CBD for Chronic Stress

Stress is a normal process in our bodies. Only when we can no longer cope with the constant demands through positive stress reactions can stress become a problem. But how much stress is okay? And what is the difference between acute and chronic stress?

Stress is essentially a good thing. It is a harmless but necessary mechanism without which life would not be possible, as it prepares our body for fight or flight. This was vital for survival in the past, but still benefits us in difficult situations today. Whether it's challenges at work or preparing for an upcoming celebration: short-term stressful phases in life can trigger acute stress.

This type of stress is not harmful to health; on the contrary, it sharpens our senses, makes us more efficient, and thus helps us to successfully master tasks. Stress reactions can even release happiness hormones and strengthen our self-confidence. This positive stress is also called "eustress." After these phases of eustress, the body usually quickly returns to its normal level of tension. However, if this acute tension does not subside and periods of relaxation are absent, chronic stress can develop, which can become very dangerous.

Stress is classified as one of the biggest health risks of this century for a reason: We are increasingly exposed to environmental influences such as unhealthy diets, too little exercise, excessive internet consumption, and high work intensity as well as competitive pressure in professional life. Depending on the number and intensity of these stimuli, our body can be put into a state of alert. The consequence: Stress-related hormones in the blood and blood pressure remain high and no longer reach normal levels. This state of stress does not even have to result from extremely high demands, but can nevertheless become a demonstrable health burden over years.

When more and more stress factors accumulate and the tension in the body no longer subsides, it is ultimately referred to as chronic stress. However, even positive events such as a birth or an upcoming wedding can cause the stress level to rise and become a burden on the body and psyche over time.

It's important to note that stress is a very individual thing. For some, their stress levels skyrocket after just a few minutes in traffic, while others react calmly. Although our perception of stress is very subjective, there are still some causes that the majority of people find stressful. These include, for example:

• Conflicts at work, in relationships or family
• Overload due to dual burden of family and career
• Life events such as job loss, separation, illness or death of a loved one
• Lack of leisure time
• Sensory overload
• Personal worries and fears

Chronic stress manifests itself through a variety of symptoms that can appear both physically and psychologically. The reason for this are stress hormones that act on various processes in our body. In acute stress, our brain releases adrenaline and noradrenaline, which increases our performance. At the same time, anti-inflammatory cortisol is released, which reduces our susceptibility to infection.

However, with chronic stress, this effect is reversed: The immune system is inhibited, so we get sick more easily and our performance decreases. Our breathing becomes shallower, which means the brain is supplied with less oxygen and memory performance decreases. Even our posture can change due to persistent stress: We adopt a defensive stance, in which the shoulder, neck and back muscles tense up.

Further typical symptoms at a glance:

• Inner restlessness and nervousness
• Sleep disorders
• Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness
• Lack of drive and exhaustion
• Increased pulse
• Head and back pain
• Gastrointestinal problems

Often, the physical and psychological symptoms of chronic stress are not recognized as such. Those affected attribute their stomach problems to an intolerance or their exhaustion to a vitamin deficiency. A rethinking usually only occurs when the stress level leads to more serious health problems. These can manifest themselves through: diabetes, an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, elevated liver values, skin rashes, gastrointestinal diseases, and burnout or depression.

Therefore, it is advisable to prevent acute stress from becoming chronic stress. There are some simple tips you can use to lower your overall stress level. This way, the small and big challenges of life won't throw you off track so easily! Examples of stress management or prevention would be, for example, doing sports outdoors as a balance, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and finding personal sources of strength. To do this, try to break the stress with activities that you enjoy and that fulfill you. For example, you can plan a small conscious activity for each day that is solely for your well-being.

Another remedy to prevent or successfully combat chronic stress is CBD oil. As a daily companion and supporter, it can help you to master your everyday life more relaxed and balanced. More and more people report successful use of CBD against various symptoms of stress, such as headaches, sleep problems, and anxiety.

The plant-based active ingredient CBD from the hemp plant can work in our body, more precisely in our endocannabinoid system (ECS), and positively influence it. This is because many important processes in our body, such as our emotional state, are regulated there.

CBD can reduce the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn calms our body and mind and brings them into a healthy balance. But CBD can also be a helpful support for other symptoms that can accompany chronic stress.

Many customers report relief from their pain and inner restlessness, as well as an improvement in their sleep. The advantage: CBD is a natural substance obtained from the flowers and leaves of the female industrial hemp plant. Due to its low THC content of less than 0.2%, it is completely legal and cannot have an intoxicating effect.

The WHO also classifies CBD as safe, and the substance has hardly any side effects for the human body. As a result, CBD, especially in the form of CBD oil, is an increasingly popular remedy for sustainably combating stress with all its accompanying symptoms.

Discover more CBD products for more relaxation in your life here.