If we are going to look at the bright side, 2020 is the year that taught us the importance of being still. Let’s face it when the pandemic hit, most of us were consumed with anxiety because we were stripped of our everyday routine as we became burdened by uncertainty.
Now that we know better, we have realized that practicing presence is a critical way to living a more peaceful life, and what better way to do so than with ancient practices like meditation and yoga? The two are a healthy and gentle way of practicing self-care and learning the art of stillness.
Yet, suppose you are new to these practices. In that case, you may find your mind giving you trouble by inhibiting you from focusing on your poses during yoga or going into overdrive during meditation. Luckily, there is a new natural compound on the market that, among other things, can help quiet your mind and give you the sense of peace you need to excel in these practices.
What is CBD?
Cannabinol (CBD) comes from the same plant species as marijuana; however, its low THC level makes it a safer and nontoxic version of cannabis. THC is that compound in marijuana that causes users to feel high, paranoid, and at times, more anxious. CBD contains less than 0.3 percent THC, so there is no risk of getting high nor a risk of overdosing.
The research on CBD is limited because, often, researchers can only conduct experiments on animals. However, experts have revealed the encouraging results CBD showed for several chronic and mental health issues. Indeed, CBD can potentially help users with anxiety, depression, insomnia, heart disease, diabetes, slowing down the onset of Alzheimer’s, beat addiction, pain management, and much more.
CBD’s potential to ease anxiety is one of the top reasons users opt to take this natural compound when practicing yoga or meditation. Users have described CBD as an eraser, which erases the negative thoughts and emotions that come with worry and stress. In relieving these negative thoughts and feelings, users have a better chance of focusing on their practice and experiencing the full benefits of a yoga or meditation session.
This natural compound is considered to be safer than marijuana. Because it has not exhibited any harmful side effects, it makes it a better choice for such mindful practices. So how should you integrate CBD into your meditation or yoga practice? The following are seven great ways you can do so-
Take a CBD edible
The rise in demand for CBD has led to some manufacturers stepping up and producing high-quality CBD products. Nowadays, you can find the best CBD edibles in the shape of chocolates, gummies, cooking oils, and more.
Edibles are incredible if you want to take a CBD dose in public without drawing attention to yourself. You can take an edible an hour before a yoga class to give it time to work itself in your system and have another good hour to experience its effects during class.
Enjoy a relaxing CBD-infused bath
Bathing is an excellent way of destressing and clearing your mind before practicing meditation. You can take your bathing session a step further and turn it into a heightened experience by adding a CBD-infused bath bomb. Bath bombs are fun, they smell incredible, and they add a touch of luxury to your bathing session. With a bath bomb, you can subtly reap CBD’s benefits while destressing to be more relaxed when you begin meditation.
Take a CBD-infused shower
When there is no time for a bath, you can opt for a shower and still enjoy CBD benefits. You can wash with a CBD-infused soap or use a CBD balm after you shower. This process is beneficial both before and after yoga class to allow CBD to ease any sore muscles or joint pain caused by your workout.
Make yourself a CBD drink
You may wish to bring along a CBD-infused drink during your yoga session to sip along for an ongoing experience. You will be drinking during yoga, so why not turn it into an enhanced experience with CBD?
Take a drop right before
When there is no time for showers or making drinks, you can opt for CBD oil tinctures to do the trick. Tinctures are great because you only have to place a drop on your tongue, which will be absorbed far more quickly than the CBD in edibles.
Vape right before
Another quick way to take CBD is to vape right before your yoga or meditation session. Vaping CBD means you will feel the effects of this natural compound more quickly, but they will also leave your body faster than when you ingest an edible or take CBD oil.
Light a CBD-infused candle
Candles are great for creating a peaceful atmosphere, so why not enhance the experience by going for a CBD-infused one? While you may not be able to use a candle in a public yoga class, you can do so in your home. Place the candle in a room and allow it to do its work before you start your yoga or meditation session.
So there you have it, seven ways to enhance your meditation and yoga practices with CBD-infused products. Before you go all out, remember to start with a low dose and increase if necessary. No two persons are alike when it comes to dosage so take care to understand how your body reacts to the natural compound to avoid taking more than you need.
