Mental health plays a crucial role in our daily lives. It helps you decide how you think, feel, and behave. Besides, your mental health is directly impacted by your ability to overcome challenges and deal with stress. This, in turn, has an impact on the people around you. Hence, it is essential to nurture and refine your mental health.
Most individuals have turned to yoga, meditation, and prescription medications to enhance their mental health. But there’s another natural alternative that can support your mental health. And, that’s Cannabidiol (CBD). This magic compound going here has swept the healthcare industry with its magnificent health benefits.
Let’s learn more about CBD and its role in strengthening and refining your mental health.
CBD and Mental Health
Let’s start with CBD. What is it? Cannabidiol is a primary active compound in the cannabis plant. It is thought to bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our nervous system. It is believed to interact with serotonin signaling. It affects how the brain responds to serotonin, the chemical already presents in your body that helps regulate anxiety, happiness, and mood.
CBD may calm the brain and support the hippocampus, which is essential for healthy emotion and memory. Many research studies have shown that CBD can produce all kinds of beneficial changes that regulate pain, mood, and everyday experiences. Moreover, it is available in many forms of consumption. One of the popular forms is CBD capsules, which are conveniently designed to deliver CBD to the body through the digestive system.
Here are a couple of ways that CBD can refine your mental health:
- Stress Management
The current fast-paced lifestyles can bring you stressful life events. It may make it harder to catch a break and switch off from the world. Taking some time out for self-care can help you overcome any stress or mental tension. Pressure can increase the levels of cortisol and eventually affect your mental health. CBD has been shown to relieve stress by inhibiting the secretion of cortisol that helps you relax and calm your mind during stressful situations.
- Reduce Anxiety
Everyone has experienced anxiety in their lives. But there are some individuals for whom anxiety is a significant obstacle and cannot handle the same. They may slip into psychological paralysis due to constant overthinking, leaving them stuck! For such individuals, CBD may be a potent treatment option. CBD has a proven record of managing almost all types of anxiety disorders and supports your mental health. Studies have shown that CBD has a potent anti-anxiety effect. It boosts GABA, a calming neurotransmitter, and reduces anxiety.
- Improve Mood
Constantly feeling on top of your game is not possible. There are days when you may experience mood swings and may not deliver daily tasks on time. In such cases, all you need is a mood-enhancer. CBD can boost your mood and motivation when you need that extra push. Just like exercise, CBD boosts your mood by activating CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. It is a quick way to improve your mood and prevent yourself from slipping into depression.
- Improve Cognitive Abilities
As you grow older, certain aspects of your memory may begin to decline. It may be a regular thing, but one can also protect their brain through various components. Cognitive impairment is also characterized by deficits in learning, attention, and executive functioning. It can severely impact daily lives. Most individuals suffering from cognitive impairment are given prescription medications that may be harmful in the long run. On the contrary, CBD has anti-inflammatory and antipsychotic-like properties to improve cognitive abilities like psychomotor function, working memory, thinking, and executive function, without any side effects.
- Enhance Sleep Quality
Healthy sleep can enhance well-being. Although professionals recommend at least seven hours per night for good health, sleep is still underrated. A lack of sleep can cause issues like anxiety, depression, and a weak immune system. Sleep helps in body regeneration and flush out neurotoxins from the brain. Instead of depending on sleeping pills, you can choose a natural alternative like CBD, which offers a non-intoxicating and non-addictive alternative. CBD effectively promotes circadian rhythm regulation, the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Besides, CBD does not cause any side effects.
CBD Dosage
If you decide to try CBD, it is also important to note that there is no universally agreed-upon dose. Experts suggest that people may respond differently to various dosages. So, make sure to consult an expert and decide on the right amount suitable for your needs. Moreover, the symptoms you are trying to alleviate also play an essential role in determining the dosage you need to take to get desired results.
Start with a low dose. Unless your doctor recommends a specific dosage, start by taking 10 to 20 mg a day. If this dose does not have the desired effect, try increasing it by 5 mg. Do not overdose, as it may worsen your mental health. CBD products are available in several forms, including oils, tablets, capsules, gummies, and even nasal sprays. Work with your doctor to determine the suitable dosage of CBD for you.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing any mental health issues and want to try CBD, you should talk to a doctor or mental health professional. Avoid self-medication as it may aggravate some symptoms. Be sure to discuss with your doctor what works best for your mental health.