2020 was definitely an interesting year. We spent much more time indoors than we would usually, quickly adapting to big shifts to how we live and work. And our indoor life looks set to continue as we start 2021. In times of such massive change, it’s important to remember to be extra kind to ourselves; and self care is a great place to start. And what better way to elevate your self care than by incorporating cannabis. And no, that doesn’t mean getting high. 

Welcome to Cannabliss - a brand new blog celebrating CBD, hemp and the whole cannabis plant. In our first post we explore the wellness benefits of cannabis and the many ways to incorporate CBD into your self care rituals; making this new year hopefully a little more peaceful than the last.  

Why self care?

It’s a buzzword we see everywhere in the news and on social media, but what does it mean in reality? And, more importantly, how do we do it? 

 

Well firstly, there’s no one way to do self care. Bath bombs and pampering are often the first things that spring to mind, but there are so many other ways to bring some extra ‘me time’ into your day, no matter how much or little time you have available. 

 

It doesn’t matter whether it's a daily practice, a ritual or even a hobby, any activity that nourishes the self could be considered an act of self care. And there are some big benefits to making regular time for it, including reducing the likelihood of feeling stressed, depressed or anxious. Doing regular acts of self care can help us feel more grounded and in control, which is especially important when the world around us feels anything but. 

Why CBD?

So how does cannabis fit in? Well firstly, there’s lots of evidence that the CBD in the cannabis plant can help relieve stress and anxiety. CBD - or cannabidiol - has been hailed as a game-changer for a whole host of conditions, ranging from epilepsy to anxiety to insomnia. As well as stimulating the endocannabinoid system (more to come on this soon), CBD also supports the brain - in particular the hippocampus, which is responsible for healthy emotion and memory. CBD is also a known anti inflammatory which can be helpful for everything from improving gut health, to soothing psoriasis flare ups, and even recovering after exercise. 

Skin

We don’t usually think of our skin as an organ, but in fact it’s the biggest one in the body. And it has to protect us against an array of toxins and other nasties on a daily basis. That’s why it’s so important to have a good skin cleansing routine; and the benefits don’t just mean a clean face. Studies show that cleansing and nourishing the skin can help us feel more relaxed which has big mental health benefits. Using skin-to-skin contact (i.e. fingers to face) relaxes the facial muscles and can help put you in a peaceful mindset.

 

The amazing benefits of hemp and CBD for the skin have been known for quite a while; and at Graces London our roll on moisturisers and balms  are infused with broad spectrum CBD extract to treat your skin and feed your endocannabinoid system. But we’re not the only ones at it. Cannabis skincare is a growing industry, projected to be worth over $3bn by 2026; with CBD infused skin products revolutionising the treatment of everything from acne to eczema and wrinkles. Not to mention being a good natural ingredient for everyday skincare. The skin has the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors so it’s a great way to nourish your endocannabinoid system from the outside in. As a form of self-love, self-acceptance, and healing, caring for the skin every day can be a step towards inner bliss. Love the skin you’re in!

Body   

While loving the skin you’re in is very important, we mustn’t forget to love the body we’re in too. There are some great acts of self care to get us moving and embracing our bodies; and you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic either. Exercise is a known mood-booster, and doing it regularly can have a profoundly positive impact on mental wellbeing, memory and sleep. And experts say adding weed to your workout can help you exercise more effectively, more often, and even more joyfully. It’s even been found that cannabis has a much greater antioxidant effect than vitamin C or vitamin D; which can help reduce inflammation after sport.

 

No matter whether you’re a jogger, a yoga bunny, a cyclist or a walker, moving your body outside in nature has a unique feelgood factor, with added benefits from the natural light and fresh air. As a natural conduit between mind and nature, CBD facilitates peaceful connection and appreciation when spending time outdoors.

 

But self care for your body doesn’t just have to mean exercise. In times like these we all need to feel good, and showing yourself some love (quite literally) is just as important. Taking care of your personal pleasure is an act of self care; with growing evidence that it can be enhanced with cannabis. CBD has made breakthroughs in feminine health; helping with discomfort during sex, painful periods, endometriosis, and much more. Showing your body some love, with an added boost from nature, is a great way to add some self love to your 2021.

 

 

Mind

Our mental health doesn’t just affect our own life; it also affects the lives of those around us. So taking time out for self care can have life-changing effects on our relationships with friends, family and partners - and the most important relationship of all, the one with ourselves. 

 

Adding CBD into the mix can compliment your mindfulness and meditation practices by adding some extra zen. CBD is known to help with anxiety and depression; but it also has benefits for overall mental wellbeing by reducing stress, improving quality of sleep and promoting calm and balance in both the mind and body. 

 

And perhaps the best act of self care that we should all be doing daily is...sleep. Experts agree it’s a pillar of healthy life, and fortunately there are plenty of ways to enjoy CBD as part of your bedtime routine. As one of nature’s oldest remedies for a peaceful night’s sleep, cannabis has been helping to send people off to the land of nod for centuries. The sedating effect in the plant can help with even the most stubborn insomnia, and the calming effects can even help with nighttime anxiety. 

  

As 2021 begins, why not make this your year to practice more self care and explore the benefits of nature. You deserve to feel amazing, and by looking after yourself you’re helping your inner glow radiate far and wide. So do more self care, and carry on shining bright for the world to see.

Sarah Green - Cannabliss Content Creator 

The Graces London Team 

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