The perfect afternoon calls for a little bit of weed, a good book and a napping dog nestled next to me. Ah yes, we live in a beautiful time where cannabis legalization has ushered in a wave of new ways to incorporate this awesome plant into our lives. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, cannabis has quickly become an essential ingredient for a balanced approach to self care.
Self care, for those unfamiliar, is the intentional act of taking time to care for yourself – both physically and emotionally. It means doing whatever works best for you to take care of your mind, body, and soul. Now that society is starting to understand more about cannabis’s numerous wellness benefits, it’s no longer just for getting stoned. The reality is that cannabis has very real medicinal uses and it plays an important role in the art of feeling good. So if you haven’t incorporated cannabis into your self care, it’s definitely time to take it to the next level.
Step 1: Relieve Stress
We have a lot going on in our daily lives: school, work, finances, kids, etc. So a huge part of self care is relieving the stress. The concept of using cannabis to alleviate stress isn’t a novel one by any means. But it’s more than just smoking to get high. The key is to approach it with intention and mindfulness.
It’s important to understand your tolerance level so you can figure out the right dosage to get to that relaxed state. You’ll want to experiment with different strains, types of products, and methods of consumption to find what truly works best for you. Most strains can produce a relaxing effect, but some are better for stress relief than others.
- Harlequin (sativa) is high in CBD, which will help you chill without the paranoia.
- Northern Lights (indica) gives a mellow, euphoric high that helps quiet the mind.
- Blue Dream (hybrid) is an awesome option for soothing and energizing.
If you experience a lot of anxiousness, look for something that’s heavier in CBD. If smoking isn’t your jam, edibles that have 1:1 ratios of THC to CBD are great options. And if you prefer something that blends seamlessly into your current routine, there are CBD-infused bath bombs, body lotions, and even massage oils.
Step 2: Relieve Pain
Many of us start to develop chronic pain or mild versions of it as we mature. So relieving pain is an important component of a balanced approach to self care. Cannabis is great for treating pain and inflammation because it works with the receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which – you guessed it – regulates pain and inflammation.
There are dozens of strains on the market that can treat specific pains or conditions. Deciding on what works best for you is entirely subjective. Sativas are great for daytime use but stick to indica or hybrid strains for pain relief. They give more of a full-body effect rather than an uplifting head high.
- ACDC (hybrid) has high amounts of both THC and CBD. It offers excellent pain relief as well as an uplifting, energetic, and euphoric feeling.
- Skywalker OG (hybrid) brings major relaxation and positive body effects like mild tingling and numbness, making it perfect for easing chronic pain.
- Girl Scout Cookies (hybrid) helps with nausea and appetite problems, in addition to helping you hurt less.
If you prefer something other than smoking, many people report great results from applying infused topicals. There are also spas that are beginning to incorporate CBD into their services. But if a spa day is out of the question, you can buy CBD massage oil and have a DIY spa at hom
Step 3: Connect With Yourself
When we think of self care, traditional practices like regular exercise and healthy eating quickly comes to mind. Sometimes we forget that spending meaningful time with just ourselves is essential to our overall wellbeing. By increasing our own awareness, we’ll able to hold more space for others. It allows us to truly listen and connect on a deeper level with the people around us.
Cannabis challenges you to dig deeper within yourself. It’s the ideal tool for enhancing self-awareness and mindfulness. It’s been used for spiritual growth for thousands of years throughout the world. After a long day, a few hits can suddenly make you aware of thoughts and feelings that have been sitting below the surface.
Connections occur and realizations are made. That’s why many artists use cannabis to boost creativity and unblock any mental resistance. By increasing your own awareness, you’ll able to hold more space for others. It allows you to truly listen and connect on a deeper level with the people around you.