Becoming Mindful: Using Meditation and CBD to Relax

CBD can take your meditation experience to a higher level. CBD contains antidepressant properties that reduce anxiety and improves moods making meditation more effective.

Meditation is a necessary practice that enables you to enjoy the present without fearing the past and the future. Sometimes meditation is taken as being mindful. However, these are two different practices but can be done together for better results. Incorporating CBD into the process makes it more fulfilling. Meditation plus CBD will relax your mind and improve concentration and focus. However, you need to understand how to use CBD for better results. This article will explain how to do it.

What is CBD?

CBD means cannabidiol. It is a chemical compound derived from the hemp plant as an oil. It has endless benefits to the body, especially to the brain. It contains therapeutic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antidepressant properties. Unlike its sister compound, THC, CBD will not negatively impact the brain as it does not have psychoactive effects. CBD is the second most abundant compound in hemp, the leading one being THC. A hemp plant can produce up to 20% of CBD. There are three major CBD types: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains all the other compounds in the hemp, such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. What makes it different from the other two types is that it contains THC. THC is the compound in the hemp plant that causes the 'high' feeling. However, the amount of THC in full-spectrum CBD oil does not exceed 0.3%. This amount is very low to cause psychotropic effects. Full-spectrum CBD may also contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids and terpenes. Broad-spectrum CBD is almost similar to full-spectrum. The only difference between them is that full-spectrum does not contain THC. CBD isolate differs greatly from the other two types as it contains a single compound CBD. It does not contain any flavonoids, terpenes, or other cannabinoids. However, ensure your CBD product is free from THC, buy products from a legit seller, and check if third-party labs have checked the product. CBD can be topically used as balms, lotions, or body oil. It can also be taken sublingually as tinctures, edibles, pills, oil, or capsules.

What is Being Mindful?

Many people mistake mindfulness for meditation. However, these are two different practices, but each can complement the other. Being mindful means being consciously aware. It entails the mind being aware. Learn more about hyaluronic acid vs salicylic acid

What is Meditation

Meditation frees the mind from the present, past, and future and concentrates on a single thing to relax the mind. You forget all the worries and run away from reality. You only concentrate or meditate on a single thought that will bring you happiness. However, it doesn't mean to forcefully chase away other thoughts, but focusing on that single thought for a long time makes the others disappear. It is a gentle practice that will not involve pressuring the mind. This skill is learned. Some people perceive it as a difficult skill, but this is not true. You can master it in a single session. You can do meditation for about 20 minutes daily. This gives you inner peace and improves your focus and concentration.

How to Meditate

If this is the first time you want to try meditation, this is how you go about it

• Look for a peaceful place away from distractors such as noise from moving cars, people, or animals.
• Sit in a comfortable position.
• Close your eyes and focus on your heart.
• Meditate for about 10-20 minutes
• Do it in the morning and the evening every day for maximum mental health. Learn more about how to boost our immune system?

Why is Meditation Necessary?

 Meditation gives you a lovely time away from your worries and anxiety that derive your joy. It brings peace to your mind and multiplies joy in your heart. Too much anxiety can lead to depression, high blood pressure, and other heart problems. After 20 minutes of meditation, you will feel refreshed. According to Horowitz (2010) Meditation makes you sleep better. As you meditate, you forget the past and the future worries, which may make it difficult to fall asleep. The present becomes the most important part of your life.

Meditation also improves your concentration skills. According to Saeed & Cunningham (2019) It helps the mind to focus on the present without being distracted by issues of yesterday and tomorrow. You let go of the unnecessary issues and focus on what matters at the moment. 

According to Behan (2020), meditation gives you the mental strength you need by keeping your mind active. This strength comes from the positivity built during meditation. 

During meditation, you get to know yourself better and appreciate yourself. You discover yourself and build emotional strength. You will be less disturbed by your failures and struggles as you focus on the positive.

Using Meditation and CBD to Relax

CBD and meditation can make you feel relaxed. CBD contains antidepressant properties that help reduce anxiety and stress and improve moods. CBD also contains therapeutic properties that calm the mind making you feel relaxed. CBD can also cure minor and major body aches. The above effects are needed during meditation to ensure you focus on the present and worry less about yesterday and tomorrow. Taking CBD oil just before meditation will improve your results as it will help eliminate anxiety, treat pain and improve your moods. The best form of CBD to take for meditation is tinctures. A tincture is a drop of oil placed under the tongue. CBD goes directly into the bloodstream through the blood vessels below the tongue. Therefore, the effects of CBD will kick up after a few minutes.  

Effects of CBD

The body tolerates CBD well. However, it may have some side effects such as diarrhea, dry mouth, changes in appetite, fatigue, and drowsiness. CBD can also interact with drugs, so those under medication should avoid it. CBD might also not be fit for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Conclusion

Meditation is a practice that entails focusing on the present and forgetting the past and tomorrow. CBD oil contains various properties that can support and improve meditation. CBD relieves anxiety and pain and improves moods. Taking CBD oil 15 minutes before the meditation process will help you benefit more. Meditation is important as it will improve your focus and concentration, makes you sleep better, and strengthen your emotions. CBD should be avoided by people on medication and pregnant and nursing mothers.

References

Saeed, S. A., Cunningham, K., & Bloch, R. M. (2019). Depression and anxiety disorders: benefits of exercise, yoga, and meditation. American family physician, 99(10), 620-627.

Behan, C. (2020). The benefits of meditation and mindfulness practices during times of crisis such as COVID-19. Irish journal of psychological medicine, 37(4), 256-258.

 Horowitz, S. (2010). Health benefits of meditation: What the newest research shows. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 16(4), 223-228.