How to Overcome Stress with CBD, Meditation, and Yoga

Take a quick moment to think of the things that are currently causing stress in your life… Is it more than you can count on a single hand? You’re not alone.

According to a 2017 Gallup poll, eight out of ten Americans are afflicted by stress.

While periodic levels of stress can merely cause minor headaches and mood swings; prolonged stress has been linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and more.

With the demands of our fast-paced society, it’s no coincidence that these stress-induced health conditions are on the rise.

So what’s the solution here… or is there one?

While solving our stress epidemic may require some radical societal changes, you can take a stance against stress today. With a simple routine consisting of meditation, yoga, and CBD, you can get control of your stress and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Now, before we can defeat this menace, we first need to understand what it is and how it works.

What is Stress and Why Does it Happen?

In simplest terms, stress is a response to change.

Based on how that change is perceived, the brain will react with a physical, emotional, or mental response. This is what scientists call our stress response or “fight or flight” response.

If our mind determines a situation to be dangerous or uncomfortable, it sends signals prompting the rest of the body to be alert. For example, it’s night time and you see a shadowy figure behind you. Naturally, you feel afraid and start to walk faster.

Biologically, stress isn’t a bad thing. Just like the example above, the purpose of stress is to warn us of a potentially dangerous situation, so that we can respond accordingly.

While stress is a vital function of the body, it can lead to severe anxiety and other conditions if it is unmanaged or experienced in excessive amounts.

But, like all problems, there is a solution, and in this case―there’s three.

Let’s explore what we have in our anti-stress arsenal.

How CBD Relieves Stress

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the Cannabis plant. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it will not induce mind-altering effects on the user.

Numerous research studies have found that CBD can provide relief for a variety of conditions―one of the most well-supported of which, is stress.

In 1995, scientists discovered a network of receptors throughout the human brain and many of our vital organs that interact exclusively with cannabinoids like CBD. Naturally, it was deemed the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

Now, the reason that CBD can help relieve stress is because, of the many receptors found throughout the ECS, many are concentrated in the area of the brain that regulates our mood and stress levels.

The interaction between CBD and these receptors has shown to reduce erratic stress signals and improve our stress response by moderating how we process a stressful situation. By doing so, CBD can significantly relieve symptoms of stress, while improving how we respond to similar situations in the future.

While CBD has only recently become popular in the wellness community, the next item on our list has been practiced for over 5,000 years…

How Yoga Relieves Stress

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, yoga is “a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body.”

Yoga was first practiced by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in Northern India over 5,000 years ago, and it was later incorporated into the religious practices of Hinduism.

Today, yoga has been adopted around the world, with health experts and individuals praising it for health benefits including enhanced awareness and concentration, improved balance and posture, improved sleep and stress relief.

In addition to these benefits, yoga is commonly practiced in conjunction with breathing exercises, which are known to deliver benefits such as enhanced energy, improved cardiovascular functions, and of course, stress relief.

By improving various physical, emotional and mental functions, yoga can effectively alleviate stress. Combined with the next item on our list, stress won’t stand a chance.

How Meditation Relieves Stress

Commonly practiced along with yoga, meditation is a set of practices that are intended to develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and mindfulness.

While meditation can take many forms, it will typically involve practices developed around either concentration or mindfulness.

Concentration-based meditation involves endured focus on a single action or object such as breathing or focusing on a candle flame.

Mindfulness meditation involves becoming fully engaged in the present moment. As you meditate, you should become aware and accepting of your current mental, physical, and emotional state.

In concept, by practicing meditation, your concentration, awareness, and related functions (such as how you respond to stress) will naturally improve.

While this makes complete sense logically―it’s also backed by science.

Last year, Health Line published an article that listed the benefits of meditation, with scientific studies validating each benefit. At the top of their list was stress relief. Other benefits included anxiety relief, emotional health and wellbeing, improved sleep, and increased memory and attention.

Your Ultimate Defense Against Stress

Based on what we’ve discussed, CBD, meditation, and yoga have each shown the ability to significantly alleviate stress. Combined, they form the ultimate defense against stress.

While it will require dedication, this routine can have a significant impact on not only your emotional and mental health―but your overall health, happiness, and well-being.

By incorporating CBD, meditation, and yoga into your life, you can take the first step towards overcoming stress. With regular practice, you can achieve a sense of inner peace and clarity, allowing you to focus on what is truly important in your life.

If you, like many others are tired of dealing with stress, it might be time for a change. Incorporate this routine into your life and a stress-free future could be right around the corner.

We truly hope this article helped you learn how to overcome stress with CBD, meditation, and yoga. Please share this article with your loved ones, and anyone else who it could help.

Thanks for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please engage in the comments!