International Stress Awareness Week: Can CBD help us manage stress levels?

It’s International Stress Awareness Week.

One of the most common reasons for trying CBD is to manage stress or anxiety.

Celebrated in the first week of November, this year’s theme is “RESLIENCE – the power to succeed”.

And CBD may be able to help you do just that.

Stress is a serious issue taking its toll on many across the UK.

Almost one third of Brits have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings due to stress.

In the US, a Quartz survey found 50% of respondents were seeking relief from anxiety and stress when they first tried CBD.

As it is estimated that 300,000 people in the UK are using CBD oil, so International Stress Awareness Week is the perfect time to break it all down.

How does CBD help with stress and anxiety?

Stress and anxiety share many of the same physical and emotional symptoms and can often be intertwined.

Neurologist and Rehabilitation Physician, Professor Mike Barnes MD said:

“We know that the endocannabinoid system has an effect on overall ‘calmness’ and CBD is a good treatment, amongst other things, for anxiety.”

“It also interacts with other neural systems including serotonin and can improve sleep.”

Serotonin, or ‘the happy-hormone’, is associated with positive feelings and mood enhancement, and when stressed, serotonin levels are reduced.

Cortisol, or ‘the stress hormone’, is also affected by CBD.

Researchers in Brazil have known for over 25 years that after administering CBD, cortisol levels decrease.

A paper published in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research reads:

“The present results suggest that CBD interferes with cortisol secretion.”

International Stress Awareness Week 2019

Carole Spiers, chair of the International Stress Management Association says:

“Our aim is to keep stress, mental health and wellbeing high on the national agenda.”

In the last year 74% of UK adults said they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope due to stress, it is clear this is a big issue in Britain.

But, research also suggests that increasing numbers of people are turning to CBD for stress relief.

This year, CBD became one of the most googled wellbeing trends in the world.

Data published earlier this year by Open Access Government found:

“38% of Brits – more than 17.4 million – would use CBD oil to manage their mental health.”

“Millennials are the group most willing to use CBD oil to manage stress, anxiety and depression.”

Trouble sleeping is also commonly linked to stress, if that is a problem you are facing this International Stress Awareness Week you can read more here.