of mood-boosting benefits in a natural, non-addictive product.

Anxiety

Stress and anxiety go hand in hand, meaning that if you quell your anxious thoughts, you’ll feel calmer. CBD is well-known for reducing anxiety; in fact, it’s one of the most common reasons cited for its use. 

Research from 2020 found that, among 397 with a variety of ailments, including non-cancer pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological symptoms, and mental health symptoms, all groups reported improvements in their quality of life after three weeks of CBD use. 

In particular, those who received CBD treatment for anxiety or depression reportedly experienced improvements in their ability to perform daily functions and reduce pain and anxiety or depression symptoms.

Insomnia

Stress often has an effect on sleep patterns, leading to insomnia. However, CBD is thought to aid restful sleep, at least partly as a result of treating the underlying stress. 

Research from 2019 looked at whether CBD could improve sleep and reduce anxiety, and involved 72 subjects experiencing one or both conditions. In the first month, 79.2 per cent of patients reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 per cent reported better sleep. 

In fact, it may become a virtuous circle, as better sleep leads to less anxiety which leads to better sleep – a win-win all round.

Low mood

Another lockdown, dark nights and miserable weather; it’s not surprising many of us are feeling a little down. 

However, studies have shown that CBD use can alleviate symptoms of low mood, working in the same way as a more standard anti-depressant medication, but without the need for prescription-strength drugs.

Animal research has unearthed a number of antidepressant qualities in CBD, including a notable effect on serotonin, which contributes to happiness and wellbeing. A 2018 study suggested that, rather than raising serotonin levels as anti-depressants do, CBD may be able to influence the way our brains respond to the serotonin that is already present in the body.

While further research is needed into the effects of CBD and anxiety, for many it provides a natural and effective way to calm their minds and ease their worries.

It is also a safe option for the majority of people (although you must always check with a medical professional if you’re taking any other medications) and carries very few side effects, meaning it is a realistic option for those suffering from pandemic-induced stress.

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