This week is National Stress Awareness Week, and in light of that we've given some extra thought into stress, how it manifests and affects us, steps to combat it, and we've also thrown in in a 25% sale to take the stress out of your week!

We often think of stress as being a normal part of life. And while a little bit of occasional stress isn’t something to be concerned about, long-term and chronic stress can be incredibly damaging to our health.

Some people can derive good things from stress, using it as a source of motivation and inspiration. But when stress is running the show, it can be difficult to handle situations. Stress can lead to mental and physical symptoms in addition to changes in behaviour.

There are many ways to combat stress, from removing the sources of stress to changing the way you respond to stressful situations. CBD might also hold some hope by encouraging individuals to take a more mindful approach to stressful situations. 

In this guide, we’re going to explore what stress does to the body and what you can do to combat stress, including adding CBD to your daily routine.

What causes stress?

Stress may be caused by lots of different things. And what causes stress in one person might not elicit the same response in another. Stress could be caused by one big life event, or lots of little things that build up. Sometimes, we don’t even fully understand the source of our stress, which can make it difficult to tackle.

You might feel stressed if:

• You are under lots of pressure at work
• You’re facing big changes in your life
• You’re worried about something
• You’re facing a period of uncertainty
• You feel like certain things are out of your control
• Your responsibilities feel overwhelming
• You’re experiencing discrimination, hate or abuse

How does stress impact health?

While stress might not be considered a mental health disorder, it can aggravate and worsen existing mental health conditions. Long-term stress can suppress your immune system, cause digestive upset, increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, and even speed up the ageing process.

Stress can also impact other areas of your life. For example, you might find it difficult to get a good night’s sleep when you are stressed. You might struggle to eat when you’re stressed. And you might find that your relationships are strained when you are experiencing a lot of stress.

Stress can also worsen existing health problems, including depression, anxiety, painful conditions, autoimmune diseases, digestive problems, skin conditions like eczema, heart disease, weight problems, reproductive issues and cognitive issues.

Can CBD help with stress?

CBD is a supplement extracted from the hemp plant. It is a cannabinoid, similar to THC (the psychoactive compounds in cannabis), but CBD does not have the ability to get you high. Instead, it supports the endocannabinoid system to function correctly.

The ECS is a messaging system that helps to maintain balance throughout the body. There’s still a lot we don’t know about the ECS and how it works, but what we do know is that it is responsible for a wide range of processes. This includes modulating stress responses.

While CBD is not a medicine, it can help to support individuals to achieve a better sense of calm and control. It is a highly mindful supplement that encourages you to check in with your body and be aware of how things feel. Many people pair CBD with meditation and breathwork to help take control of their emotional state.

CBD is thought to support the ECS by inhibiting the release of an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, which is an endocannabinoid produced by our own bodies. This compound is also known as the bliss molecule. With more of it available, the ECS and your body can work more effectively to tackle whatever the day throws at you.

How to take CBD for stress

CBD is available in many different forms, so you can pick and choose the delivery methods that work best for you. Some CBD products, like CBD edibles, are an excellent choice for stress-busting. There’s nothing quite like taking a step back and enjoying a mindful CBD gummy or CBD chocolate.

CBD oil is also a popular choice for stress. It’s fast-absorbing and discreet, which means you can quickly enjoy a moment of calm when you are feeling overwhelmed. You can also add CBD oil to your favourite food and drinks when you need a quiet moment of reflection.