CBD: Utilizing CBD As a Working Mom [An Opinion Piece]
May 4, 2021
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Utilizing CBD As a Working Mom [An Opinion Piece]
CBD is starting to spread internationally due to some of its popular benefits, such as:
Assisting in weight loss
Pain relief
Anxiety relief
Depression relief
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of over 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in cannabis or marijuana plant, Cannabis sativa. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and causes the sensation of getting “high” that’s often associated with marijuana. However, unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive. This quality makes CBD an appealing option for many, especially those who work a full-time job or for parents caring for children. They are seeking the benefits CBD delivers, minus the mind-altering effects that they would otherwise get from marijuana or certain pharmaceutical drugs.
CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil. [Source]
As busy working moms, finding something to help us get through a hectic day is a priority for many of us. Some of us suffer from chronic issues like pain, anxiety or depression. Having to juggle sometimes all those things throughout any given day is near impossible, yet somehow we manage to do it. But what if there was something that could help? What would be the best ways to utilize CBD for those common situations we may find ourselves in?
How to Utilize CBD in the Mornings:
I do not know about you, but my mornings are sacred. I require my alone time first thing upon waking up. I make sure to set my alarm an hour before anyone else is set to wake up. I drag myself out of bed and manage to get myself to the kitchen for a cold glass of water. I even splash my face with it. The second thing I do is grab my vape pen full of CBD oil, wrap a blanket around myself, and walk out onto my porch. I sit there in my chair, breathing in the cold air into my lunges while smoking my vape pen. Sometimes, depending on the time of year, the sun is not even up. I sit there puffing for about 15 minutes, allowing my body to slowly wake up and ease into the new day.
Why CBD first thing in the morning? CBD oil is rich in chemicals called cannabinoids that bind to specialized receptors in the brain. Those receptors coordinate everything you feel, think, and do. In a recent study, cannabidiol not only made participants feel better but also changed the way their brains responded to anxiety. Starting my day out with CBD and a fresh glass of cold water brings my mind into a position where I feel it needs to be in order to start my day out right with a positive attitude.
“In a recent study, cannabidiol not only made participants feel better but also changed the way their brains responded to anxiety.” [in quote format]
I walk back into my house and get ready for my morning workout. I don’t know about most moms, but my weight is a weekly inner mental discussion of mine. Fortunately, CBD has been known to help with weight loss and I can testify that it truly does. The compound found in CBD can help a person lose weight by reducing their appetite. While it is true that THC will typically increase a person’s hunger, CBD does the opposite. A recent study showed that the CB1 receptor antagonists may help reduce appetite and control obesity. This is because CB1 receptor agonists block off or “deactivate” the receptor.
Relieving Pain with CBD [to ensure a productive work day]:
About mid-day, my neck is starting to show me it’s fatigued. After all, the average person’s head weighs about 8 pounds. With a weak neck that has a bunch of screws keeping it together, that head feels like it weighs a hell of a lot more. It is about the early afternoon where my body is telling me I need a second dose of CBD oil — and CBD lotion. According to recent research, CBD is mainly used to help with pain specifically. A study from the European Journal of Pain showed, using an animal model, CBD applied on the skin could help lower pain and inflammation. Therefore, I make sure to always have CBD lotion and oil on hand at all times.
Sneaking off to puff away on my CBD pen is not that hard to do. Naturally, you will be spotted by some noisy coworker, sporting a hip vape pen, but technically they will have no idea what you are smoking. Unless they ask, CBD typically isn’t the first thing a person suspects. Either or, CBD is legal in the majority of states. It definitely is in mine; therefore, I don’t shy away when I take my CBD smoke break. If anything, it gives me the opportunity to spread the word about how awesome and beneficial CBD is for so many things we deal with on a daily basis. For a list of states where CBD is illegal/legal, click HERE.
Relieving anxiety and stress [before a mid-day, pre-meeting emotional breakdown hits in full force]:
For me, stress will hit at any random time that it wants–but usually when my TO-DO list has reached its max, and I find myself tackling 5 things off the list all at once. It is then that I grab my CBD pen and slowly puff away or pop a few CBD gummies. The relief hits me about ten minutes after, so the steady breathing is essential in helping to relax immediately before the CBD benefits are reaped.
Research published in 2014 found that CBD oil had anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects in an animal model. A 2015 analysis of previous studies concluded that CBD oil is a promising treatment for numerous forms of anxiety, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to Utilize CBD in the Evenings:
As working moms, by the end of our days, we are ready for bed! Unfortunately, for many of us, it is not that simple to just shut off our brains and sleep on demand. From bedtime routines to checking the kids’ homework to prepping for tomorrow’s dinner, closing out our day might also require the help of CBD. It definitely does for me.
I wait about 30 minutes after eating dinner before turning on my water warmer and prepping my CBD tea. Though many would prefer to just vape their CBD as I do throughout my day, there is just something very soothing and relaxing about sipping a warm cup of CBD tea. Tea is known for being a soothing method for many all over the world.
CBD-infused tea is good for a number of reasons. Firstly, it carries the potential health benefits of cannabidiol. Secondly, there are all the benefits of tea. For example, green tea can speed up the metabolism and is packed full of antioxidants. Combining CBD and tea together is like killing two birds with one stone by providing the body with two healthy compounds at once.
I take my favorite CBD flower and a Chamomille tea bag and seep them together. If I am lucky, I’m able to take a 30-minute bath and sip it in there before continuing with my evening. The benefits will kick in in about 15 minutes. I feel an instant relaxation and calmness about me. The tea delivers the benefits of CBD plus the benefits of Chamomile tea, giving you the perfect combo for ending your busy day on the right note.
Closing Thoughts:
CBD is a natural alternative to the plethora of medication available to us from our doctors, and what draws many to the natural plant is the lack of side effects. It’s a game-changer for those looking for a healthy way to have their daily ailments be relieved. It is by no means a miracle cure that will deliver you from all health issues we face, but it helps take the edge off. More and more research is being done on CBD. It is only a matter of time before the number of studies helps set the majority at ease and brings CBD up at the forefront for recommended supplements for people and animals to use.
Other things to consider
Every body is unique from another. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to holistic alternatives such as CBD. A lot of this is trial and error. Delivered benefits can heavily depend on your weight, lifestyle, diet, genetics and more. Below is a helpful guide from Medical News Today that shows you recommended dosages depending on the medical condition you are looking to self-treat:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327518#other-factors
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailment. We recommend consulting with a qualified medical doctor or physician when preparing a treatment plan for any and all diseases or ailments. It is especially important for those who are pregnant, nursing, chronically ill, elderly or under the age of 18 to discuss the use of CBD products with a physician prior to consuming. You must be 18 years or older to consume any CBD product. Check your state’s laws to be sure.