Cannabis and Self-Care: Two Sides of the Same Coin

The Coin: Our Endocannabinoid System

First, let’s define endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids, as you can guess, come from the word cannabis. The “endo” stands for is endogenous, which means that it is made naturally in your body (and not consumed via an external substance). So endocannabinoid system simply means the naturally occurring system of cannabis-like substances inside all humans.

On One Side, Cannabis

Cannabis is a powerful wellness tool for many people. Cannabinoids within the plant are chemical compounds that that has many therapeutic properties. The plant has been found to contain over 80 different cannabinoids. However, THC and CBD are the most prevalent.

These cannabinoids interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various functions in the body, including mood, memory, appetite, and pain.

On the Other Side, Self-Care

Self-care is an investment in yourself. Therefore, stress-relieving activities are vitally important for a healthy endocannabinoid system. Incorporating self-care practices such as yoga and social interaction in your daily routine will boost your ECS. The caveat is choosing an activity you enjoy.

Studies found that people who exercise voluntarily have greater endocannabinoid levels than those who exercise under coercion. As a result, if you force yourself to exercise, your ECS will translate the exercise as stress.

Thereby, integrating cannabis into your self-care routine can be a double whammy for healing.

Cannabis and Self-Care

Here’s a breakdown of four techniques, along with tips to help you boost your endocannabinoid system.

Clean Up the Crib

Many people feel much better when their space is clean. A quick pick-up can really help you feel more calm, happy, and balanced. Start with a room or a small area in your home, then build your routine out.

It’s also a dope way to organize your thoughts before starting your day.

Sativa dominate hybrid strain

Do you need a puff to get started or a drag to keep you going, or a whole vibe to reward yourself when it’s done? Sativa-dominant strains are described as energizing, mood-uplifting, and creativity-inducing.

Practice Packing a Pre-rolled Smoking Cone

Being an expert joint roller isn’t necessary to experience a genuinely gorgeous joint in 2022. Want to know why? Because self-care includes developing a skill. Learning a new skill like twisting up the perfect joint reportedly increases self-esteem and our ability to cope with stress.

Indica dominate strain

If you’re planning on using cannabis as a way to increase your focus, then indica dominate strains are an excellent choice for you. This type of strain will typically relax you and make you feel less anxious.

Keep a Journal

Living with anxiety means you’ll often go over things that make you nervous or focus on challenging tasks. Therefore, make a note of what’s going well in your day. Be kind to yourself and praise yourself often.

Sativa strain

Sativa strains can help shift or unblock creativity or generate new ideas for some. Not limited to creativity, Cannabis sativa strains can provide you with more introspective experiences.

Fade to Black

Don’t sleep on sleeping. Suppose you’re among the many people that suffer from anxiety over not being able to sleep. Studies show a connection between cannabis and a good night’s sleep, so the plant might do the trick for those restless nights.

Indica strain edibles

You may be interested to hear that edibles could provide beneficial anxiety-relieving properties. An indica gummy before bed could help relax your thoughts and muscles to allow your imagination to wander away on more fun, dreamy adventures.

The Future of Self-Care with Cannabis

Self-care and cannabis are undergoing a revolution. With the emergence of new wellness practices that are more inclusive than ever before, we must take the time each day to practice caring for ourselves.

To note, not all types of cannabis will provide the same benefits for everyone. Speak with a cannabis professional before beginning a self-care plan.

References

Collaborator, B. C. (2020, May 12). Endocannabinoid-Enhancing Foods and Activities. Treadwell Farms. https://www.treadwellfarms.com/blogs/cbd-education/endocannabinoid-enhancing-activities-1

Robertson, K. (2021, February 26). Cannabis 101: A Guide to Sativa Strains. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sativa-strains#common-effects

Stahl, A. (2020, June 2). 5 Unexpected Self-Care Practices To Weave Into Your Work Day. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashleystahl/2020/06/02/5-unexpected-self-care-practices-to-weave-into-your-work-day/?sh=276312d51e11

WayofLeaf. (2020, June 5). 5 Best Cannabis Strains for Focus. https://wayofleaf.com/cannabis/ailments/best-marijuana-strains-for-staying-totally-focused

What Is the Endocannabinoid System? (2020, February 10). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system-4171855