Could CBD be the key to reducing holiday stress?

While the holiday season can be fun, for many people the holidays can be a source of stress and depression. As many as 8 out of 10 people anticipate stress during the holiday season (1). Holiday stressors can come from many factors, including financing said holidays, family obligations and even overindulging in holiday treats. Stress and anxiety from the holiday season can manifest in physical symptoms such as: headaches, insomnia, fatigue, short temper, and even aching muscles.

CBD To Help With Stress Management

So how do you cope with these stressors? Current studies show that CBD can regulate stress response (2). Antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol are linked to the possible involvement of 5- HT1A receptors (3). 5-HT 1A receptors are widely distributed in the brain, especially in structures traditionally related to stress and anxiety, such as the raphé nuclei, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala and hypothalamus (4). Since CBD appears to influence regions of the brain responding to stress stimuli, the benefits are reduced anxiety and stress. More specifically, it appears to reduce defensive responses to stressful events or stimuli, which can include adverse effects such as raised heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety.

To review previous articles here, Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis (Cannabis sativa) after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD has multiple health benefits, such as the alleviation of anxiety, depression, and stress and even a reduction of inflammation and pain. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive effects, meaning that it does not cause any euphoric or mind-altering effects. As a stress reducer, CBD seems to function by supporting the body’s response to stress.

So, consider giving yourself the gift of CBD this holiday season, you may find you get more enjoyment and less stress!