CBD and Mindfulness - Tips for How to Practice Mindfulness with CBD
In the age of hustle culture, most of us are too caught up in our lives to realize just how overwhelmed we are with the fears and anxieties of a typical day. Being in a constant state of stress makes it difficult to focus on the present. Our minds have become a jumble of thoughts with worries over the past and apprehensions of the future.
Escaping this cycle isn’t easy, but it’s certainly possible with a little conscious effort. This is where CBD and mindfulness can come into play. Both work differently but along similar lines in the sense that one promotes relaxation whereas the other teaches you how to relax. And in tandem, one can significantly enhance the efficacy of the other.
If you’re already practicing mindfulness and want to learn how you can include CBD in your wellness routine, then you’re in the right place to learn how. But even if you’re new to mindfulness or CBD or both, keep reading because we’re sharing some of our best tips on how to practice CBD and mindfulness together to improve your overall well-being.
Benefits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the art of staying in the present. It’s about observing your current thoughts without any sort of judgment or simply focusing on the task you’re performing at the moment. This practice helps you become aware of the now—what you’re feeling, what you’re doing, what you’re thinking.
Studies have shown that mindfulness can help rewire your brain and have positive psychological effects on you because it can alter your thought process. Clinical evidence shows that practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving your sleep cycle and mood regulation. This is one of the reasons why CBD and mindfulness work well together.
There’s also some research that claims mindfulness may help those with physical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain too. Those who practice mindfulness swear by its benefits. Even celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Katy Perry, and Madonna have included certain mindfulness techniques into their lifestyle to stay healthy.
Benefits of CBD on Your Mind & Body
The reason why CBD and mindfulness are such a perfect match is because of the compounding effects they can have on your mental and physical health. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that interacts with our endocannabinoid system which is responsible for a host of physiological processes in our bodies, from pain to appetite to mood to sleep.
Studies have shown that CBD can help those with anxiety and depression as well as improve stress levels and promote better sleep, which eventually leads to higher energy levels and better moods. CBD has also shown promise as an anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and neuroprotective compound in many studies.
CBD may have beneficial properties but if you’re new to CBD, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor before consuming it to ensure it’s a good fit for you and to find out the correct dosage.
Tips On How to Incorporate Both Simultaneously
Using CBD or practicing mindfulness separately can be done with great results. But if you incorporate CBD and mindfulness together into your life, you may be able to see those results faster and with a greater impact. With CBD, you may be able to help calm down your thoughts and relax your body to a level where you’ll be able to apply mindfulness techniques effectively and benefit from them. Read our best tips on practicing both together below.
Tip #1: Create a Mindful Morning Routine With CBD
How do you usually begin your day? When do you wake up and what are your morning activities like? Most of us often neglect or aren’t aware of how much our mornings can affect our entire day. CBD and mindfulness can help you develop a morning routine that’s ordered, focused, and relaxing.
Your morning routine will largely depend on your lifestyle but for practicing mindfulness in the morning, we recommend waking up at least 30 minutes earlier than your usual schedule so you can take things slow and easy. Countless studies have shown that people who wake up early have more energy, sleep better at night, are more productive, and are happier.
You should also stop yourself from checking your phone right after you wake up. Those emails and social media stories can wait. Start off your day with a little gratitude journaling instead. Next, to combine CBD and mindfulness, we recommend using either an energizing sativa cultivar or a balanced hybrid and then meditating for a while. Meditation is one of the easiest mindfulness techniques to follow, and when combined with CBD, you can set the stage for a calmer day.
Note that the kind of CBD product you use also matters. Sublingual products like oils and tinctures take roughly half an hour to work whereas vaping or smoking CBD flower takes only a few minutes. If you’d rather have edibles like gummies, eat them at least an hour before you start meditating. If you still feel too jittery to meditate or feel like it’s not the thing for you, do some light exercise or yoga instead.
