Calm amid chaos

In recent years, as our everyday lives seem to become more stressful by the minute, people are finally starting to understand the importance of mental health, particularly in the world’s current state of lockdown and unrest. Not only can stress have serious mental health implications, it can also have physical effects on your body. The NHS provides this list of potential symptoms to help you self-identify stress:

Of course, it is important to note that if any of these symptoms are dramatic, persistent, uncharacteristic or are affecting your daily life, you should seek help from a doctor or mental health professional. But before it gets that far, try stopping stress in its tracks with some natural remedies, such as CBD, that bring a sense of calm back into your life.

So how can CBD help with your mental wellbeing?

CBD works in harmony with the cannabinoids found naturally in your body to stimulate your cannabinoid receptors. As  Dr. Cheryl Bugailiskis, MD, explained: “Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body as a part of our endocannabinoid system — a checks-and-balance matrix, which regulates a number of critical bodily functions and responses such as stress, pain, appetite, inflammation, sleep, immunity and even processes like how much or how little oil our skin produces.” Dr Bugailiskis is a cannabis specialist with HelloMD, a leading digital healthcare platform for the cannabis industry.

Whilst taking our CBD drops is a fantastic way to boost the general function of your endocannabinoid system, we have many other products available in our Goodbody range that can help with your relaxation. Try our Relax bath bomb – it’s CBD and lavender infusion will mingle with the steam of a bath to calm your senses and relax your mind. Or use our Body Oil to give your muscles a calming CBD massage with relaxing vanilla, moisturising almond and anti-inflammatory agarwood.

These products all get the CBD directly to your skin – the organ with the greatest amount and concentration of cannabinoid receptors in your body. These receptors are responsible for regulating “inflammation, bacteria, lipid production (which can lead to acne), the release of histamine as well as skin cell proliferation (which causes psoriasis),” according to Dr Bugailiskis.

CBD is great at supporting your wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to work alone. There are many other natural remedies that can work alongside CBD to help relieve your stress. For example, a Psychology Today article explains how aromatherapy calms your mind and body by targeting the areas in your brain responsible for mood and emotions. It also lists six essential oils with scientific research showing that they can help with stress:

• Lavender

A surprise to no one, this familiar wellness powerhouse can help with insomnia, anxiety and depression, with results that even show up on EEG and fMRI scans.

• Yuzu

This traditional Japanese citrus remedy now has scientific research to back it up, with a study showing that it can relieve stress and anxiety, reducing your heart rate in only ten minutes.

• Bergamot

Another citrus hero, this time with Italian origin, has been found by researchers to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and stress. Recently, it was even found to reduce chronic pain.

• Ylang Ylang

Studies have shown that this tropical flower from Southeast Asia lowers heart rate, decreases blood pressure, and relaxes the nervous system and heart rhythms.

• Clary Sage

This Mediterranean herb has been found to help people relax during dental procedures, and aromatherapy with this oil can even have antidepressant-like effects.

• Jasmine

A study has found that this his sweet-scented flower that you can grow at home produces a tea which has calming effects.

There are many other ways to find calm in stressful times. Here are some NHS-approved tips for coping with stress:

• Talk about your feelings to a friend, family member, or health professional.
• Try to do regular exercise.
• Set aside time for yourself.
• Learn some time management techniques.
• Use calming breathing exercises.
• Plan ahead for potentially stressful days or events.
• Find a peer support network.
• Listen to the NHS free mental wellbeing audio guides.
• Download relaxation and mindfulness apps from the NHS apps library.