Although the festive atmosphere of the season can certainly brighten a dull, cold day, holiday stress is a very real thing and it’s common to experience it. Luckily, we know a thing or two about using CBD for stress, and today we’re discussing 4 ways it can help you make your holiday season extra merry.
CBD and exercise are a match made in heaven
The holidays have always been a traditionally challenging time to prioritize fitness, and 2020 will certainly be no different. The pandemic has had a real impact on our physical and mental health, particularly our lifestyle habits. In a recent California survey, 78 percent reported a negative health effect. But even before COVID, let’s face it – it can be tough to find the motivation to work out as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop.
Daily exercise is proven to be one of the best things you can do to reduce stress. While it’s not necessary to have a gym membership to get a good workout, gym-goers are still going strong during the social distancing era: nearly 90 percent of members who have returned have expressed complete confidence in the safety precautions their gyms have taken, and nearly all (94 percent) have said they will return in some capacity.
There are countless ways high-quality CBD has been shown to help improve a workout. Reduced inflammation. Faster muscle recovery. And yes, even increased calorie burn during those HIIT workouts. No wonder pro sports leagues like the NAPB have been allowing pro athletes to start incorporating CBD into their routines!
Those extra servings of Turkey Day stuffing will seem less tempting:
As a culture, we’re obsessed with quick fix diets, from juice cleanses to prescription diet pills – both of which have brutal side effects. CBD oil has been a known appetite suppressant and even has an effect on converting our body fat!
In 2016, Korean researchers published a study in the scientific journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. What they found was astonishing: CBD not only increases the body’s energy to burn calories, but it “reduces the expression of proteins” that are responsible for the creation of new fat cells! This effect works through our insulin resistance. CBD users have significantly lower insulin resistance levels, shifting the body from fat storing mode to fat burning mode.
And if you do end up overindulging (because what are the holidays for?), CBD can help with that too! In addition to regulating nausea, acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion, it’s a safe bet for those experiencing more serious gastrointestinal ailments like Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome.
Holiday Blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
The holidays are a notorious time for seasonal affective disorder, depression, and anxiety; in 2020, people will experience this to an even greater degree. Nearly 70 percent of hemp oil advocates report using it for anxiety and depression. What is it about CBD that can lift spirits, especially during the most stressful time of the year?
The answer is serotonin: the body’s favorite bliss molecule. CBD functions in the body similarly to an SSRI (think Zoloft or Prozac). It works with our body’s receptors on serotonin production to ensure the brain is using it correctly. When the brain properly uses serotonin, you’ll experience a more stable mood, reduced stress, increased energy, less brain fog, and overall good vibes. You’ll be happier than Santa after seeing a full plate of cookies!
You might finally have a silent night:
Year after year, insomnia affects more Americans around the holidays. One in three of us don’t get enough sleep, and sleep neurologists have even started using the phrase “COVID-somnia” because of the staggering amount of people struggling with acute sleep disorders this year. In fact, sleep problems are one of the main reasons CBD sales spiked in 2020.
So how does CBD help you finally catch those Z’s? According to science, people who struggle with insomnia have higher cortisol levels at night, even though cortisol is normally supposed to peak in the morning. Even as little as 300mg of CBD has a significant reduction in cortisol, which is why so many former insomniacs attest to a good night’s rest when they finally give CBD a try.
Whether you’re worried about tacking on those seasonal pounds, need a boost in motivation to restart that gym membership, or simply dread reuniting with your in-laws over Zoom, broad-spectrum, organic CBD is definitely well worth a try. Your holidays might just be more merry and bright!
Yesterday offers a full-line of hemp derived CBD oil, containing broad-spectrum hemp extract and zero THC. Feel free to check out our full selection of oils and softgels to help bring a sense of calm to your daily life. To learn more about the CBD basics, we recommend reading more from our CBD 101 articles, available here.
