How to Incorporate CBD into Your Wellness Routine
Wellness has no set definition.
For some it’s going for a 6AM morning run, and for others it’s meditating before going to bed.
No matter the routine you find yourself in, CBD wellness products can enhance and ease your daily life.
CBD has recently gained a lot of popularity in the wellness world and has gone from being just “sort of around” to being everywhere - from lattes to lotions.
More and more studies are recognizing the positive effects of CBD, such as reduced anxiety and muscle pain.
But many people still find CBD confusing, especially when it comes to figuring out which product is right for you and how you can use it to enhance your wellness routine.
What exactly is CBD, the lesser-known cousin of THC?
Simply put, CBD or Cannabidiol is the second major chemical compound naturally found in cannabis plants (also known as marijuana or hemp).
This medical compound is infused into products like oils and edibles to induce a feeling of relaxation and calm.
When CBD is absorbed by the body (either through internal or external use), it interacts with the endocannabinoid receptors in your brain and immune system. These receptors are responsible for many bodily functions, including sleep, appetite, and mood.
CBD often provides a feeling of calm by stabilizing your endocannabinoid system, which helps to improve your overall wellness.
So will CBD get me high like THC does?
One of the most important distinctions between CBD and THC is that CBD by itself does not cause the same intoxicating “high” that many THC users are often looking for.
CBD is not psychoactive, so if you consume only CBD, you won’t feel the euphoria that comes with smoking a joint. In fact, you won’t feel sedated or altered in any way.
What does CBD actually do?
There’s no guarantee that you will feel the effects right away - if you chose to incorporate CBD in your wellness routine, it might take some time for the results to show.
CBD builds up in your body over time, like other cannabinoids. Think of it as a multivitamin - if you only take it once, you likely won’t feel any different.
For the best results, you need to implement CBD into your wellness routine and practice it every day - whether or not you feel like you need it.
It’s also important to understand that while CBD has numerous health benefits, it is not magic and is not a “cure-all”. To truly sustain your wellness routine holistically, you will still need plenty of exercise, good nutrition, and mindful habits.
What are the different types of CBD products?
CBD is available in an incredible range of products - from gummies to bath bombs - so there are plenty of options for everyone. Here’s 3 popular types of CBD products you’re likely to come across:
CBD Vape Pens deliver relief the fastest - usually within 10 minutes. For example, if you happened to pull a muscle, inhaling CBD with a vape pen would provide effective relief almost immediately. However, the relief won’t last as long and will disappear after a couple of hours.
CBD Edibles will provide you with longer-lasting effects that last 4 to 5 hours.
This type of CBD product is best to take if you’re struggling with your night routine or if you have a sweet tooth.
CBD Oils might be the right choice for you if you don’t want to inject anything into your body or need to address localized pain. To use CBD oil, all you have to do is simply massage it into your sore muscles and areas around your body. Applying CBD oil also happens to be one of the most popular ways to take CBD, with over 6,000 liters sold in Canada alone.
There is no unified or “correct” way to take CBD - it all depends on what your wellness goal is.
How do I include CBD in my daily wellness routine?
Feel Energized in the Mornings
Everyone wants to start their day on a high note. Believe it or not, CBD can actually make you feel more energized in the mornings.
All it takes is a couple of drops of CBD oil in your daily cup of coffee or matcha (if coffee is not your thing) and you will feel a productivity boost throughout the day.
How does this work? CBD may interact with your serotonin receptors and increase your serotonin neurotransmitters, causing you to be in a good mood even if it’s early in the morning.
As a bonus, taking CBD as part of your morning wellness routine may prevent you from feeling painful sensations throughout the day.
Reduce Recovery Time After Workout
There are many great benefits to exercising; it is considered to be a vital component to having a healthy mind and body.
Unfortunately, sometimes workouts can cause joint and muscle pain, no matter how fit you are. That’s where CBD comes in.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can reduce the overall recovery time after a hard workout. You can massage sore and stiff muscles with CBD lotions to help with post-workout pains.
If used regularly, CBD can prevent and manage joint inflammation, meaning that you will be back at the gym in no time.
Improve Mind-Body Connection in Yoga & Meditation
Relieve Chronic Pain
Many people who suffer from chronic pain choose to use CBD products to manage and relieve their painful conditions. Unlike many prescribed medications, CBD does not lead to long-term side effects.
CBD products can be used to relieve symptoms of painful conditions, like:
Migraines
Arthritis
Epilepsy
Cancer-related symptoms
Although research of CBD’s potential role as a safe pain treatment is ongoing, many researchers have come to the conclusion that CBD is effective in overall pain management and provides a natural alternative for symptom relief.
Reduce Stress & Anxiety
CBD helps your body to calm down and remind you that you’re safe. It mellows out your nervous system and lowers your guard, meaning that your body is not in “fight-or-flight” mode anymore. Using CBD products regularly might help you feel more relaxed on a daily basis.
This is due to the balancing powers CBD has. When it is absorbed into your body, it influences your cannabinoid receptors and boosts the production of endocannabinoids, which helps combat anxiety symptoms and ease stress.
Balance Your Skin Care
CBD has recently gained recognition in the beauty industry, and many brands are using this medical compound to help reduce skin irritation and delay the aging process.
It has anti-inflammatory properties, is rich in antioxidants, locks in moisture and can help you to have a more balanced skin routine.
A 2015 report has found that incorporating CBD oil can minimize oil secretion, which is especially beneficial for those suffering from acne, blackheads, and pimples.
If you’re struggling with acne or want to reduce signs of aging, CBD-based beauty products can help elevate your skincare routine. You can choose between a variety of affordable products, which range from balms to facemasks.
Are there any side effects to CBD?
CBD is generally safe and is well-tolerated by most people. Unfortunately, as with any new supplements, you can never fully know how your body is going to react to a new substance.
Some side-effects may include:
Nausea
Changes in appetite and weight
Irritability
Fatigue
About 5% of people say that they have felt altered after taking CBD, so if you are trying CBD products for the first time, use precaution and gradually test how it makes you feel.
To CBD, or not to CBD?
For people who've never tried cannabis before, CBD opens up a world of possibilities without the typical intoxicating effects of dried flower or THC-infused cannabis products.
From edibles to vape pens, CBD is available in all sorts of forms. So even if you're not a fan of vaping, there's plenty of other ways you can add CBD to your daily life.
The best part is CBD isn't just another recreational substance. CBD can provide many health benefits to boost your wellness routine and keep you feeling energized and stress-free.