In modern life, there are nearly limitless causes of stress. Whether someone is worried about work, health problems, physical fitness, or something else, there’s no doubt that everyone experiences some amount of stress daily.
One poll from 2020 found that 60% of Americans reported feeling stress or worry every day. And without the right tools, this stress can snowball into a long-term struggle, affecting both physical and mental health later on.
Fortunately, there are natural, effective options for managing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being — and CBD is one of them.
Below, learn about the symptoms of stress, effective ways to manage it, and how CBD could help.
What Is Stress?
Stress is a feeling that occurs as a response to challenges, called stressors. This feeling is what naturally propels people to take action. For example, when someone experiences stress at work, it lets them know that they should take the time to solve whatever problem they’re facing.
It’s important to note that everyone experiences some stress. And it’s a natural response, given all the things we have to deal with each day. It’s human. Stress was our ancestors’ signal to protect themselves against threats such as predators or environmental dangers. So, even though it can be rather unpleasant, stress has served a valuable tool to ensure survival throughout history.
But in modern times, high levels of stress aren’t always necessary, and health problems can occur when people don’t have reliable stress management systems in place. With that in mind, learning how to identify stress and finding ways to tackle it is essential.
Symptoms of Stress
As you may know, chronic stress is all too common in modern life. Unfortunately, this prolonged stress can lead to physical problems and pain in the body down the road.
Physical symptoms of chronic stress can appear in the following ways, according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Headache
- Tense or achy muscles
- Upset stomach
- Sleep problems
- Fatigue
These symptoms occur because chronic stress can put your body in a “fight-or-flight” response for a great deal of time.
When a person is stressed, their body releases adrenaline and cortisol. Normally, these hormones will level out on their own after the stressor is gone. But when someone is chronically stressed, these hormones stay high and could potentially disrupt the body’s daily functions.
How Does Stress Affect Mental Health?
Aside from physical symptoms, chronic stress can also have a drastic impact on mental health.
Some research points to long-term stress playing a role in anxiety disorders and depression. On top of that, a person with chronic stress may notice their daily mood being affected. The impact of stress on mental health can lead to a broad array of troubling consequences.
So, what are the key signs of stress affecting mental health?
A person with chronic stress may feel like they:
- Are more irritable
- Are overwhelmed often
- Have a hard time concentrating
- Are restless and nervous frequently
All in all, the effects of stress on mental health are vital to pay attention to. When you notice that you’re feeling stressed for a long period time, don’t be afraid to reach out and find resources to start feeling better.
Ways to Manage Stress
While stress, mental health, and physical symptoms can be concerning, there are strategies that can provide relief. Below are a few scientifically proven ways to manage stress and boost your sense of well-being.
1. Get Your Body Moving
Doctors and healthcare providers always mention exercise as a way to reduce stress, and that’s because it is truly one of the best mood-boosters on the planet. Research has shown that even a single bout of exercise can boost your mental well-being and decrease stress.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the act of being present in every moment with an accepting, nonjudgmental state of mind. As simple as mindfulness is, it’s also a powerful way to relax and feel happier. In fact, a 2014 review of 17 studies concluded that mindfulness appears to be a promising strategy for stress management.
3. Spend Time with Loved Ones
With life being so busy, it’s easy to get swept up in day-to-day tasks and forget to visit with your family and friends. So, if you’re feeling stressed out, spend time with your loved ones. It can help you relax, uplift your spirits, and support better mental health overall.
CBD for Stress
There’s a ton of buzz around CBD’s ability to aid in relaxation and stress reduction, and that’s because countless people are using it to find relief. So, for those interested in reducing stress holistically and naturally, CBD may be worth a shot.
One large study published in 2019 found that CBD lowered the anxiety scores of participants over several months. While CBD isn’t an FDA-approved treatment for anxiety, these results show that CBD does seem to promote relaxation and calmness. And this means it can be incredibly beneficial for those who want to beat their chronic stress.
Muscle MX CBD Products to Help Manage Stress
If you want to try CBD but can’t find a brand that you trust, Muscle MX is one high-quality company to consider on your search. Muscle MX aims to provide the best products with clean ingredients and trusted performance. Our products are third-party lab tested, with all of the test results publicly available here.
Some of the best Muscle MX products to help with chronic stress include:
- Full Spectrum CBD Drops ( 1,000mg, 500mg)
- Relax Drops – 1,000mg CBD
- Relax Gummies – 25mg CBD
How much CBD should you take for stress?
Every product will have different concentrations of CBD in it. So, make sure to check the label before you consume any. For example, Muscle MX Full Spectrum CBD Drops 1,000mg have 33mg of CBD per mL, while Muscle MX Relax Gummies have 25mg of CBD per gummy.
In any case, there isn’t a universally “correct” amount of CBD for every person. You should start by asking your doctor if CBD is safe for you and what dosage they recommend. Most people start with small doses — around 10 to 20mg per day — and work their way up from there.
The Bottom Line on Stress Management and CBD
Stress is a challenging obstacle that affects both mental and physical health. To find relief, you can try stress management strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, and spending time with the people you love.
CBD may also be able to alleviate stress. CBD shows promise for promoting relaxation, easing stress, and uplifting your mood. For those looking to manage stress, some favorite Muscle MX products to try out are the CBD Relax Drops and the Relax Gummies.