Tip #2: Eat Mindfully With CBD
The beautiful thing about practicing mindfulness is that it can be done during all kinds of activities you perform throughout the day. Meal time is an essential part of your day, so why not practice CBD and mindfulness here too?
Many of us suffer from poor eating habits. We don’t pay attention to how much our body actually needs and end up overeating and then suffering from bloat, gastric reflux, and other digestive issues. We’re all also guilty of stuffing down our food while watching our favorite show with no mind to the actual food we’re eating. How many times have you really savored what you eat? How many times have you paid attention to the texture of the food and appreciated how it tastes? Practicing mindfulness will help you eat slower and savor your food instead of just guzzling it down. It will also help you control portions and eat only an adequate amount.
There are many ways to combine CBD and mindfulness with your food. You can add a few drops of CBD oil (we recommend extracting your own with CBD-rich hemp flower) to your morning cup of tea or coffee or even juice. Edibles, including gummies, are always a great idea. Add CBD to brownies or cupcakes or any other snacks you can have in a day. And when you’re eating, use mindfulness techniques to put all your attention on the food. This means no Netflix! Notice the aroma, the flavor, the texture, and the sensation of chewing and swallowing. Slow down while eating and enjoy this CBD and mindfulness exercise.
Tip #3: Go On a Mindful Nature Walk With CBD
It can be difficult to find time for a walk in between your hectic schedule, but even a 15-20 minute daily walk can have profound effects on your physical and mental health. Studies have proven time and again that those who walk daily have a reduced risk of cardiovascular ailments and are more fit and healthier in general.
Walking is also a fantastic way to incorporate CBD and mindfulness into your routine. You don’t necessarily have to go for a walk early in the morning, although it’s recommended. As long as you’re moving your body every day, you’ll be fine. But take some time out on the weekends to go for an hour-long walk at a picturesque location with more trees and wildlife, and fewer crowds and concrete.
Practicing mindfulness in nature is one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences. When you’re on your walk, completely disconnect from any source of distraction. Keep your phone on silent or airplane mode and try to focus on everything you’re sensing. You can use CBD hemp flower before your walk or you can bring a preroll or gummy with you. The gummy won’t take effect until later but it’s still a great way to enjoy CBD and mindfulness together.
While you’re walking, perform the five senses exercise. This is an effective way of coping with anxiety but it’s also one of the mindfulness techniques for shifting your mind to the present. To do this, note five things you can see around you, four things you can touch around you, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. Carrying CBD with you will make the last step easier but you can also munch on some healthy snacks like dried fruits as long as you’ve had your dose of CBD already.
Tip #4: Create a Mindful Evening Routine With CBD
Wrapping up your day right is also just as important as starting it right because a relaxed evening is a precursor to a happy, refreshed morning. Besides, your evening routine is also another way you can enjoy the compounding benefits of CBD and mindfulness. Prepare to wind down for the day at least an hour before your bedtime because you don’t want to take the day’s stress to bed with you. Avoid using your phone or computer during this time.
For practicing mindfulness with CBD during this time, we recommend using an indica cultivar to help you loosen up. The right indica variety may help you release stress and sleep soundly at night. It can also help you with pains and aches. Follow this CBD and mindfulness step with something relaxing like journaling or coloring or anything else that helps you calm down and detangle your thoughts. We also recommend meditating for 10 minutes before you go to sleep so your mind is clear and untroubled. Now, you’re ready to sign off for the day and wake up feeling rejuvenated the next day!
Begin Your Journey Toward a Healthier You
CBD and mindfulness paired together can be powerful tools for improving your physical and mental well-being. If you’re ready to apply the mindfulness techniques we’ve shared above with CBD, go ahead and explore our all-natural CBD hemp products. We have 20+ cultivars that you can choose from along with gummies, trim, and more.
If you’re a complete beginner to CBD, we recommend going through our Rogue Reader section to understand how to use CBD properly and effectively. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to help you embark on this journey to a healthier you with CBD and mindfulness!
*The information provided above is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose anyone and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, contact a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.
