Managing Mental Health with CBD Products During COVID-19 Lockdowns in Canada
As the pandemic continues on with new emerging variants, another lockdown in Canada seems inevitable. It’s no surprise that we don’t typically respond well to restricted movement, business closures, loss of income, and fear of a deadly virus. After experiencing lockdown already, many Canadians are seeking advice on how to manage their mental health with CBD products, should another lockdown occur.
In this article, we’ll provide some CBD coronavirus lockdown tips for general health and wellness, incorporating how to use CBD for anxiety simultaneously with our top recommended products.
What are Some CBD Lockdown Tips for Wellness?
Anxiety is uncomfortable to say the very least. If left unchecked and unmanaged, it can become debilitating and even lead to serious depression. To avoid reaching that point, we have created the following list to help you thrive even during lockdown conditions.
- Maintain healthy relationships (especially the relationship you have with yourself) and avoid isolating. Check in with your loved ones often, share how you’re feeling, listen intently, and offer guidance/support to one another. Use the tools you have at your disposal such as video calling to maintain a physical connection, even when you’re unable to see each other. Be honest with yourself on how you’re feeling while reaching out to family/friends if you see yourself declining. Set aside time to write in a wellness journal to log your daily emotions and mental state to detect slight fluctuations.
- Stay active and move daily. During a lockdown, it’s often tempting to isolate, sleep, and spend hours on the couch watching television. Make an effort to go for a walk, run, hike, do yoga, go for a bicycle ride, or anything to get you moving, even for just an hour each day. Fresh air (even if it’s cold and snowing) can be a wonderful way to reset!
- Monitor your alcohol consumption. When movement is restricted and there’s not much to do, a lot of Canadians are drinking more than usual. With any type of mental health condition, including anxiety, alcohol can be abused and become addictive. Make sure to limit your consumption and seek other ways to find relief, such as with a nano CBD for anxiety beverage. For more information on how alcohol can make anxiety worse, click here.
- Invest in relaxation and self-care items, setting time aside for yourself to unwind. Taking a long, hot, bubble bath with relaxing music can melt away stress, fear, and tension in the mind and body. Use a combination of CBD for anxiety products for a spa day, right at home!
- Keep a routine sleep schedule. It may be tempting to stay up late and sleep in, especially if you have no obligations. While it may be nice once in a while, making it a habit could lead to disaster. Try to create a daily lockdown routine, making sure to wake up and go to bed each night at a reasonable hour. If you need extra help getting to sleep or staying asleep, there are various CBD for anxiety products that also help with sleep. They can be found here.
- Watch your eating habits. Lockdown isolation can impact changes in eating, whether it’s eating more out of boredom or eating less due to stress/anxiety. Make an effort to plan healthy meals, avoiding overeating and undereating.
- Limit your time watching the news and scrolling social media. Although it’s an excellent way to waste your down time, it’s not healthy in excess and only contributes to feelings of anxiety. Find constructive ways to spend your time such as reading books, creating art, listening to music, gardening, dancing, singing, exercising, and spending time in nature.
What Makes CBD Lockdown Products Beneficial?
Telling someone with anxiety to “just relax” and use the tips listed above is often a lot harder than it seems. When you have anxiety, even daily tasks can become extremely difficult. With racing and intrusive thoughts, fear, and unbearable levels of stress, it can be almost impossible. That’s why our recommendation is to use CBD for anxiety products in combination with the tips listed above.
CBD has been shown in numerous clinical studies to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, having the capability to calm not only the mind but also the body. Using CBD for anxiety can help organize your thoughts, giving you focus and clarity. It also eases pain, muscle soreness, and overall tension in the body. Armed with CBD, coronavirus lockdowns may not affect you so much. Your mind will be clear so that you can finally rest, relax, and recharge, without thinking about the chaos of the pandemic.
For more details on CBD for anxiety, such as how and why it works, click here.
The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdowns on Mental Health in Canada
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns have had a profound impact on the mental health of Canadians. The sudden changes in daily routines, social isolation, financial stress, and fear of the virus have led to an increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
- A survey by the Canadian Mental Health Association found that 38% of Canadians reported a decline in their mental health since the start of the pandemic
- The same survey revealed that 46% of Canadians reported feeling anxious or worried due to the pandemic, while 17% reported feeling depressed
- Job loss, financial instability, and uncertainty about the future have contributed to heightened levels of stress and anxiety among Canadians
- Social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older adults and those living alone, have been identified as significant risk factors for mental health issues during lockdowns
- Frontline healthcare workers and essential workers have been particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to increased workload, exposure to the virus, and emotional toll of caring for patients
- The disruption of routines, such as school closures and work-from-home arrangements, has led to increased stress and difficulty in maintaining a healthy work-life balance
Understanding CBD and Its Potential Benefits for Anxiety
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant that has gained attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly in the management of anxiety. By understanding how CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, we can better appreciate its potential to alleviate anxiety symptoms during lockdowns.
- CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, stress response, and emotional processing
- Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce anxiety by modulating the activity of serotonin receptors in the brain, similar to the mechanism of action of some anti-anxiety medications
- CBD has been found to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties in both animal and human studies, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative to traditional anxiety treatments
- In addition to its anxiolytic effects, CBD has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, which may help alleviate physical symptoms associated with stress and anxiety
- CBD is generally well-tolerated, with few reported side effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking a natural approach to managing anxiety during lockdowns
Choosing the Right CBD Products for Anxiety Relief During Lockdowns
With the growing popularity of CBD for anxiety relief, the market offers a wide range of products to choose from. To ensure you select a high-quality CBD product that meets your needs and preferences, consider the following factors:
- Look for CBD products that are third-party tested for purity, potency, and safety, with certificates of analysis readily available
- Choose products that are derived from high-quality, organically grown hemp to minimize exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants
- Consider the type of CBD extract used (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate) and select one that aligns with your preferences and sensitivity to THC
- Opt for reputable brands with a proven track record of producing effective and reliable CBD products
- Determine the best method of consumption for your lifestyle and preferences, such as oils, capsules, edibles, or topicals
- Consult with a healthcare professional experienced in CBD therapy to guide your product selection and dosing, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications
Incorporating CBD into a Comprehensive Mental Health Care Plan
While CBD can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety during lockdowns, it is most effective when used as part of a holistic approach to mental health care. By combining CBD with other evidence-based strategies, you can create a comprehensive plan to support your emotional well-being during these challenging times.
- Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or at-home workouts, to help reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being
- Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation, to help calm the mind and body
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule and prioritize good sleep hygiene to ensure you get adequate rest and support emotional resilience
- Stay connected with friends, family, and support networks through virtual platforms, phone calls, or socially distanced gatherings when safe and permitted
- Seek professional help from a therapist or counselor, either in-person or through telehealth services, to address underlying mental health concerns and develop coping strategies
- Incorporate CBD products into your daily routine, following dosage guidelines and monitoring your response to find the optimal balance for your individual needs
CBD Dosage and Administration for Anxiety Management
Finding the right CBD dosage for anxiety management during lockdowns may require some trial and error, as individual responses to CBD can vary based on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the severity of anxiety symptoms. Consider the following guidelines when determining your optimal CBD dosage:
- Start with a low dose, typically 5-10mg of CBD per day, and gradually increase as needed to achieve desired effects
- Monitor your response to CBD and adjust the dosage accordingly, keeping track of any changes in anxiety symptoms or potential side effects
- Be consistent with your CBD intake, aiming to take it at the same time(s) each day to maintain steady levels in your system
- Consider factors such as the concentration of CBD in the product, the method of consumption, and your individual tolerance when determining your ideal dosage
- Consult with a healthcare professional experienced in CBD therapy to guide your dosing decisions, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with CBD
- Remember that finding the optimal CBD dosage for anxiety may take time and patience, so be sure to allow adequate time for the effects to take hold before making adjustments
Combining CBD with Other Natural Remedies for Anxiety Relief
In addition to using CBD for anxiety relief during lockdowns, incorporating other natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help create a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to mental well-being. Consider the following options to use in conjunction with CBD:
- Herbal remedies, such as chamomile, lavender, passionflower, and valerian root, have been traditionally used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety symptoms
- Essential oils, such as bergamot, ylang-ylang, and clary sage, can be used in aromatherapy to create a calming atmosphere and promote stress relief
- Nutritional supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and B-complex vitamins, may help support brain health and emotional well-being
- Adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, and holy basil, may help the body adapt to stress and promote emotional balance
- Mind-body practices, such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong, can help reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being
- Engage in creative activities, such as art, music, or writing, to express emotions and promote self-reflection and personal growth
Real-Life Success Stories: How CBD Helped Canadians Manage Anxiety During Lockdowns
While scientific research on CBD for anxiety is still ongoing, many Canadians have shared their personal experiences and success stories using CBD to manage anxiety during lockdowns. These real-life accounts provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of CBD and the practical considerations for incorporating it into a mental health care plan.
- Sarah, a 35-year-old teacher from Toronto, found that using CBD oil helped her manage the stress and anxiety of transitioning to online teaching during lockdowns
- Mike, a 42-year-old small business owner from Vancouver, reported that CBD capsules helped him cope with the financial stress and uncertainty of lockdowns, allowing him to focus on adapting his business
- Julie, a 28-year-old healthcare worker from Montreal, used CBD gummies to help manage the emotional toll of working on the frontlines during the pandemic, reporting improved sleep and reduced anxiety symptoms
- David, a 65-year-old retiree from Calgary, found that CBD topicals helped alleviate the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, such as muscle tension and headaches, during lockdowns
- These success stories highlight the potential of CBD as a natural tool for managing anxiety during challenging times, while also emphasizing the importance of finding the right product, dosage, and method of consumption for individual needs and preferences
The Future of CBD Research and Its Potential Role in Mental Health Care
As interest in CBD for mental health continues to grow, the future of CBD research holds great promise for advancing our understanding of its therapeutic potential and informing the development of targeted interventions for anxiety and other mental health concerns.
- Ongoing clinical trials are investigating the efficacy and safety of CBD for various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Researchers are exploring the potential synergistic effects of combining CBD with other cannabinoids, terpenes, or conventional treatments to optimize its therapeutic benefits
- Advances in CBD delivery methods, such as transdermal patches or nasal sprays, may enhance the bioavailability and targeted effects of CBD for anxiety
- Increased understanding of the endocannabinoid system’s role in mental health may lead to the development of novel, personalized CBD-based interventions
- As the legalization and regulation of CBD products continue to evolve, greater access to high-quality, standardized CBD products may facilitate more widespread use and integration into mental health care
- Collaboration between researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers will be essential in shaping the future of CBD as a potential tool in the management of anxiety and other mental health concerns