Covid- 19 Stress: How CBD Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Since January 21, 2020, the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has registered an unprecedented number of coronavirus infections and deaths across the U.S., leading to the nationwide shutdown: and naturally, this has contributed to the high levels of anxiety within the population. With millions of people still unable to move freely or go back to work, it is difficult to feel any sense of security or optimism about the world right now. To help manage the stress and anxiety that comes with being stuck in the house and watching depressing news all day, consider using Cannabidiol for its calming effects.

1. What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a plant extract that is known to have natural healing properties. CBD is extracted from the leaves, stalks, and seeds of hemp, a plant that is closely linked with marijuana. It is worth noting that CBD does not work the same way as cannabis, even though hemp plants contain the same range of Phyto cannabinoids and terpenes. What makes CBD different is that it has a much lower amount of THC, the marijuana compound known to cause euphoria. While THC is associated with anxiety and paranoia, CBD has the opposite effect, which is why it has become a common alternative remedy for stress and anxiety.

2. CBD And Anxiety

Being under stress causes the body to act in very particular ways. The endocrine system, which involves a whole set of essential glands and hormones, releases different hormones when we are in a state of stress, than when we are calm; and these hormones can be useful in the short term. However, the effects of anxiety in the body in the long term may be harmful and can include conditions like

• Migraines
• Chest pain
• Stomach problems
• Low libido
• Mood problems
• Insomnia
• Muscle tension or pain
• Lack of appetite
• Low immunity

Research from the past few years shows that CBD can be used to keep stress hormones low for individuals with long standing anxiety problems, but also for the occasional stress-related anxiety. At the moment, with millions of people worrying about the coronavirus, its likely that mental health experts will register a higher number of patients with anxiety and stress – which may be a problem because traditional anti-anxiety medication can be addictive.

A 2010 study on CBD found that when used by patients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), it reduced the severity of anxiety attacks, and it reduced anxiety for people when speaking in public. A review published in 2015 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) also showed that CBD reduced  anxiety in both human and animal studies.

3. Can CBD Be Used For Anxiety?

Research on CBD and anxiety has been published in almost every respected health journal in the Western world, and although not every single individual will experience relief from using CBD, the vast majority of people find it useful for managing mood and anxiety. It is also important to note that the World Health Organization finds CBD safe to use as a plant-based remedy, with little-to-no chance of addiction.

So how does CBD reduce anxiety? CBD has a direct impact on 65 different targets in the human body, and this makes it difficult to identify a specific source of its effects. Health experts agree that CBD may work on different levels to promote health and wellness. Some of its effects include:

• Releasing serotonin: This hormone is most commonly linked with feelings of high energy and happiness; however, serotonin has 14 receptors and CBD binds to one of these (5-HT1A) which reduces anxiety.
• Endocannabinoids: These are produced in your body, to work in the endocannabinoid system. When this system is out of balance, CBD can help restore balance by binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) which helps to reduce anxiety and improve health.
• Natural regeneration: Anxiety can cause neurons to become damaged, which may interfere with regions of the brain involved in learning, memory, and even language. CBD has neuro-regenerative properties that can help improve things like, cognitive function, mood and prevent depression.

4. Ways to Manage Stress and Anxiety

Successful stress management normally involves multiple approaches, which may include using herbal supplements like CBD. Due to the interconnectivity between mental and physical health, it is required that we take care of both our body and mind with the same intensity to prevent conditions like anxiety from damaging our lives. Here are some ways to manage stress and anxiety:

• Invest In Dietary Supplements: Speak to your doctor about taking supplements, and where possible, get your nutrients from fresh home cooked meals.
• Eat Well Balanced Meals: This means eating greens, fruit, nuts, white meat, dairy, and so on.
• Exercise Daily: 30 minutes of exercise every day will reduce stress, build muscle and energy, reduce fat, and it will help you live a longer life. 
• Get Enough Sleep: At least 7 hours of sleep every night.

5. How to Buy High-Quality CBD

When you go to a store to purchase CBD, there are some things you can do to ensure you don’t get ripped off. Here are some tips:

• Check the product label for ingredients. Make sure its pure, unpolluted CBD oil.
• Find out the origins of the product, and whether proper regulations were followed when farming.
• Find out if the company allows third-party testing.
• Check if its CBD isolate, CBD Broad-Spectrum, or Whole-Spectrum CBD oil.

In conclusion

CBD products are available in oil from, powders, supplements lotions, gum, etc. You can always find a product that goes well with your routine. You may try different products to find one that works for you.